Academy of Modern Art: Kerrisdale’s Art Preparatory Academy Story by Sarah Gordon
Photos by Sandra Steier
Last December during the numerous winter snowstorms a creative new business sprung up in Kerrisdale. Long time friends Maggie Li and Jade Su, owners and founders of Academy of Modern Art (AOMA), had been searching to find the perfect spot to locate their new business. The warm and enthusiatic business partners are originally from the beautiful coastal city Hangzhou, China where the 2016 G20 Summit was held. Maggie immigrated to Canada in 2004 and Jade came to the country in 2012.
“Opening an art school was our dream.” Maggie Li Maggie lives in Kerrisdale. She knew basing AOMA in this academic oriented neighbourhood near UBC and so many 16
September 1 - November 15, 2017
excellent primary and secondary schools would be a perfect fit. Maggie immediately contacted Jade when she discovered the corner location at West 41st Avenue and Balsam Street. They were drawn to the abundance of natural light and the layout. Jade reports with a smile, “People regularly pop open the door to take a peek to find out what goes on inside.” “We train and guide passionate art students on their path to top art and design post secondary programs across North America and Europe. Our instructors include university professors, designers, artists and curators. There is nothing else like it in the city,“ Jade says. Maggie is responsible for business operations while Jade is the director of art and also teaches. •
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