About Us

The Red Poppy Gallery Experience

BEGINNINGS

Launched in 2011 with the support of the JMSS Leadership Team and School Council, the Red Poppy Gallery showcases the work of student, staff, and community artists. The aim of the gallery is to reinforce John McCrae students’ artistic reputation in the community; to enhance and increase parent involvement in the arts; and to build community connections.

THE SPACE

The space is approximately 750 square feet and conveniently located beside the public library and close to the Ottawa Watercolour Society and Nepean Visual Arts League exhibition areas. The bright, natural light, professional hanging system, and maple millwork provide a setting where artwork can be viewed at its best.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

The Red Poppy Gallery provides a complete experience for young artists who want to continue in the arts and need to design a portfolio, and showcase their work for post-secondary applications or commercial opportunities. Student artists, working with staff and community mentors, are responsible for the complete exhibit experience - curating, staging, promoting, and hosting. In addition to our artists, the gallery offers many other ways for students to get real-world experience - school music groups have performed at vernissages, Writer's Craft students have written articles about gallery events for local papers, Co-op students and LINK leaders have served as project managers, and more.

CONNECTING TO THE COMMUNITY

Each year the gallery hosts about 6 exhibitions that are open to students, alumni, educators, and community artists. Beyond exhibiting their work, community artists have had an important role in mentoring our students, helping them learn everything from artistic styles, pursuing art as a career, to the mechanics of framing and hanging. Children's groups from the local public library have visited to view the exhibits. Members of the Ottawa art community have promoted and participated in exhibit vernissages. Parents have provided their expertise and moral support.

Our Supporters

The Red Poppy Gallery was established by Megan Fox, Kristen Barbour, and Evelyn Michaud, with the support of Tom Schultz, School Council, and The JMSS Leadership Team.

We are very appreciative of the support and contributions we have received from: