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David Thauberger (b. 1948)

David Thauberger is a Saskatchewan born contemporary artist recognized internationally for his paintings of prairie buildings, particularly the local architecture and cultural motifs of Saskatchewan. Thauberger obtained degrees in art from the University of Saskatchewan and California State University and his Master of Fine Art from the University of Montana. He worked primarily in ceramics until 1975. He was inspired by ceramic sculptor David Gilhooly, whom he met while a student at the University of Saskatchewan, to create works based on his own life and experience in Saskatchewan. Thauberger pursued his painting career based in Saskatchewan. In 1988, the Mackenzie Art Gallery in Regina organized a major national touring exhibition of Thauberger’s work.

The recipient of numerous awards, Thauberger was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2008 and of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2012. He has been recognized by the Lieutenant Governor’s Saskatchewan Artist Award (2009), the Queens Diamond Medal (2012) and a Canada 150 Award (2017). He was elected a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1997. Amongst his major commissions, Thauberger designed stamps for Canada Post in 1982 and 1992. Thauberger's work can be found in numerous collections, including the National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa), the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Art Gallery of Hamilton, Art Gallery of Ontario, Winnipeg Art Gallery. David Thauberger is also a supporter and collector of prairie folk art. He organized the first major exhibition of Saskatchewan folk art, “Grassroots Saskatchewan,” in 1976.