UniHeART Gallery
Current exhibition
Works by Jennifer Robitaille
About the Artist
Jennifer Robitaille is an Ottawa artist who explores the intersection of landscape, wildlife, and portraiture.
This exhibition is an exploration of the quiet tension between the enduring natural world and the structures we build within it. This collection brings together two seemingly disparate perspectives: the vast, solitary reaches of landscapes and the layered, historical architecture of Ottawa.
In her Landscape series, she focuses on the concept of isolation. Rather than viewing silence as a void, she treats it as a presence. Through the use of oils and sweeping brushwork, Jennifer aims to capture the profound stillness of remote spaces—places where the land exists independent of human observation. These works invite the viewer to find comfort in solitude and to confront the humbling scale of the wilderness.
In contrast, Jennifer’s Historical Ottawa series seeks to document the soul of the city. By focusing on historical scenes, Jennifer explores how history is anchored in the formation of Ottawa. With Ottawa’s 200th anniversary this year (2026), these paintings are not mere records of how Ottawa was formed, but portraits of time itself. They reflect the character of a capital that has grown around its heritage, finding beauty in the weathered textures and "lived-in" stories of our urban landscape.
Together, these works ask: Where do we fit? Whether standing alone in a silent forest or walking in historical areas of Ottawa, we are constantly navigating our relationship with the past and the Earth.
Gallery Hours
The UniHeART Gallery is available to staff, volunteers and participants of the Heartwood/ Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa community every day, Monday through Thursday (if the gallery is not reserved) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Friday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. It is also open to the general public Monday to Friday by appointment (call the HH office at 613-241-5937).
The UniHeART Gallery provides an opportunity for our community to enjoy various forms of artistic expression throughout the year. Artists gain access to quality exhibition space, and they, in return, support and enhance Heartwood programs and the work environment. In addition to exhibiting their work in the UniHeART Gallery, artists may find opportunities to partner with individual member groups, offering workshops or one-to-one art instruction. The ongoing collaboration between artists and the Heartwood community demonstrates the benefits of art as an integral part of our daily lives.
Artist Application
Once your completed application has been received, it will be reviewed by the UniHeART Gallery Committee. We are committed to highlighting local Ottawa area artists.
General Information
Security: Although Heartwood House provides as much security as possible, we cannot be responsible for any damage or theft of work.
Vernissage: We highly recommend the artist hosts a vernissage sometime during their 2 month art show. Most sales occur during a vernissage. All regular room rental fees (max 2 hours) are waived for your vernissage, as an added benefit to the artist.
Hanging Requirements: We ask for a minimum of 15 - 25 pieces of art (depending on size). Two artists can collaborate to host a show together, if needed.
Artist Biography & Contact Info: You will be asked to provide a short biography that highlights your work, your creative style and your history as an artist. This information will be posted in the gallery and on the Heartwood & Unitarian Fellowship websites. You will also need to provide your contact info so that interested buyers can contact you to arrange the sale.
Artwork Identification & Price List: Each art piece will need to be identified with a numbered label that corresponds to the price list you provide. The price list (8.5 x 11 ) should include the name of the piece, the art piece number and the price. This enables viewers to match the art hanging on the wall to its name and price.
Fees: There is a $30 Registration Fee due at the beginning of your show to help cover the costs of the gallery. We request 10% of your sales be donated back to Heartwood and a donation tax receipt will be issued for anything over $20.
Contact Nana Adu for more information - UniHeART Gallery Chair collaboration@heartwoodhouse.ca 613-795-9811