​​​GROTTO

Lynne Anderson, Pascale Arpin, Jeremiah Degrandpre, Ruth Dick, Marc Dubois, Evergon, Andrew Fay, Tony Fouhse, James Fowler, Robert Houle, Tim Jocelyn, Olivia Johnston, Don Kwan, Sam Loewen, Zachari Logan, Marie-Claude Marquis, Claude Marquis, Andrew McPhail, Kent Monkman, Christos Pantieras, Saivani Sanassy, Bill Staubi, Carl Stewart, Cara Tierney, Anna Williams, Michelle Wilson, Ming Wu 

Grotto showcases a selection of artworks generously donated by Bill Staubi to the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) in 2024. This exhibition pays homage to Staubi’s unwavering support for queer artists and his deep-rooted commitment to Ottawa’s vibrant contemporary art scene. 

Staubi’s journey as an art collector began in 1978 with a modest purchase of five artworks from a grad school residence show. This initial spark ignited a lifelong passion for the arts and he developed an expansive collection reflecting his unique tastes, experiences, and perspectives. 

Over the last four decades, Staubi has consistently championed emerging artists and the queer community of Ottawa, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the arts landscape. 

The exhibition title draws inspiration from Staubi’s iconic, cluttered half-bath installation, a personal grotto assembled from gifts, relics, and symbols of relationships. Much like Staubi’s grotto, this collection brings together artworks that delve into themes of queer identity, community-building, and activism, offering a powerful exploration of human connection. 

Curators: Sam Loewen & Caro Stewart
Curatorial Assistance: Rebecca Basciano
Curatorial Coordination: Erin Bruce
Technical Team: Stephanie Germano, Dan Austin, Rob Keefe, Mark Garland, Neil Hossack, Robert Chester
Editors: Lucy Trew, Véronique Couillard
French Translation: Marie-Camille Lalande
Didactic Printing: Optima
Documentation: Rémi Thériault

The Ottawa Art Gallery would like to thank Bill Staubi for his tireless work as a pillar of the arts community as well as for his generous devotion of time and resources to this exhibition. OAG also wishes to acknowledge Rachelle Dickenson for her initial research and role in bringing this collection to the gallery. Furthermore, OAG acknowledges the vital support of the City of Ottawa, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

All works in this exhibition, unless otherwise specified, are part of the Collection of the Ottawa Art Gallery: gift of Bill Staubi, 2024.