Irene’s Pub, 885 Bank St, Ottawa, ON

My May, 2026 exhibit is titled The Eclectic Art of Choleena DiTullio. For it, I was challenged to create a display that contains NO paper mosaics. Not one.

As you may know, paper mosaics have been the nucleus of my art practice for the last 15 years. To make a 180-degree change in my next show, I would have to assemble a grouping of unique items that I created in a land far away, in an age long ago; pieces as old as from the ’90s that were done in the beautiful town of Sackville, New Brunswick.

The conversation that made it all happen

It’s always a pleasure to be invited to display at Irene’s Pub. The staff love to have art on the walls, as well as provide an opportunity for local talent to put their work on display. Even better… the art sells. Every show has been a success for me, and at the end of a show, I am always pained that it is coming to a close. Last autumn, I expressed this sadness aloud to their Artist Liaison, and she responded that they could try another exhibit, but it must be art that hadn’t been shown there yet. I responded with, “All I have available are intaglio and such, but they are old… like university-days old. We’re talking harkening back to my days in the Fine Arts Department studios at Mount Allison University, two provinces away in New Brunswick.” She blurted, “I love printmaking!” Thus, a show was born. 

Here’s the poster that I developed for it.

The Eclectic Art of Choleena DiTullio

Over the winter, I took a long stroll down memory lane and perused old portfolios for just the right selection of works. I’ve framed some, and packaged others. I also went to work on creating some of my current giftware that has never been shown at the pub. It’s a unique show for me, and the text of the poster reflects it:

You may be familiar with Choleena’s Paper Mosaic art, but did you know that she has worked in many art mediums, and loves to experiment?

This collection mostly focuses on the first 15 years of her career. It brings together printmaking (lithography, linoleum, intaglio), painting (watercolour and acrylic, often combining old beads and found objects such as a shoe buckle), jewellery-making (hand-rolled paper beads from National Geographic pages, and up-cycled fishing lures), and artful creations such as hand-cut tealight covers made from high-quality reproductions of her art.

You’ll note that a common theme across all her mediums is recycling. The largest item that she has ever recycled is an Adirondack chair. (See above.)

Without further ado, here is the breadth of the show…

Exhibition List

* If purchasing all 4 Pig in her Eye prints together, save $20. ($75 each)

I’m honoured to have had the news of my “Up-Cycling in Art” workshop ‘covered’ by the local newspaper, Your Community Voice — Carleton Place & Almonte. The event was literally ‘covered’, as I was fortunate enough to have my photo on the Cover!

Staff Writer, Derek Dunn, contacted me after seeing my notice of the workshop on social media. Derek’s relaxed interviewing style made for a very pleasant experience, especially for this shy artist. 🙂 How lovely it is to have the local news interested in the Arts and Recycling!

Below, is a screen capture of the article. The original was printed and distributed around the community. They also publish online, and here is a direct link to my article in the February 12, 2026 issue.

Gift Certificates take the pressure off, and let your recipient choose the purrfect item to suit them!

Benefits:

• no expiry
• instant download/ OR mailed
• use on anything: art, jewelry, cards, DIY kits or workshops
• even special orders qualify (like a mosaic portrait of your kitty or dog)

Get all the details here.