Who We Are
Wallack’s is one of the oldest art supply stores in Canada and owns one of Canada’s oldest commercial fine art galleries, Wallack Galleries. We are committed to the development of artists in the community and in schools by offering a wide variety of artists materials and products, services and education. Being located centrally in Ottawa and with an amazing online store, you will be able to find something to help make that creative project a reality.
- Browse our large selection of products for Artists, Architects, Designers, Sculptors and other creatives
- Sign up for a workshop to learn about a new product or learn a new skill
- Enroll in a semester long course to perfect a technique
- Get quality custom framing for your next show or recently purchased work of art
- Ask for help and information from our sales associates, we are artists too
A Long History
Wallack’s has been part of the artist community since 1939. We began as a photographic supply store founded by picture enthusiast Sam Wallack. In the mid-1950’s, Wallack’s expanded from the original narrow shop on Bank street into the empty store next to it to offer more selection of art and hobby supplies, as well as more display space for original art.
When his son John Wallack came on board in 1963, the company expanded to include art supplies for an emerging Canadian arts scene. The need for a gallery became apparent and Wallack Galleries was launched in the 1950s. By 1965, the business was organized under different branches: the gallery was for acquisitions and sales, while the art-making and framing needs were supplied by the Wallack’s group of stores.
In 1977, John Wallack moved the existing art material business to 231 Bank Street, which was originally Hartman’s grocery store. He also expanded the fine art gallery to its own location at 203 Bank Street.
In 2015, Wallack Galleries moved from 203 Bank Street to 225 Bank Street, next door to the Art Supply Shop.
In 2024, both the gallery, frame shop, and art supply shop moved to 305 Bank Street after its home of 50 years was slated for demolition.
For over 75 years, Wallack’s has been committed to supplying creative people with quality products at competitive prices. Wallack’s reputation is built on offering a wide selection of brand name artist materials, service by friendly knowledgeable staff, and quick and efficient delivery across Canada. Educational programming also continues to be a cornerstone of the Wallack's institution, with knowledgeable staff to provide instruction through workshops and events in a diverse range of creative mediums and disciplines.