Controversy over excrement art exhibit

OTTAWA, June 13 (UPI) -- A Canadian art show that features excrement on a gallery wall has created controversy over funding, the Ottawa Sun reported Friday.

On June 19, Ottawa's SAW Gallery will open Scatalogue: 30 Years of Crap in Contemporary Art. The five-week show is a multimedia interactive exhibition dedicated to excrement.

That's raised the ire of Member of Parliament Chuck Strahl, disturbed the gallery receives $50,000 (CAD$72,000) in federal funding every two years from the Canada Council for the Arts.

"It's the kind of thing that drives taxpayers crazy," Strahl said.

The city also provides the gallery with $26,500 (CAD$38,000) annually in operating funds.

Curator Stefan St-Laurent, who runs the gallery with his twin brother Jason, thought things might eventually hit the fan.

"At least people are talking about art," he said.