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ACADEMY OF MODERN ART
Maggie Li founded the Academy of Modern Art (AOMA) in November 2016 with a bold vision for it to become Vancouver’s premier art preparatory academy. Over the past eight and a half years, AOMA has grown into a leading institution, with over 200 students enrolled annually, supported by a team of approximately 20 instructors and administrators.
Maggie knew that basing AOMA in this academic-oriented neighbourhood near UBC, with its excellent primary and secondary schools nearby, would be the ideal location for the academy. She was drawn to the corner location at West 41st Avenue and Balsam Street, a spot that offered an abundance of natural light and an ideal layout for creative work.
AOMA’s instructors are carefully selected professionals with outstanding academic and industry credentials. The team includes university lecturers, international awardwinning artists, architects, animators, and art directors.
Our team is dedicated to delivering a high standard of art education across all programs.
“We’ve never believed in a one-size-fits-all approach,” she adds. “Every student is different, and we invest in helping them find their unique artistic path.” This individualized mentorship is at the heart of AOMA’s programs.
AOMA provides internationally high-standard art education, portfolio guidance, academic advising, and university preparation.
Whether through the Mini Arts Program— which prepares younger students for art focused secondary school entrance exams—or the Portfolio Program, which pairs passionate young artists with expert mentors to guide them through university applications, the results speak for themselves. AOMA maintains a 100% admission rate to top universities, with many students receiving significant scholarships. Alumni have been accepted into renowned institutions across North America and Europe including Columbia, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, the University of the Arts London, UBC, Emily Carr, and more.
One of the school’s proudest accomplishments is the AOMA Certificate Program, an innovative visual arts curriculum designed for students aged 13 and up. Taught by local university faculty and professional artists, the program builds strong portfolios while nurturing deeper artistic development.
Class sizes are capped at eight students to ensure personalized instruction and meaningful feedback.
AOMA’s programs for adult learners continue to be among its most popular offerings. Led by internationally recognized artist Andrew McDermott, a Master Pastelist and former President of the Federation of Canadian Artists, adult classes welcome everyone from curious beginners to seasoned painters to explore a wide range of media and styles, from landscape to abstraction, in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Each year, adult students are celebrated with a dedicated exhibition. At the same time, AOMA’s annual showcase in December fills the school with families, friends, and community members who come to admire the creative achievements of students of all ages. Maggie says, “It’s a warm and festive event where we showcase our students’ outstanding progress and creativity.”
AOMA’s reach extends beyond its classrooms through the Canada Youth Visual Art Contest (CYVAC), now in its fourth year. The 2025 contest received 616 submissions from 15 countries and regions.
“I deeply appreciate the importance of CYVAC as a platform that not only showcases the creativity of young artists worldwide but also encourages them to engage with social responsibility through their art,” says Maggie.
She adds, “Every year, we see more local students and organizations anticipating this event, and their support has been a key part of CYVAC’s development. We are privileged to work with an exceptional jury panel of internationally recognized artists, academic leaders, and admissions professionals who bring deep expertise and diverse perspectives to the judging process.”
The jury includes respected academics and admissions leaders from institutions such as UBC, SCI-Arc, ArtCenter College of Design, and the School of Visual Arts in New York.
The award ceremony will be held on September 13 at the Roundhouse Community Centre.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend and celebrate these extraordinary young artists.
As fall approaches, AOMA is preparing for a new term. Many returning students have already secured their spots, and new registrations are welcome.
For Maggie, the reward lies in watching students grow—not just in technical skill, but in confidence, creativity, and ambition. “Every acceptance letter, every finished artwork, and every breakthrough moment in class makes all the effort worthwhile. It’s truly fulfilling to witness each student’s progress and personal growth.”
Academy of Modern Art
2408 W 41st Avenue Vancouver, BC V6M 4B8
Phone 604-564-2408
Article by Sarah Gordon (August 2025) @PallaMedia
