It was little more than happenstance that led Bill Staubi to purchase his first work of art.
He was a 24-year-old BA grad student living in Saint John, N.B. in 1978, and a handful of artists were hanging a group show in the large living room of the residence where he lived. They needed help with the grunt work, and Staubi, having nothing better to do, volunteered.
By the end of the day, he’d become so captivated by the artwork that he bought five pieces — one from each artist.
He had absolutely no money, though, so he went to the bank that held his student loan, and negotiated another loan, for $360, to purchase the pieces. “The manager was amazed that I wasn’t buying a car or stereo or going on a crazy vacation, so he took a chance,” Staubi recalls. “I should have realized then that that was a glimpse into my future.”
Today, the walls of Staubi’s downtown, two-bedroom apartment are almost completely covered in art — hundreds of pieces that he’s collected over the past 46 years, representing just about every medium possible. Most are figurative or representational; abstract art isn’t his jam. Queer and religious themes are noticeable, but it would be unfair to buttonhole his collection by either of those descriptors — there’s simply so much of everything.
And like a well-stocked museum, the pieces on the walls, shelves, windows and floors are just the tip of the iceberg; his collection numbers between 1,200 and 1,300 pieces, most by Ottawa artists and most purchased when those artists’ careers were just beginning and they most needed support.
When he looks at art that captivates him, Staubi feels it, viscerally, in his chest and his head. “Sometimes it’s almost a desire to grab it right there,” he explains, “or I’m haunted by it if I walk away.” The feeling, he adds, may soften over the years, but it never goes away.
So one can only imagine what he’s feeling now, as he looks at these treasured pieces for the last time.
Last fall, Staubi, 69, was diagnosed with Stage-4 liver cancer. His prognosis suggests he’ll make it to 70, but no further. Rather than saddle his son with the onerous chore of dispersing the collection, Staubi is doing it himself while he’s still well enough.
Some of the pieces will find their way back to the artists who made them. Some will go out the door as gifts to friends. Most will be gifted elsewhere, finding new homes in galleries where members of the public might feel the same sort of palpitations that Staubi felt when he first saw them. About 125 are going to the City of Ottawa’s collection, and another 50 to the Ottawa Art Gallery’s. Twenty-one will go to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. One piece, depicting the 1971 riot at the Kingston Penitentiary, will likely make its way to the Penitentiary Museum in that city.
“I always knew that when my time came, the collection would have to go,” he says. “I’m glad that so much of it will go to places that can store and properly take care of it, and where people will get to see it.”
Still other works are being donated to organizations — the Ottawa Arts Council and the Mississippi Textile Museum, to name a couple — for fundraising purposes.
I first met Bill two years ago while interviewing members of Ottawa’s queer community for a Pride Month feature for the paper. Unrelated, I was working on a photo exhibition of my own at the time — my first — and upon learning of his connection to the art world, I began picking his brain for advice. Bill is himself an artist who serves on art juries and in an advisory capacity, and his support of local artists goes far beyond simply purchasing their work.
As someone who had difficulty considering myself an artist, I cannot overstate how Bill’s encouragement put me at ease. I sent him an invitation to my show, though I didn’t really expect to see him. But not only did he come to the opening, he was the first to buy a piece. So I well understand how, were I a young artist hoping to walk that path in any kind of professional manner, his support, either through an early sale or simply some sage counsel, could make all the difference.
“Artists face a lot of rejection, a lot of criticism,” he says. “One of the great rewards for me is seeing the moment when an artist goes, ‘Oh, my god, this might be for me, this might have been the right choice.’”
Indeed, Ottawa’s arts scene has been immensely fortunate to count Staubi among its advocates, and there’s going to be a large hole in it when he’s no longer with us. But if one of his chief legacies has been the support of local artists, I hope another will be to encourage others to do the same.
“I’ve always wanted to live in a place that had a vibrant arts community,” he says, “that had things to go to and things to see that would make me question what I thought, and this is one way to do that.
“You have to make the world you want,” he adds. “I can’t cure hunger. I can’t stop what’s happening in the Middle East. I can’t solve inflation. But I can make someone feel good about the career choice they made, and by sharing what I’ve done with this collection I might inspire others. Maybe not on this scale; I accept that I’m eccentric. But if you want to live in a place where local artists can work and thrive, then support them.”
PHOTO GALLERY OF BILL STAUBI’S ART COLLECTION
Born in Fort William, Ont., a city that no longer appears on maps, Bruce Deachman has called Ottawa home for most of his life. As a columnist and reporter with the Citizen, he works at keeping Ottawa on the map. You can reach him at bdeachman@postmedia.com.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
