The bright yellow heritage building with a big history nestled in the centre of Qualicum Beach, The Old School House Arts Centre houses ten shared Resident artists studios and is an established public art gallery and art learning centre.
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Old School House Arts Centre TOSH

4.7
·91 reviews·Qualicum Beach, Canada

A historic schoolhouse transformed into a vibrant hub for local art, featuring diverse galleries, artist studios, and creative classes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM

Gallery hours for exploration

CrowdMedium
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The bright yellow heritage building with a big history nestled in the centre of Qualicum Beach, The Old School House Arts Centre houses ten shared Resident artists studios and is an established public art gallery and art learning centre.

Old School House Arts Centre TOSH

Best Time

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM

Gallery hours for exploration

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic schoolhouse transformed into a vibrant hub for local art, featuring diverse galleries, artist studios, and creative classes.

4.7
(91 reviews)

"A gem in Qualicum Beach featuring local talented artists and unique shopping downstairs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Donation-Based Entry

Entry is by donation, with $10 recommended. Tap donation options are available for easy contributions.

🛍️ Unique Shopping Finds

Discover beautiful pottery, paintings, and other art pieces perfect for gifts or personal treasures.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 91 reviews

Type

Art Gallery

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artist Galleries

Artist Galleries

Throughout the building

Explore diverse works from local artists, including watercolours, acrylics, and penmanship. Discover unique pottery and other creations.

Artist Studios

Artist Studios

Downstairs

Meet artists in residence and witness their creative process. Many are happy to share their work and local insights.

Community Classes

Community Classes

Various studios

Unleash your creativity with a variety of art classes for all ages, from mixed media to specialized workshops.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Art Scene

TOSH is a vibrant hub for local artists, offering diverse exhibitions and classes. Entry is by donation, with a recommended $10 contribution. Plan for a leisurely visit to explore the two-story historic schoolhouse and its galleries.

Accessibility and Amenities

The Old School House Arts Centre is accessible with disabled parking and an outdoor ramp to the second floor. While generally welcoming, some events might feel cramped. Check their schedule for specific class or exhibition details.

Best Times

When
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM
Why
Gallery hours for exploration
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Live music lineup
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) isn’t just a gallery; it’s the beating heart of the artistic community in Qualicum Beach. Steeped in history, TOSH enriches our lives, fosters connections, and ignites creativity across generations. This open and inclusive not-for-profit space champions and nurtures the talents of local artists and musicians, offering classes for all ages, holding special e...
adam.walker.bc
21 likes • 409 views

🎯 Donation-Based Entry

Entry is by donation, with $10 recommended. Tap donation options are available for easy contributions. Reddit

🛍️ Unique Shopping Finds

Discover beautiful pottery, paintings, and other art pieces perfect for gifts or personal treasures. Reddit

We’re excited to feature The Old School House Arts Centre (@TOSH.artcentre) as this month’s Community Spotlight. With constantly changing exhibitions, classes, and community events, TOSH serves and champions emerging and established creatives alike. Take a tour of this much-loved creative hub and get to know one of the faces behind it. We chatted with the Executive Director of TOSH, Illana Hester...
parksvillequalicumbeach
140 likes • 5.4K views
🎨 New classes released at The Old School House Arts Centre – and spots are filling up fast! 🚀 Secure your spot now to unleash your creativity! 🖌️ What’s in store: ✅ Fresh and Exciting Classes ✅ Limited Spots Available ✅ Expert Instructors ✅ Unleash Your Creativity Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of these amazing classes! 🌟 Sign up today to guarantee your spot. 🗓️ Visit our websi...
tosh.artcentre
40 likes • 652 views

♿ Accessible Art Experience

Disabled parking and a ramp to the second floor ensure accessibility for all visitors. Reddit

🎶 Sunday Music Sessions

Enjoy a weekly Sunday music lineup featuring local talent. Reddit

Today is the last day Studio 3 is open in 2022! The Old School House Arts Centre is open again to the public on January 17th 2023. 2022 was my first year with a commercial studio space to show my work to art collectors and art enthusiasts. I am so grateful to all the lovely people I have met at TOSH over the last year. Sharing conversations about art and life with you has been inspiring and enco...
sarah.boileau.artwork
60 likes • 797 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Donation-Based Entry

Entry is by donation, with $10 recommended. Tap donation options are available for easy contributions. Reddit

🛍️ Unique Shopping Finds

Discover beautiful pottery, paintings, and other art pieces perfect for gifts or personal treasures. Reddit

♿ Accessible Art Experience

Disabled parking and a ramp to the second floor ensure accessibility for all visitors. Reddit

🎶 Sunday Music Sessions

Enjoy a weekly Sunday music lineup featuring local talent. Reddit

🎨 Creative Workshops

Sign up for upcoming art classes to explore your artistic side. Spots fill up fast! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(91 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) as a fantastic, welcoming space that serves as the heart of the local art community. The diverse exhibitions, opportunities to meet working artists, and the donation-based entry are frequently highlighted as major draws. While generally positive, some event experiences, like a fundraiser dinner, have noted the venue can feel cramped for larger gatherings.

"Fantastic creative space with friendly staff and working artists ready to share their work and local knowledge with you. Entry is by donation. $10/p recommended. Great tap donation options presset up for those of us that never have cash on hand anymore. Clean, bright and very welcoming. Bought 2 items will be ordering a third from an artist website for delivery back home. Lovely space for a leisurely rainy afternoon."

FQL

"Fabulous spacious place to explore local artists in residence in the two story historic school house. Admire watercolour, acrylic and penmanship at it's best!!
Buy your perfect pottery present for your next special occasion. We found a beautiful crock pot for our wedding gift."

Zena Roamer

"A good selection of local artists in a number of galleries. Some artists in residence. Accessibility: disabled parking in the lot on the west side of the building. Outdoor ramp on the west side of the building to access the second floor."

Allan Miller

What People Like

Vibrant local art scene
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Donation-based entry

What People Dislike

Can feel cramped at events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old School House Arts Centre (TOSH) is located in Qualicum Beach. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. There is disabled parking available on the west side of the building. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, including disabled parking on the west side of the building. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to TOSH is by donation, with a recommended contribution of $10 per person. Tap donation options are available. Reddit

The Old School House Arts Centre is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Some studios may have different hours, and the centre reopens to the public on specific dates after closures. Instagram

Yes, it's highly recommended to book classes in advance as spots fill up quickly. Check the TOSH website or social media for class releases and registration. Instagram

TOSH hosts various events, including exhibitions, artist talks, and a weekly Sunday music lineup. Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming happenings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore a wide range of local art, including watercolours, acrylics, penmanship, and pottery. Many artists are in residence and available to discuss their work. Reddit

Yes, TOSH offers kids' classes and a welcoming environment for families to explore art. Instagram

Absolutely! TOSH is a great place to buy unique pieces directly from local artists, from pottery to paintings. Reddit+1

The centre has disabled parking and an outdoor ramp to access the second floor, making it accessible for many visitors. Reddit

Visitors describe TOSH as a clean, bright, and very welcoming space, often referred to as the 'beating heart' of the artistic community. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While TOSH itself doesn't have a dedicated cafe, its location in Qualicum Beach means there are several dining options nearby. Some events might include food, but seating can be cramped. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check with the staff or artists if you plan to photograph specific artworks or during events. Instagram

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