Meet Your Neighbour: Collingwood Art School & Alexander Art Supplies
Local artist Jason Alexander has created quite the hub of artistic energy in his studio and art supply space located at 77 Simcoe Street in Collingwood Downtown. One side of the building is home to his art studio where he teaches, and the other side, his shop where you can find a vast selection of merchandise. Known for stocking high quality Canadian made canvasses at very competitive prices, Jason offers art supplies suitable for every level of artistic talent whether you’re just starting out or have been a seasoned artist for decades.
Born and raised in downtown Toronto, Jason studied at the Ontario College of Art as well as abroad in Florence, Italy for four years and he can even make his own paint. When he was a seasonal resident to the area, he had an art studio in Toronto as well as a studio at the family cottage on Georgian Bay before moving to Collingwood full time. “One of the first things I did when I moved here full time was to join the BMFA, Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts in 1991. I participated in their art tour that year and have been doing so ever since. They are an amazing group of talented and enthusiastic artists and artisans with wonderful creative energy.” notes Jason.
“Being situated on Creative Simcoe Street has its advantages for sure, I love that after teaching a class, we can all head on over to Low Down Cocktail Bar or Prime Seven Nine just a few steps away and enjoy some drinks and snacks together”. “Downtown Collingwood has so many unique and interesting businesses.” As the father of a toddler Jason enjoys a trip to Minds Alive every once in a while and his favourite place to grab a coffee is Mad Dogs Vinyl Café .
Over the past two years, Jason has had to tap into his own creative resources and has gone so far as to deliver art supplies to customers in their cars in the dead of winter. Naturally, he’s thrilled to be able to offer classes once again in his studio. His classes run on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1PM – 4PM, Thursday evenings and alternating Saturdays and include all the supplies you need. Classes are offered to budding artists from 14 years up. “My oldest student was 95” he notes with a chuckle.
“If you’re going to run your own business, you need to have a dream, be patient, work smart and be prepared to put in long hours” advises Jason, and we’re looking forward to the opening of his next venture, The Annex Gallery. The gallery will be located in the same space and he’ll be busy shuffling things around over the next few weeks. Follow Jason on Instagram or Facebook to stay tuned in with his progress. Visit www.alexanderartmaterials.com for more information about art supplies and classes.