Friday Special Blend
Friday May 9th, 2025 with Susan Johnston. Gianluca Petti. Micah Petti. Brecken Hancock
Bill Staubli's Grotto. Christine McNair on Toxemia

Bill Staubli's Grotto. Christine McNair on Toxemia About Grotto: 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. About Toxemia: In this alchemy of anger and love, history and memoir, Christine McNair delves into various forms of toxicity in the body—from the effects of two life-threatening preeclampsia diagnoses to chronic illness, sexism in medicine, and the toll of societal expectations. Christine's Toxemia Playlist -- https://bookhugpress.ca/toxemia-the-playlist/