LIFE DRAWING SESSION

OCAD U Alumni Association Logo
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Interested in drawing a professional model? These sessions are perfect for people looking for life drawing without instruction.

While this studio time is offered by the OCAD University Alumni Association, you don't have to be a student or alumnus to attend — the sessions are open to everyone!

Bring a drawing board and materials. $10 cash per session. Please pay the monitor on duty.

Please note that due to room capacity limits these sessions are run on a first-come first-served basis. There are no reserved spots.

Venue & Address: 
Room 617 100 McCaul Street Toronto ON M5T 1W1
Website: 
https://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-association/life-drawing-sessions
Email: 
alumni@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
(416) 977-6000 ext. 4880
Cost: 
$10 Cash

Congratulations 2017 Alumni of Influence Award Winners

2017 Alumni of Influence award recipients
Thursday, November 23, 2017 - 5:00pm

This year’s Alumni of Influence Awards celebration was held on Friday, November 17, 2017 at OCAD University. Five exceptional artists received the award, which celebrates the tremendous accomplishments of OCAD University alumni locally and around the world.

Congratulations to the 2017 Alumni of Influence recipients:

  • Legacy – Don Watt (AOCA, Industrial Design, 1953 – 1956)
  • Distinguished Alumni – Anita Kunz (AOCA, Communication & Design, 1978)
  • Distinguished Educator – Hugh Mackenzie (AOCA, Drawing & Painting, 1950)
  • Trailblazer– Carly McAskill (BFA, Drawing & Painting, 2011)
  • Worldbuilder – Natalyn Tremblay (BFA, Integrated Media, 2006)

The recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a jury of alumni, faculty and staff. Award recipients demonstrate excellence in a diverse range of fields and activities, whether at home or abroad. This year’s recipients represent a wide variety of work, which ranges from illustrating the cover of the New Yorker to making social change through anti-oppression activism.

View the video profiles of this year's winners. 

This Alumni of Influence event was made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor TD Insurance.  

OCAD University announces 2017 Alumni of Influence

Friday, October 6, 2017

OCAD University has revealed the names of the recipients of the 2017 Alumni of Influence Awards. The Awards celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of OCAD University alumni locally and around the world. From illustrating the cover of the New Yorker to making social change through anti-oppression activism, they exemplify the values and skills that are developed at the university.

This year’s recipients are:

Legacy – Don Watt (AOCA, Industrial Design, 1953 – 1956
Distinguished Alumni – Anita Kunz (AOCA, Communication & Design, 1978)
Distinguished Educator – Hugh Mackenzie (AOCA, Drawing & Painting, 1950)
Trailblazer– Carly McAskill (BFA, Drawing & Painting, 2011)
Worldbuilder – Natalyn Tremblay (BFA, Integrated Media, 2006)

Read full recipient bios.

“We are so proud to recognize this exceptional group of alumni who are influencers, educators, and agents of positive change in the world,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “It is a pleasure to honour them, and their work, at this celebration.”

The Alumni of Influence awards reception and presentation, emceed by television host Ajay Fry, takes place Friday, November 17 at 6 p.m. at OCAD University, Room 190 (auditorium), 100 McCaul St., Toronto.

Tickets may be purchased online.

Nominated by their peers and selected by a jury of alumni, faculty and staff, award recipients demonstrate excellence in a diverse range of fields and activities, whether at home or abroad. These may include art, design, media, business, science, humanities, medicine, education and public service.

This Alumni of Influence event has been made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor TD Insurance.

 

2017 Alumni of Influence Awards Ceremony & Reception

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Friday, November 17, 2017 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Join us for the third annual gala reception celebrating 5 outstanding alumni. Mix and mingle with other alumni, the recipients, faculty members, and students! 

Anita Kunz - Distinguished Alumni Award
Hugh Mackenzie - Distinguished Educator Award
Natalyn Tremblay - World Builder Award
Carly McAskill - Trailblazer Award
Don Watt - Legacy Award

Ticket includes live entertainment, host bar and delectable hors d’oeuvres.

Emcee TV host Ajay Fry

Presenting Sponsor: TD Insurance

RSVP Now!

Learn more about our 2017 recipients

Venue & Address: 
100 McCaul Street, Auditorium, Room 190, Main Floor
Website: 
https://6698.thankyou4caring.org/pages/alumni-relations/alumni-association-socials/2017-alumni-of-influence-awards?srctid=1&erid=478645&trid=9f82a550-8063-4b13-a4b3-ea46d4a1c7ff

The Alumni of Influence Interviews: Dany Pen


INSTUDIO sat down recently with Dany Pen, BFA and 2016 Alumni of Influence Award recipient in the Worldbuilder Award category.

Pen’s photo installations and new media work have been shown in museums, national galleries and international biennials across the Americas, and published in various international publications.  As an educator, Pen has collaborated with various institutions and organizations in private and public sectors in Canada, Bermuda and U.S.A. Please join us in celebrating her at the 2016 Alumni of Influence Awards ceremony and reception on Saturday, November 12.

Pen grew up within Canada’s largest social housing provider, The Toronto Community Housing Corporation. Her family came to Canada as Cambodian refugees during the Khmer Rouge, and her family and culture’s history became a jumping-off point for her highly personal and politicized work. To this day, she credits a group of generous artists working in the projects with giving her an entrée into the art world. She received her BFA from OCAD University in Sculpture & Installation and she also received an Early Childhood Education Certificate from the Hanen Program in Toronto.

Recently appointed as a commissioner on the Bermuda Human Rights Commission, Pen is the Education & Communication Officer at the Bermuda Fine Art Trust; Curator at Bermudian Artists Rise Up (BARU) Arts Collective; and Editor-in-Chief for the online publication Words from the Streets. You can read more about Dany Pen here and view her work online.

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The Alumni of Influence Interviews: Geoffrey Roche


INSTUDIO sat down recently with Geoffrey Roche, ad man, marketing legend and 2016 award recipient in the Distinguished Alumni category. Roche’s storied career took off after he won the George E. Wright scholarship at OCAD University (read more about his trajectory here) and garnered him worldwide industry acclaim through the agency he launched in 1991: Geoffrey B. Roche and Partners. Through it, he’s amassed thousands of accolades, been inducted into the Marketing Hall of Legends and received the Les Usherwood Lifetime Achievement award from the ADCC.

What distinguishes Roche, however, is his insistence on contribution and innovation. He’s done pro bono work over the years for the ROM, the Toronto Zoo, and Sick Kids Hospital, among many other worthy organizations, and has helped countless talented young people get their start in the industry. And ever the innovator, he joined forces with this eldest son in 2007, achieving international success yet again through apps such as Dogbook, Catbook, WearToday and RealTalk.

Please join us in celebrating Geoffrey Roche at the 2016 Alumni of Influence Awards ceremony and reception on Saturday, November 12.

 

The Alumni of Influence Interviews: Paul Dallas

INSTUDIO sat down recently with Paul Dallas, Chair, OCAD U Illustration and 2016 Alumni of Influence Award recipient in the Distinguished Educator category.

In his career as both an artist and educator, Dallas embodies so wonderfully the role that alumni can play as makers of work that inspires new generations of artists and designers, and as mentors of them too. Please join us in celebrating him at the 2016 Alumni of Influence Awards ceremony and reception on Saturday, November 12.


Born and raised in Toronto, Dallas was awarded a scholarship from the AGO while still in high school. He started an illustration career during his second year of studies at OCA with freelance commissions from Canadian and international publishers, and continued his education at The Royal College of Art in London. His range today includes editorial, advertising, merchandise, packaging, and cultural and institutional illustration, animation and fine art, with a client list that includes the New York Times, Time, BusinessWeek, Spin, Polygram Records, MTV and Canada Post, among countless others. His illustration, animation and typography works have won him more than 130 international awards, and 16 of his illustrations are housed in the permanent collection of the ROM. You can read more about Paul Dallas here, and/or view his work online.

A Millipicture Is Worth A Word
Paul Dallas
A Millipicture Is Worth A Word


Under-sexed Astronaut
Paul Dallas
Under-sexed Astronaut


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OCAD University celebrates Alumni of Influence

Monday, September 19, 2016 - 4:00am

OCAD University is excited to announce the recipients of the 2016 Alumni of Influence awards. These accomplished alumni are being recognized for their outstanding professional and artistic achievements as well as for their service to the community.

This year’s recipients:

Legacy – Jack Bush (Fine Art, 1934)
Distinguished Alumni – Geoffrey Roche (Communication & Design, 1974)
Distinguished Educator – Paul Dallas (Communication & Design, 1982)
World Builder – Dany Pen (Sculpture/Installation, 2010)
Trailblazer – Sky Goodden (Criticism & Curatorial Practice, 2010)

“It is remarkable to look at the achievements of OCAD University alumni and see what an enormous impact they have made in their professions and in their communities,” said Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University. “These creative minds have gone beyond excellence in their work and have inspired others to make their unique mark on the world.”

The Alumni of Influence awards reception and presentation, emceed by television host Ajay Fry, takes place Saturday, November 12 at 6:30 p.m. in OCAD University’s Great Hall at 100 McCaul St., Toronto.

Nominated by their peers and selected by a jury of alumni, faculty and staff, award recipients demonstrate excellence in a diverse range of fields and activities, whether at home or abroad. These may include art, design, media, business, science, humanities, medicine, education and public service. For full bios on the recipients visit the website.

This Alumni of Influence event has been made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor TD Insurance.

Final Call For Nominations - OCAD U's 2016 Alumni Of Influence

Alumni of influence poster
Monday, February 1, 2016 - 5:00am to Sunday, February 28, 2016 - 5:00am

We are thrilled to announce the 2016 Alumni of Influence Awards are open for nominations! This program celebrates the University’s most accomplished and recognized alumni for their outstanding professional and artistic achievements as well as their service to the community. Nominated by their peers and selected by a jury including alumni, faculty and staff, the award recipients will demonstrate excellence in a diverse range of fields including art, design, media, business, science, humanities, medicine, education or public service.

We invite you to nominate candidates for one of the 5 award categories:

1. Distinguished Alumni
Accomplished leader, practitioner, strategist, creative thinker, or innovator.

2. Distinguished Educator
Past or current OCAD U instructors representing excellence as a practicing professional, mentor, and teacher.

3. World Builders
Humanitarian award recognizing contributions to local and global causes.

4. Trailblazer
Young alumni who graduated within the last 10 years and are “ones to watch”.

5. Legacy
Posthumous award recognizing ground breaking contributions to art, design and digital media.

Nomination will be accepted until February 22 2016. To access more information, please visit the Alumni of Influence Program. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kayla Barbeau (alumni@ocadu.ca).

Please submit your nomination today. The deadline is February 22, 2016!

Website: 
http://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-of-influence.htm
Email: 
alumni@ocadu.ca
Phone: 
416 977 6000 Ext. 4880

GradEx100 draws record 41,000 to OCAD University

Monday, May 4, 2015 - 4:00am

It was an exhibition that exceeded all expectations: The 100th edition of the university’s graduate exhibition drew an estimated 41,000 visitors, a 64% increase over last year, making it one of the city’s largest free art and design exhibitions.

Some 900 students from 14 undergraduate and six graduate programs displayed their thesis works, including smartphone apps, wearable technology, ad campaigns, sculpture, textiles, digital painting and everything in between. The top student from each program received an OCAD University medal. 

President Sara Diamond stated, “I spent many days immersed in the exhibition and had the pleasure of touring government and private sector partners through the show. We all agreed that the quality, maturity and relevance of the students’ work is remarkable. They will have a powerful influence on the world."

Saturday night the inaugural Alumni of Influence awards were presented to accomplished alumni for their achievements and service to the community:

  • Legacy – Painter Doris McCarthy (AOCA, 1930)
  • Distinguished Alumni – Designer Donna Cummings (AOCA, 1967)
  • Distinguished Educator – Professor Allan J. Ryan, Ph.D. (AOCA, Advertising, 1967)
  • World Builder – Photographer Christine Germano (AOCA, 1994)
  • Trailblazer – Illustrator Gracia Lam (BDes, Illustration, 2009)

​“The range and depth of talent displayed this year reflects the scope of programs and experiences students gain at OCAD University,” said Dr. Diamond. “Our alumni award recipients noted that their years here prepared them for their careers ahead by grounding them in interdisciplinary skills and discipline while giving them a unique frame of reference for their creativity. They represent a bridge between our past and current unique excellence in delivering studio-based education.”

In his opening night remarks, illustrator Gary Taxali, an alumnus and faculty member, recalled his own graduate exhibition. “I’ve worked for every major magazine and have shown in top galleries, but I’ve never had thousands of people come to one of my openings like they do for GradEx every year. When I was a student it was one of the greatest experiences of my life and it kick started my art career.” Taxali designed this year’s GradEx poster and donated proceeds from the sale of limited edition prints to the university.

OCAD University’s annual Graduate Exhibition is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Other sponsors include: C.A. Delaney Capital Management Ltd., First Capital Realty, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, CP24 (Media Sponsor), NOW (Media Sponsor) and Steam Whistle (Event Sponsor).

This event has been financially assisted by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

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