Art Lending of Ottawa: the affordable option of art rental

By Christine Osborne

Not everyone can afford to buy an original piece of art outright. The cost of living keeps rising, and people are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs. For those who are looking for an affordable way to enjoy the beauty of original artwork in their homes and offices, one option is to consider art rental.

Rental allows people to enjoy high-quality artwork for a fraction of what it would cost to buy. It also allows for flexibility. People are free to try out different art styles in their homes and offices without having to make a long-term commitment. The ability to rotate works of art can help keep your space looking fresh and dynamic, especially for those who love to change their decor regularly. Renting is a risk-free option if you’re uncertain about whether you will like a piece in the long run.

This is a great way to support local artists by giving them a platform and contributing to the growth of the local community.

Art Lending Ottawa (ALO) has been serving our community since 1970. The art shows take place four times a year, with the next one taking place June 24 at the RA Centre. This curated art exhibition features original artworks in wide variety of styles, all crafted by local artists. The works are available for both rent or purchase. All shows have free admission, and previews of available works are available on artlendingofottawa.ca. Artwork is leased on three-month terms with the option to renew, return or purchase; the rental cost is toward the purchase price.

ALO has 40 active artists, including Sanjay Sundram and Suman Sundram. Sanjay moved to Ottawa from New Delhi in 2013, having studied architecture and receiving a Masterʼs in design from the Indian Institute of Technology. Sanjay is often inspired by urban spaces and their interactions with the natural world. He credits his parents for inspiring his love of art as well as being his mentors.

His mother, Suman, completed her BFA at the Delhi College of Art in India with a focus on realistic and abstract composition in oils. Having immigrated to Canada in 2019, Suman now divides her time between Canada, the UK and India. She is currently working on a series that highlights traditional Indian practices that have a positive environmental effect. This is her way to keep knowledge and culture alive while also creating social impact.

Like Suman, Sanjay’s work is inspired by the ongoing climate emergency. He has been creating works that communicate to a larger audience and involve community whenever possible. One of his projects, “Teach Your Parents,” involved 700 schoolchildren from Canada and India. The project was featured in the The Globe and Mail’s profile on climate called “Canadians making a difference,” and it was also part of CBC Kids Earth Week.

You can see both Suman and Sanjay Sundram’s work at the next Art Lending Ottawa show at the RA Centre on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive. Admission and parking are free. If you miss our June show, mark your calendar for our fall show on September 23.

Christine Osborne is an artist and member of Art Lending of Ottawa

The Village by Suman Sundram