Attended last night's book launch of Sheen Andola's "Bodies in the Sun" A Love Letter to Summer" at SAW.
As Sheen explained in his remarks, the book is a collection of photos cataloging summer gatherings of friends. A documentation of queer joy, culture making, and friendship. Sheen has offered up a high quality hardcover book as well as prints of the images in the book.
You can see and learn more about Sheen and their work through their Insagram account @sheen.photos or @sheen.andola
Wasn't feeling up to a crowed bar of excited art supporters but had to get out to the @_orangecube launch of their new project - a glossy thick book of interviews, photos, ideas, and fun featuring Ottawa artists! Looking forward to a quiet evening together.
Having seen some of Lucy Willemsen's pots at Scrim Florist, I decided to pick up these two at the Ottawa Potters Guild show at Lansdowne Park today.
The realistic birch bark finish adds the perfect artistic finish to a functional piece.
You can see and learn more about their work @potterybylucywillemsen
Nadine Argo (Ottawa)
#35 Untiled (Bag over the head)
4" x 4" X 3"
Cermaic
2024
In 2024 Nadine, as part of her 50th birthday, committed to making 50 sculptures in 50 days. This is one of the sculptures from that series.
I loved the entire series of individually imagined pieces and had previously purchased 3 from the Ottawa School of Art Instructors' Show, where they first appeared. Those ended up in the 2025 Luck fundraiser when I was dissolving my collection.
Now that I am starting a new collection afresh, I could not pass up this one at the 2026 Ottawa Potters" Guild show at Landsdowne Park.
You can see and learn more about their work @nadineargo
Opal Adams (Ontario)
"WOOT"
20" x 16"
Acrylic and Collage on canvas
2025
Purchased from the artist at the BIPOC arts and crafts fair at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, April 7, 2026
Opal shared that they were making a conscious effort to balance the themes in her work, having serious themes share space with reminders of joy and excitement.
In these tumultuous times, we can easily forget to notice and take in the joyous elements of life, whether they come from internal or external sources.
I will find a spot in my home to hang this, where it will constantly remind me to look for the joy and wonder, and whether I am adding any joy to the world around me.
You can see and learn more about Opal's work on their website www.opaladamsart.ca, their Instagram account @opal_adams_art , or visit their work at the Conscious Canvas Gallery 40A North St. Perth, On.
Lucille (Giwa) Amu (Ottawa)
"Prayer for Them"
Acrylic on canvas
14" x 10"
2021
Purchased from the artist at their farewell event, Sojourners Adieu, on April 4, 2026.
Lucille explained that the painting references the queer experience within Nigeria, where it’s illegal and punishable by law.
The Prayer itself is a prayer for safety and peace, and exists in the wisps around the figure and the black markings in them.
During their artist talk, Lucille mentioned that they now intentionally paint all people of colour in black, a choice inspired by artist Adebayo Bolaji.
Lucille's event was held to mark their departure from Ottawa for an MFA in Chicago. But you can see and learn more about their work on the Instagram account @luthecille
Jesse Olwen (Montreal)
"Ophelia" ed.42/100
16" x24"
Print on metallic paper
2026
Olwen works primarily in stained glass and has started providing prints of his work to make it more widely available. Using his wife as the model, he created the stained glass image in response to his feelings about current events, a cautionary tale of where we are headed, without feeling that all hope is lost.
I recently saw an interview with Jesse and was taken with his attitude about art and stained glass. Having recently parted with a major piece of stained glass myself, and not in a position to purchase the glass version of this piece, I was relieved to be able to acquire one of the limited edition prints.
About his work, Jesse says: "Working with stained glass allows me to make art that is both physical and ephemeral: solid in its construction, yet constantly shifting with the light that passes through it. I am drawn to the paradox of permanence and fragility in this material: it can last centuries, yet remains vulnerable to the slightest fracture. That duality often mirrors the subjects I explore; the delicate equilibrium between beauty and decline, abundance and desolation."
You can see and learn more about his work at , his insta account @hemlockstainedglass , his Facebook account /jesseolwenprivate, or through this Youtube video: /watch?v=-oPWCeOnnww
Made a visit out to Carleton Place Gallery (210Bridge St) with friends to see Donna L. Allen's show 44 Steps.
The show features images taken while Donna was posted in Iraq with the Canadian military. 44 steps represents the space between Donna's personal space and safety when under attack.
The frank, thoughtful images capture the isolation, urgency, and seriousness of the situation the military personnel were under. Donna has couple them with images reflecting the humanity of those serving under such challenging circumstances.
The stand alone images are also captured in a custom book available separately.
The quick drive to Carleton Place is worth the chance to catch the show before it close April 23rd. You won't be disappointed.
Recently did a studio visit with the talented Ferhat Demirel @ferhatdemirel17
Captivating detailed works with rich cultural and personal inspiration. Exciting new colour choices are being introduced.
Ferhat is a storyteller with important values he wants to represent, tinged with a sense of humour and whimsy.
Had to rush off, so will be going back to learn more and perhaps leave with a treasure.
Art Court Studio LuCille Giwa show
Tonight until 10pm, a spectacular display of work by LuCille Giwa as they bid farewell to Ottawa on way to an MFA in Chicago.
The exhibit/sale was accompanied at 5:30 by an insightful question and answer talk in which LuCille reflected on their Nigerian upbringing, the immigrant experience, their multi-dimentional practice in ballroom and tattoing, and their identity as it jnfluenced their visual art practice.
LuCille gave life and meaning to several of the works in the exhibit when sharing their i fluences and how they came to chose their colour palette, shapes and forms, and subject matter.
Check out LuCille's work at @luthecille
Olivier Forgues (Toronto)
The Equalizer
Oil on linen
20" x 16"
2026
Purchased at DeMontigny Contemporary
The work was inspired by a drawing by an artist Forgues admires, Patrick Byrnes.
I was drawn to the work by the classical positioning of the subject, the limited palette, and the energetic brush work contrasting with the contemplative expression.
You can see more of Forgues' work on his Instagram account @olivierforguesart
