![]() ## OCAD U 150 150 years of art and design education in downtown Toronto # OCAD University. Canada's top art and design university. rgb(0,0,0) [Impact](#grid-cards__title-id--12752) [Events](#text-id--14615) [News](#paragraph-id--12775) [History](https://www.ocadu.ca/about-ocad-u/history) rgb(0,0,0) ## Growing with Canada Since 1876 For over 150 years, OCAD University has grown alongside Canada, both shaping the country’s evolution and being shaped by it. Since opening as the Ontario School of Art in 1876, just nine years after Confederation, our artists, designers and innovators have helped define how the nation sees itself and how the world sees Canada. From the Group of Seven to pioneers of digital art and the technologies reshaping our future, this is the story of a school and a country evolving together — and of the people who have helped shape what comes next. ![Sharp Centre for Design](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/sharp-bg.jpg.webp?itok=bLETqSD_) ## Explore 150 years of OCAD U From a single art school with 14 students in 1876 to the Ontario College of Art and now OCAD University, we’ve spent 150 years as Canada’s oldest and largest art and design university. Our history includes the founding of the country’s first school dedicated to educating artists, the opening of our Design School, achieving university status in 2002, and the rise of the internationally celebrated Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design. Thousands of artists and designers have passed through our doors, and we’re just getting started. [ Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://www.ocadu.ca/about-ocad-u/history)rgba(242,99,35,1) rgba(0,0,0,1) ![ocad timeline](/sites/default/files/2026-04/timeline.jpg) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) ## 150 years of impact Over 150 years, the people who passed through our doors have left their mark on Canadian art, design and culture. [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/Canada%20Workmark%20on%20Building.webp?itok=P77Xq8gZ) ### Jim (James) Donoahue Prolific graphic designer of iconic Canadian corporate logos ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/jim-james-donoahue-1934-2022) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/white-pine.jpg.webp?itok=9Cgcaffp) ### Group of Seven Group of Canadian landscape painters who initiated Canada's national art movement ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/group-seven) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/tusks.jpg.webp?itok=1icSeRpa) ### Shary Boyle Well-known sculptor and interdisciplinary artist ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/shary-boyle) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/CM_Main4_Content_BK_CBC_TM19-1300x953.jpg.webp?itok=22vaMNev) ### Burton Kramer Innovative Canadian graphic designer ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/burton-kramer) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/2024-10-25-martchenko-co-2.jpg.webp?itok=S3d8q5Tq) ### Michael Martchenko Award-winning illustrator of Robert Munsch children’s books ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/michael-martchenko-0) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/CM_Main1_Content_AF_CN_TM_8-1300x953.jpg.webp?itok=Tp07UjNe) ### Allan Fleming Influential art director and designer of iconic Canadian brands ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/allan-fleming-1929-1977) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/Yvonne%20McKague%20Housser%2C%20Cobalt%2C%201931.%20Oil%20on%20canvas%2C%20114.8%20%C3%97%20140%20cm.%20National%20Gallery%20of%20Canada%2C%20Ottawa.%20Purchased%201932.%20%20Estate%20of%20Yvonne%20McKague%20Housser.%20Photo-%20NGC.jpg.webp?itok=tY58c_uu) ### Yvonne McKague Housser Modernist painter known for vivid portrayals of Canadian mining towns ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/yvonne-mckague-housser-1897-1996) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/Untitled-2.jpg.webp?itok=UG04a3NP) ### Rajni Perera Multidisciplinary contemporary artist exploring themes of gender and identity ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/rajni-perera) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/s-l1600%20%281%29.webp?itok=N7mfrGxL) ### Robert-Ralph Carmichael Artist who designed Canada's one dollar loonie coin ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/robert-ralph-carmichael-1937-2016) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/Shelly-Niro.jpg.webp?itok=4eKBvhSp) ### Shelley Niro Award-winning artist celebrating Indigenous women and Mohawk culture ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/shelley-niro) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/d120bfe759118744bd30f43bc13c542b.jpg.webp?itok=BsqSL7Z3) ### Don Watt Prolific creator of retail brand icons ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/don-watt-1936-2009) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/Barry%20Blitt%20pulitzer%20prize%20cover.jpg.webp?itok=paRLriA8) ### Barry Blitt Pulitzer Prize-winning illustrator known for his New Yorker covers ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/barry-blitt) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/At-The-Crease-Ken-Danby.jpg.webp?itok=qQ6B-6vc) ### Ken Danby Painter known for realistic paintings of everyday Canadian life ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/ken-danby-1940-2007) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-09/mini-vandermolen.jpg.webp?itok=6jwwi3Vx) ### Mimi Vandermolen Trailblazing automotive designer ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/mimi-vandermolen) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/Douglas%20Ball%20Clipper%20JPEG.jpg.webp?itok=pUyq-4rT) ### Douglas Ball Award-winning industrial designer and pioneer of contemporary workspaces ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/douglas-ball) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/Nobuo%20Kubota.jpg.webp?itok=QWbRjVMF) ### Nobuo Kubota Trailblazing artist, musician, and performer ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/nobuo-kubota-1932-2025) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/corkingallery-barbara-astman-untitled-telephone-and-coffee-mug-1981.jpg.webp?itok=S_vSuTLB) ### Barbara Astman Visionary artist and photographic innovator ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/barbara-astman) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/671868063_18549247462070330_2910218059907447043_n.jpg.webp?itok=z23PcPq1) ### Hans Kleefield OCA educator created logos for Air Canada and financial sector ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/hans-kleefeld-1929-2016) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/Montreal%20Station%2C%20Credit%20-%20Art%20Deco%20Montreal.jpg.webp?itok=bIdYiq4Y) ### Charles Fraser Comfort Official war artist leaves enduring legacy ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/charles-fraser-comfort-1900-1994) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_medium/public/2026-08/AGO_33650_a_blackwood.jpg.webp?itok=RRr5jAgu) ### David Blackwood Printmaker known for his depictions of Newfoundland and Labrador ](https://www.ocadu.ca/profile/david-blackwood-1941-2022) [See more profiles](https://www.ocadu.ca/150/more-profiles) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(0,0,0) ## Meet our alumni 01 Previous item Next item > ### Graeme McMillan Industrial Design > ### Michael Belmore Sculpture/Installation > ### Alwar + Abid Inclusive Design (MDes) > ### Sharene Shafie Strategic Foresight and Innovation (MDes) > ### Michael Martchenko Illustration > ### Sung Wook Park Industrial Design > ### Ali Mapara Industrial Design > ### Alex McLeod Drawing & Painting > ### Matthew Schofield Drawing & Painting > ### Lucas Kschischang Photography > ### Danielle Kim Environmental Design > ### Ethan Platt Drawing & Painting > ### Madelaine Fischer-Bernhut Digital Futures (BDes, BFA) ## Alumni stories As OCAD University approaches its 150th anniversary celebration launching in fall of 2026, we’re inviting you, our alumni community, to help us tell our story. We’d love to hear about the moments that shaped your time here. A favourite class or instructor, your first exhibition, or a connection that changed your path. No story is too big or too small. Selected submissions may be featured as part of our 150th anniversary initiatives, celebrating the many voices, experiences, and perspectives that have defined OCAD U over the past century and a half. [Submit a story](https://ocaduniversity.limesurvey.net/291852) [ See alumni stories .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://www.ocadu.ca/150/alumni-stories)rgba(26,176,246,1) rgba(0,0,0,1) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(255,255,255) rgb(255,255,255) ### Current events & exhibitions #### OCAD U’s 150th anniversary from fall, 2026 to summer, 2027 will feature many events, talks and exhibitions that will be announced over the course of the year. [All 150 Events](https://www.ocadu.ca/events?title=&field_department_target_id=953) rgb(255,255,255) [### Skennen'kó:wa ken? Do you carry great peace? September 5, 2026 - November 15, 2026Off CampusExhibition ![Person standing in a forest with a bright red piece of fabric trailing behind them](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-06/OCADU_Gwangju_Website-1920x1080_2026%20%285%29.jpg.webp?itok=OVBTLjPb)](/events-and-exhibitions/skennenkowa-ken-do-you-carry-great-peace) [### Steps Forward: 150th Anniversary Yellow Staircase Mural Project September 17, 2026 - May 15, 2027Main Building & Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design (MCA)Event ![Mural in yellow staircase](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/IMG_1260.jpeg.webp?itok=bITpnvpo)](/events-and-exhibitions/steps-forward-150th-anniversary-yellow-staircase-mural-project) [### Matriarchal Messages for the Masses October 5, 2026 - March 31, 2027Event ![OCAD University's Sharp Centre for Design, with a graphic black and white facade suspended over primary colour support legs](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2024-09/placeholder.jpg.webp?itok=dmblgx1y)](/events-and-exhibitions/matriarchal-messages-masses) [### OCAD U 150 Anniversary Community Launch Event October 20, 2026 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.The Great HallEvent ![150 years of impact](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-10/150-placeholder-1.jpg.webp?itok=ufPNV2hy)](/events-and-exhibitions/ocad-u-150-anniversary-community-launch-event) #### Pagination - Page 1 - [ Next page ›› ](/markdownify/node/4381?page=1 "Go to next page") rgb(255,255,255) ## News [See all news](https://www.ocadu.ca/news?title=&field_department_target_id=953) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/Public%20Pier%20and%20SiLO%20Nights%20Romain%20Garcia%20copy.jpg?itok=Pv8s9l_h) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/Public%20Pier%20and%20SiLO%20Nights%20Romain%20Garcia%20copy.jpg?itok=Pv8s9l_h) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/Public%20Pier%20and%20SiLO%20Nights%20Romain%20Garcia%20copy.jpg?itok=7tL7ZTkU) ### Public Pier brings food, music, dance and introduces SILO NIGHTS to Toronto's waterfront This Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 to 3, is your last chance to experience the day-to-night cultural experience at Marina Quay West. Free and open to all. September 8, 2026 ](/index%2Ephp/news/public-pier-brings-food-music-dance-and-introduces-silo-nights-torontos-waterfront) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/USE_Melting%20Temporalities%202026-09-24%2C%2011%2017%2003%20PM.jpg?itok=4FxGU7zp) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/USE_Melting%20Temporalities%202026-09-24%2C%2011%2017%2003%20PM.jpg?itok=4FxGU7zp) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/USE_Melting%20Temporalities%202026-09-24%2C%2011%2017%2003%20PM.jpg?itok=OzrJ26Sk) ### Massive Artworks —"The Light" and "Melting Temporalities" — Transform Toronto’s Waterfront for Nuit Blanche On Oct. 3, the Delegation of the European Union to Canada and Global Centre for Climate Action at OCAD University present "The Light" and "Melting Temporalities" as part of Nuit Blanche. September 28, 2026 ](/news/massive-artworks-light-and-melting-temporalities-transform-torontos-waterfront-nuit-blanche) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/IMG_6767.JPG?itok=90jAiOG2) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/IMG_6767.JPG?itok=90jAiOG2) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/IMG_6767.JPG?itok=TPugQLhx) ### Steps Forward Celebrates Student Creativity and OCAD U's 150-Year Legacy A new series of student-created murals transforms the iconic Yellow Staircase in celebration of the university's 150th anniversary. September 18, 2026 ](/news/steps-forward-celebrates-student-creativity-and-ocad-us-150-year-legacy) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/Group%20and%20Ryan%20at%20opening.jpeg?itok=k6tZH4Pr) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/Group%20and%20Ryan%20at%20opening.jpeg?itok=k6tZH4Pr) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/Group%20and%20Ryan%20at%20opening.jpeg?itok=D_5827eY) ### OCAD University presents Canada's Pavilion at 2026 Gwangju Biennale “Skennen'kó:wa ken? (Do You Carry Great Peace?”, opened on Sept. 5, is curated by Ryan Rice, Executive Director and Curator, Indigenous Art, Onsite Gallery with Lee Sun, Chief Curator, Lee KangHa Art Museum as the Korean Partner Curator. September 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-university-presents-canadas-pavilion-2026-gwangju-biennale) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/OCADU_Gwangju_1200x675-X_2026%20Cision.jpg?itok=_NQLQSrB) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/OCADU_Gwangju_1200x675-X_2026%20Cision.jpg?itok=_NQLQSrB) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/OCADU_Gwangju_1200x675-X_2026%20Cision.jpg?itok=U1g8vht5) ### "Skennen'kó:wa ken? (Do You Carry Great Peace?)" opens tomorrow at 2026 Gwangju Biennale OCAD U presents Canada's Pavilion at the biennale. "Skennen'kó:wa ken? (Do You Carry Great Peace?)" is curated by Ryan Rice, Executive Director and Curator, Indigenous Art at Onsite Gallery, with Lee Sun, Chief Curator of the Lee KangHa Art Museum, as the Korean Partner Curator. September 4, 2026 ](/news/skennenkowa-ken-do-you-carry-great-peace-opens-tomorrow-2026-gwangju-biennale) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/OCADU_Gwangju_1200x675-X_2026%20Cision.jpg?itok=_NQLQSrB) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/OCADU_Gwangju_1200x675-X_2026%20Cision.jpg?itok=_NQLQSrB) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/OCADU_Gwangju_1200x675-X_2026%20Cision.jpg?itok=U1g8vht5) ### Op-ed: What sovereignty asks of us Opinion piece by Ryan Rice and Ana Serrano explores what Canadian sovereignty means today. September 3, 2026 ](/news/op-ed-what-sovereignty-asks-us) ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(0,0,0) ## Our history 01 33 Previous item Next item ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1993-the-grange.jpg.webp?itok=n9WDcgR0) The Grange, 1993, Toronto Archives ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1998%20Sandy%20Roberts%20and%20AJ%20Marks%20and%20Nicole%20Vogelzang.jpg.webp?itok=qPFkXRah) From left; students Sandy Roberts; A.J. Marks and Nicole Vogelzang model the clothing they created out of pop and beer cans for a sculpture course at the Ontario College of Art and De... ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1990%20Edith%20Dakovic.jpg.webp?itok=YJyJPZ47) Edith Dakovic, 1990 ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1989%20Rebecca%20Walker.jpg.webp?itok=3aCQoy8G) Rebecca Walker takes a break to ponder the figure she is creating during her painting class at the Ontario College of Art. (Photo by Reg Innell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) ... ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/Screenshot%202026-04-28%20at%202.53.03%E2%80%AFPM.png.webp?itok=BcLwpiX_) ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1980%20Open%20House.jpg.webp?itok=6n_MUMW6) OCA Open house, 1980 (Photo by Ron Bull/Toronto Star via Getty Images) ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1979%20Paul%20Fleck%20and%20Barbara%20McKay.jpg.webp?itok=V6PW6svq) Paul Fleck and Barbara McKay, 1979 ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1972%20Illustration.jpg.webp?itok=TY91c8pG) Illustration review, 1972 ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1971%20Roy%20Ascott.jpg.webp?itok=qsgk6SrB) British painter Roy Ascott, president of the Ontario College of Art (1971). (Photo by Boris Spremo/Toronto Star via Getty Images) ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1971%20Material%20Arts.jpg.webp?itok=hU0H8TUX) Material Arts students in the studio, 1971 ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1944%20%20Fred%20S.%20Haines%20.png.webp?itok=UNEIxLE1) Fred S. Haines painting in an office, 1944 ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1950%20%20Emanuel%20Hahn%20.png.webp?itok=P0uyMyDx) Left to right: Arthur Lismer, Yvonne McKague, George Reid, unidentified person, Herbert Stansfield, ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1938%20Class%20Photograph.png.webp?itok=4R6WCrqr) Class photograph, 1938 ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1909%20The%20Grange%203.jpg.webp?itok=ZE-oSeIm) The Grange, 1909: views looking northeast across the landscaped grounds (City of Toronto Archives) ![Historial OCADU Photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/1910%20Mourners%20go%20to%20see%20Goldwyn%20Smith%27s%20body%20at%20The%20Grange.jpg.webp?itok=VgKBsdyf) 1910 Mourners go to see Goldwyn Smith's body at The Grange ![OCAD U historical photo](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2026-09/fonds1244-item703m.jpg.webp?itok=kyq-i8KM) Life drawing class, Ontario School of Art, The Grange, 1911 rgba(160,20,236,1) [ ![Three students at a library computer](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2025-02/53290060771_933c7d8cf8_o.jpg.webp?itok=ZJanmQgV) ### Become a student Join us in the heart of downtown Toronto and learn to use your creativity for today’s challenges. Alongside a diverse and supportive team of instructors and peers, gain employable skills that will help you get paid to do what you love. Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://ocadu.ca/admissions) rgba(5,108,249,1) [ ![Student working on a project in the woodshop](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_x_large_1280_x_720/public/2024-10/student-woodshop.png.webp?itok=prR31HIO) ### Support the next 150 years of OCAD U Support the next generation of artists and designers finding creative solutions for the biggest problems of today! Give now .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://www.ocadu.ca/giving/donate)