Nestled in Ottawa’s lively Hintonburg neighbourhood, the UAC is more than a gallery. It’s a community hub complete with a dry bar serving up creative mocktails and top-notch coffee. This place is all about accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. Art is for everyone. That’s why the gallery is always free to explore, showcasing everything from street art, digital pieces to more traditional forms. Supporting local entrepreneurs is another key part of the mission. Through-out the year UAC markets—both indoor and outdoor—offer local artisans a space to flourish without the heavy costs typically associated with retail. These events are celebrations of creativity and vital for building our community’s spirit.
Location: 1088 Somerset St. W. Ottawa, ON K1Y 3C7

From the Hill to Hintonburg: Journalist opens new Somerset vintage shop (from Kitchissippi Times). Inside a sun-drenched storefront nestled on Somerset Street West, a towering ceramic Dalmation stands guard over a collection of vintage oddities: pottery from eras past, faded paintings, even a sprawling retro floor lamp by Canadian ceramicist Maurice Chalvignac. The new hole-in-the-wall is called Curious Times Collective, a passion project started by former Hill Times journalist Chelsea Nash and her business partner Elena Palanza.

How the Ottawa Tool Library is helping people get crafty (From Kitchissippi Times) Run entirely by volunteers and funded through grants and membership fees, the current location at 877a Boyd Avenue is a dream for anyone who enjoys wandering the aisles of a hardware store. The OTL offers their WorkSpace for patrons to work on DIY projects, with the option to rent tools if they wish to complete their project at home.