Art Factory - Renfrew, Ontario

Ian L.

This place was so freaking cool. We were camping at the KOA near by and decided to pop in to see what it was all about. We got to meet and chat with the owner, what a wholesome human, his work is full of passion emotion and personal experience, my wife and I were very moved by his openness to share his space with us. The art supply store has amazing prices and great quality (satellite locations in Arnprior and Carleton Place)
And please please please! Should you visit... Keep your hands to yourself! The work is so textured that it teases the sense of touch but it takes years to fully cure and to leave a fingerprint or break off a small piece is so disrespectful...
Thank you for sharing your vision with us!
It's going to be pretty freaking awesome!

#rediscoverrenfrew

Charlene R.

Patrick John Mills is by far the salt of the earth. He is one of the most compassionate human I know. He is always there to help out. His painting are profound, they speak to you.Full of color and life just like he is ! My favourite is the first photo called “ Urban Alchemy there is actual bones and other objects incorporated into this masterpiece.We in our little town of Renfrew are so happy to be able to call him our friend and a wonderful edition to our town .

Kent T.

Today was the annual art show and it was awesome. Lots of artists a wide variety of styles and modalities. Patrick, thanks for hosting this terrific event.

Pamela S.

Where do you get the cheapest art supplies with the most amazing personal experience in the Ottawa area? Here.

Tamara C.

It is hard to put into words what the Art Factory and owner Patrick John Mills have done for me and for so many people. Not only is this the absolute best place to buy art supplies, Patrick is so supportive of his fellow artists and the wiser community as well. Making art affordable and accessible for kids and adults alike!
The prices at the Art Factory can't be beat and the knowledge that Patrick shares so openly makes this place so special. Added to all that, Patrick's wife, Tanja, runs Heart in Hand out of the same location and provides such an amazing service with her fair trade treasures.
Having a store like this in Renfrew is such a bonus for the area!

Posy B.

The Art Factory is my favourite place to go for art supplies. They have an amazingly wide selection at GREAT prices. And Patrick is constantly holding huge sales. The Art Factory also invests a lot to help support artists and the art community as a whole.
Patrick and his staff are warm and super helpful, all of them artists with experience with the supplies you’re looking for, or don’t even know you’re looking for!
Included among the art supplies is the Heart in Hand boutique with beautiful fair-trade treasures.
And of course let’s not forget the art exhibits which are almost always going, highlighting and supporting local artists.
Oh! And workshops! There are workshops too!!

Jill A.

The Art Factory/Patrick John Mills is a gift to our Ottawa Valley/Ottawa area community.
Renfrew ON. became the cultural destination for the Art Factory due to Patrick’s enthusiasm for promoting the arts & his passion for encouraging creativity. The Art Factory consists of 3 buildings, the art store, the A.F. Warehouse gallery & the HUGE factory. His vision for what the BIG factory building is transforming into is very exciting!
The Art Factory prices are the best, definitely worthy of a road trip. Patrick’s mission is to help not only artists by bringing in the best products with the most competitive prices. He is also the biggest encourager of those who have forgotten we are all born creators. Inner artists come out of hiding & show their light after speaking with Patrick who has a lifetime of art knowledge behind him. Patrick's staff are artists of various mediums, all knowledgeable with the same level of encouragement as Patrick!
The Art Factory holds art related events in the form of monthly art shows & summer art fairs. Classes & workshops are held in the large warehouse/inspirational gallery space. People embark on road trips not only for the large assortment of products with best prices but also to participate in the various classes. As one of the A.F. instructors, I’ve been pleased to have class participants travel from Cornwall, Ottawa, Kingston, Petawawa, & Barry’s Bay.
The whole Art Factory experience includes Heart in Hand: World Boutique. Tanja Kisslinger (wife of Patrick) is the creator of this compassionate world wide enterprise. Tanja specializes in international development & humanitarian relief. Vibrantly coloured items are made by artisans from developing countries Exquisite hand created products from around the world are brought right to us in Renfrew & for online purchasing! The mission of Heart in Hand is to support & empower creators.
All of this makes for a positive & fun experience!!!

Jamieson W.

What a fantastic store! I loved everything thst the Art Factory had to offer from art to handmade objects and art supplies. It was a joy to browse the shop and Patrick was so nice. He answered all my questions and was so helpful. What a gem of a store. I can't wait to go back!