Meet our Studio Artist Gabrielle Strong at First Friday May 2
The Caetani Centre is once again taking part in the First Friday Art Trail. The next event takes place on May 2nd from noon to 4 p.m.
The Centre gallery will open for our continued exhibition, Creating Space - Artists of Caetani, and will also have the doors open to the Heriot Studio for the public to meet with our longtime studio artist Gabrielle Strong.
Gabrielle (she/her) is a full-time studio artist and part-time art instructor at the Vernon Community Art Centre. A graduate of Emily Carr University, her practice is split between painting, ceramics and public art. Prior to attending ECUAD, she spent five years travelling to over 70 countries on all seven continents by sea, leaving her with a deep connection to the ocean. Those years at sea left their mark and coupled with twenty years living on the West Coast, she is forever drawn to themes of water, weather and sky, which recur throughout her art practice.
Originally from Vancouver, Gabrielle came to Vernon as the first Caetani ceramic artist-in-residence in 2015, which ultimately led her to make the Okanagan her home permanently. Following her residency, she coordinated the Caetani AiR program, further solidifying her connection to the Centre. In 2017 as part of Canada 150, Gabrielle was awarded a major public art commission by the Government of Canada, City of Vernon and Downtown Vernon Association to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary, whereby she enlisted the community to help create an over 100-foot long winding river mosaic in downtown Vernon.
More recently, Gabrielle has exhibited her paintings solo at Gallery Vertigo and at the Peachland Art Gallery. Her paintings are represented by Ashdale Gallery and PXP Contemporary.
Gabrielle is currently showing the works she created 10 years ago during the her Caetani ceramic artist residency as part of the Creating Space - Artists of Caetani exhibition currently on display in the gallery.
The Caetani gallery, Heriot studio, and the Caetani House museum and gift shop will be open during the First Friday Art Trail May 2 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.
We are located at 3401 Pleasant Valley Road just south of the 35th Avenue roundabout. Please note that the intersection at Pleasant Valley Road and 39th Avenue is closed due to construction. Please use detours.
The First Friday Art Trail is a free event that takes place on the first Friday of every month. The public is welcome to explore neighbourhoods, meet the artists in their studios, learn about their work, and participate in a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and connection.
For more information on all First Friday participants and to see a map of all locations along the art trail, please visit firstfridayokanagan.com.
Caetani studio artist Gabrielle Strong will have her studio open during the next First Friday Art Trail on May 2nd.
