Artists to watch: OAG’s Give to Get Art Auction Critics’ Choice

Each year, the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Give to Get Art Auction brings together a dynamic range of artworks and unique art objects donated by artists from across the region and beyond, presented for auction. A highlight of the annual event is the Critics’ Choice selection, which first happened in 2012, where a panel of jurors shines a spotlight on some of the most compelling works.

Rather than ranking or competition, the selection is about drawing attention to works that offer a particularly strong or resonant perspective. The chosen pieces are marked with a star in the exhibition, inviting visitors to slow down, look closer, and discover new artists and ideas within this vibrant, community-driven event that supports the Ottawa Art Gallery’s programming and mission.

The Critics’ Choice is selected by a jury of community-minded leaders, who come together to review the full auction exhibition. From more than 100 submitted works from Ottawa–Gatineau, they identify four standout pieces that demonstrate exceptional artistic merit, originality, and impact.

As they discovered the auction exhibition and art up for auction, this year’s jurors, Reneltta Arluk, Barry Fong, Lorraine Gilbert, and Nickie Shobeiry, were captivated by works that immediately drew viewers in through compelling perspectives, materiality, and attention to detail. Across the exhibition, the works were described as inspiring, brilliant, poetic, gorgeous, and playful, while also showcasing the strength of the emerging artists represented. Particular recognition was given to artists who thoughtfully integrated text, reimagined traditional forms through a distinctly contemporary lens, or explored contrasts between heaviness and lightness.

Each year, OAG’s Give to Get Art Auction Critics’ Choice brings an added layer of distinction and excitement to the fundraiser. Here are the 2026 stars, in alphabetical order:

Urban Migration by Anna Williams

Chief Red Robe in London, UK and Three Onlookers by Jeff Thomas, Haudenosaunee

Then and Now by Tavi Weisz

A Portrait of the Artists in Objects by Vern Navarra Martin Ivie

The jury also awarded an honourable mention to Remains Located, Relationship Unknown by Chris Glabb.

Congratulations to these artists and thank you to the jurors! 

OAG’s Give to Get Art Auction is a vibrant annual celebration of creativity, connection, and community. This festive fundraiser brings together artists, collectors, and arts supporters in an art party atmosphere in support of local talent, OAG’s public exhibitions, Permanent Collection, and community programming, while also helping keep OAG free and accessible to all.

Join us on May 21 to support the OAG, discover exceptional artists from Ottawa–Gatineau, and fall in love with a work of art to make your own. You can preview the 2026 Critics’ Choice artists, as well as more than 100 artworks and jewelry pieces available at OAG’s Give to Get Art Auction here: BiddingForGood, by clicking on the “Items” button.

Presenting Sponsor:

Reneltta Arluk, D.Litt., is Inuvialuk, Gwich’in and Denesuline, Cree from the Northwest Territories. She is currently Senior Manager for Policy, Protocols and Strategic Initiatives of Indigenous Ways & Decolonization at the National Gallery of Canada. OAG Board Member Barry Fong is a lawyer and partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, where he advises artists, galleries, cultural institutions, and businesses on intellectual property matters. He is also a dedicated collector. Lorraine Gilbert studied Environmental Biology at McGill and Forestry at the graduate level at UBC and planted about 700,000 trees before teaching art and photography at the University of Ottawa since 1990. Recently retired, she is now devoting herself full-time to her work. Nickie Shobeiry is an award-winning freelance journalist, documentary filmmaker, public speaker, and consultant who covers business and the arts for The Globe and Mail, CBC, Shondaland, and others.