2024-16 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Still Summer?!

How lucky are we to be having such amazing weather in October! The colours of the trees here are stunning this year. I love the contrast of the bright yellow and the red/orange.

It seems like October has been going on forever. I’ve moved my studio into a new/old address, did a course on gelli printing, set up a solo show and have started new work that is exciting me. I get tired just telling you all that. My new knee is still not 100% but apparently that is the nature of a full replacement. Andy welcomes me with a sly grin and his famous phrase ‘Art is ANYTHING you can get away with’ . It’s a quote I live by and one of the few I remember. Thanks to Ingrie for the figure.

If your’e looking for a WE getaway look no further than Prince Edward County. While your’e there pop into Melt Studio and Gallery at 343 County Rd 22 and take in my solo show ‘Tell Me a Story’. It is on until Nov 3 and I plan to be there in the afternoon. I’d love to share the stories of my paintings and perhaps you will share some of your’s.

Don’t forget if your’e looking for awesome art closer to home here in Toronto, the Rust and Radiance show at the Jackalope gallery continues at 1558 Queen St E.

Fun with finger painting and gelli prints. I’ll be announcing my gelli printing workshop in the next email. It will be a beginner friendly class. Gelli printing uses a gelatin sheet to create prints using acrylic paints, inks, stencils and almost anything that can make a mark, including your fingers.

Rock on my friend,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

An example of what I’ve done with a gelli plate. It reminds me of my Mom. She loved pansies.

Hi Andy!

Melt Studio and Gallery

343 County Rd 22, Prince Edward County.
https://www.meltstudiogallery.com

2024-15 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Silly me!

After reading the previous message I just sent, you might be wondering if I was flying across the country to be able to actually attend all these events. This WE I will be at the MELT Gallery in Prince Edward county. Please tell all your county friends that the artist will be in attendance. Of course I love to see you if you are in the area. PEC is the perfect place to enjoy country roads, fine wines and awesome art.

With Gratitude,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

The Birth of Fragments..Zoey Zoric, Gail Williams, April Mackey

For a fundraiser for the Salt Spring National Art Prize.

saltspringartprize.ca/shop to bid online

Melt Studio and Gallery

Next we move to the east in Prince Edward County for the opening of my solo show ‘Tell Me a Story’ on Oct 12, 1-4. The show runs til Nov 3 at Melt Studio and Gallery

https://www.meltstudiogallery.com
343 County Rd 22, Prince Edward County

And then I have 3 pieces in the Rust and Radiance show at the Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E. here in Toronto.

I hope you take the opportunity to see my art work at one of these lovely galleries.

2024-14 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Happy Thanksgivng to you and your’s

Just a quickie today. I didn’t realize I have 3 events happening all at the same time until yesterday so I thought I’d send out everything altogether, so that at least you’ll know what I’m doing.

Starting way out on the west coast on Salt Spring Island. You may or may not know that I was a finalist in the prestigious Salt Spring National Art Prize competition in 2019. It’s actually the highlight of my career so far. I was asked if I would like to collaborate with 2 other Art Prize alumni to create an ‘Exquisite Corpse’ painting as a fundraiser. My art buddy Zoey Zoric here in Toronto painted the top 1/3 of the panel. I did the middle part and then we sent it to Salt Spring for artist April Mackey to complete the project. It was such a fun thing to do. Zoey’s part was covered when I did my part and then both of our’s was covered so April didn’t know what we’d done. You can check the entire collection and even make a bid on the online auction. Here is the completed artwork by Zoey, April and myself.

With Gratitude,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

2024-13 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Tell me that story..again please.

You’ve probably said that yourself when you were younger or perhaps there’s a little person in your life who says that to you. In any case, our lives are made of the stories we tell ourselves, the ones we create and the ones that are told to us. There are the happy ones, the sad ones and the soulful ones. One of my collector friends commented that my paintings are all about the story.

It’s no coincidence that my next solo show is called ‘Tell Me A Story’. As you look at some of my artworks the story that appears might be so obvious and in others, it takes a little digging. It also happens that the story you see is not at all what I saw when I completed that painting. It always makes my heart swell when I see the light of recognition in the viewers’ eyes.

Next Sat Oct 12, 1-4pm at Melt Studio and Gallery, I introduce you to ‘TELL ME A STORY’. Susan Wallis, owner of Melt, has created a unique venue in a former air force barracks in Prince Edward County. I’d love to hear what stories are brought up for you when you see what I have displayed.

We had a lovely gathering last week at the Jackalope Gallery and it was a little teary for me, but I am excited to be returning to my first studio at 7 Labatt Ave. My brain has been whirring with ideas and I can’t wait to have the time to devote to new explorations into the ‘twilight zone’ (as I sometimes think of my subconscious mind).

As I mentioned last time, I will be teaching some workshops at the Jackalope Gallery very soon. I’m excited to share with you my adventures with gelli printing. Stay tuned for details. I’m also putting together a no pressure ‘learn to draw’ class. You will be amazed at what you can do when I share the tricks and tips I plan to teach. 

BTW..I’ve just finished such a suberb book by Jeanette Winterson, ‘Written on the Body’. The images that she has conjured up are just waiting for exploration on canvas. If you’ve read something you adore, please let me know. I’m addicted to reading

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Melt Studio and Gallery, 343 County Rd 22, Prince Edward County.


https://www.meltstudiogallery.com

Tell Me A Story..Oct 10 - Nov 3.

Join ‘A Gathering of Friends’ at the OPENING on Sat Oct 12, 1-4pm

Thanks Mishel for sharing this photo of where you have hung ‘Motherlove’. I was so happy to see the light in your eyes when you spotted her. The beautiful painting on the other wall is by the artist Mishel. mishelschwartzart.com

Here’s an example of a gelli print. Please join me in having fun playing with the gellis. You’ll create your unique vision easily.

2024-12 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Back in the saddle again!

I know…I know… it’s been a minute since I’ve said hello and I’ve missed you. I’ve missed creating as well. Since taking on the duties of a gallerist as well as an artist I’ve been just a little busy and overwhelmed. Running a gallery, even with such a dynamic partner as Tracy, has taken it’s toll. I’ve decided that I would rather expend my energy on painting rather than all the duties that are needed to run a successful gallery. It was quite a ride and very exciting and gratifying, but not really what I truly want to do.

As of Oct 1, I will no longer be a partner at the Jackalope Gallery, but I will still continue to be one of the artists displaying my artwork there on a regular basis. I’m also planning to teach workshops there so I hope I will see you there in a class someday or as a visitor.

Tracy has organized a farewell party on Sun Sept 29 from 1-4. Please join us for coffee, tea and treats. It would be great to say thank you for all the support you have given the gallery and Tracy and I since March. I hope you will continue to show the gallery some love going forward.

This past August I was fortunate to spend in Thunder Bay. The weather was incredibly glorious. That month there was a Blue Moon and I’ve included a photo that serendipitously captures the stunning moonlit lake perfectly beneath the iconic Sleeping Giant.

Next month, I invite you down to trendy Prince Edward County for my newest show, ‘Tell Me A Story’. It will be held at Melt Studio and Gallery which is housed in an historic air force barrack in the former Camp Picton. The Opening party is on Sat. Oct 12, 1-4pm. My latest painting ‘King’ will join my collection of original art. I look forward to welcoming you to this unique venue.

If you follow on instagram you’ll see that I’m experimenting with gelli printing. It is fascinating and so far, frustrating to create something I’m happy with, but the process is starting to make sense. Very soon I’ll be offering workshops and I’d love to be able to share what I’ve learned

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

King

mixed media, 30x40 in

You are welcome to my solo show in Prince Edward County

https://www.meltstudiogallery.com

343 County Rd. 22, Prince Edward County

Sometimes it’s a good thing to wake up in the middle of the night.

2024-11 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

HOT time in the city but COOL at the JACK

Tracy and I are so grateful for all the support we have received from the artist community, the local neighbourhood and friends and family near and far, that we just had to celebrate with a fun afternoon of treats for you.

It’s this Sun June 23, noon to 5 at 1558 Queen St E.

In addition to our beautifully curated gallery of original paintings, we have the stunning photography of Felicity Somerset and the wonderful ceramics of Lynne Bywater, Silvana Michetti, and Karen Neeson.

Please join us for:

Coffee. Generously sponsored by Black Pony @blackponycafebar

Sweet treats.

Free draw for an art class with the talented Caoline Lesley.

The iconic JACK mug at a special discount.

Free art cards with any purchase over $50.

20% discount on all original Gail Williams and Tracy Davies paintings.

Can’t wait to see you.

Love,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

A Gathering of Friends waiting for you!

2024-10 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Hot off the press! 

You are exclusively invited.

WHAT: Customer Appreciation Day

WHERE: The Jackalope Gallery , 1558 Queen St E

WHEN: Sun June 23, 1-5pm.

WHAT’S THE DEAL: 20% off any Gail Williams original artwork if you have previously purchased an original painting.

We will also be having other fun shopping incentives when you visit the gallery on June 23.

Tracy and I have curated such a lovely show with photography by Felicity Somerset and ceramics by Lynne Bywater, Silvana Michetti and Karen Neeson. All their work is stunning.

Refreshments will be served. This is a FREE event.

At last I’ve finally got my print shop open! So of course I’m having an opening special. My printer uses archival paper and premium canvas and supports. This special offer is good til the end of June.

There are two sizes at the moment, but larger sizes are available. You can have an 8x10 in for only $35 (reg price is $50, or an 11x14 for $75 (reg price is $95). That is for a high quality print on paper. Prints on canvas on supports are also available. See below for the current series. I can also order any of my artworks as a print on paper or canvas as you desire.

It’s been ages since I’ve asked what you’re reading. Please…gimme. Need to find some new favourite authors.

I came across a youtube by one of my favourite authors, Fredrik Backman. He wrote ‘A Man Called Ove’ and quite a few others. All of which I love. Hope his northern sense of humour resonates with you. Please look up Fredrik Backman on Creative Anxiety and Procrastination. On youtube. It’s only 4 mins long. 

If you’ve ever thought you’d like to try your hand at painting in a fun, no judgement setting, please consider the Jackalope’s Paint Your Partner night. Bring a friend, a date, a relative and try your hand at painting their portrait. It is such a relaxed way to spend some time together. And the results are sure to give you a laugh. The next pop-up PAINT YOUR PARTNER is Friday, June 21, 7-9 at the Jackalope gallery. Register on the website. Easy peasy. Bring some friends and make it a double date.

$95 per couple, snacks included. 1558 Queen St E.

Hope to see you June 23 for some fun too.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

The Wallflower ,original 40x30 in, print 14x11 in and 10 x8 in

Homage to the Red Dress, original 24 x36in, print 11x14, and 8 x10 in

Mona Lisa’s Bird original, 36x24 in, print 14x11 and 10 x 8 in

Prince, original 36x24in, print 14 x11, and 10x8 in

A Gathering of Friends, original 40x30 in, Print 14x11 or 10x8in

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

  Ongoing..my art is in the window

• The G & T with Friends Show

  The Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E. Thurs-Sun noon-5

  Or by appt.

  On til June 30

2024-09 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

G & T with Friends

G & T …fooled you…not gin and tonic but even better…Gail and Tracy with Friends show opening night Fri May 31, 5-9 at the Jackalope Gallery at 1558 Queen St E. An exciting collection of paintings, photography and sculpture featuring our friends Felicity Somerset, Lynne Bywater, Silvana Michetti and Karen Neeson. This special art event is to celebrate the partnership of the Jack's gallerists and some specially invited friends whose work we know you will be eager to see.

My little trip to Newfoundland proved what I had thought about how northern Ontario and Newfoundland have a lot in common. Rocks, trees and big water. Except of course, the icebergs. We were lucky enough to see 2 but they were so far out, I would plan to take a boat tour the next time. And, I’d plan to go when lobster and tourist season is in full swing. 

The summer art scene is starting with an explosion of art shows. In addition to the gallery I am also in The Art Show, a super fun event hosted by the remarkable Peg Graham. She transforms her delightful home into a gallery every year with a wide range of treasures Sat June 1 and Sun June 2, 11 am - 6pm, benefitting Indspire which educates Indigenous youths. Please come to visit at 64A Queensbury Ave. Buy some art, have a refreshing bevie and enjoy the relaxed vibe Peg always serves up.

As you can imagine, running a gallery has occupied a lot of my energies. In addition to my personal painting schedule, we have started adding art classes and fun events to our roster. We had a very fun time with our inaugural Pop Up Paint Your Partner night and have another planned for Wed. June 5, 7-9. Leave your judgement at home and play along with us. Take home your original artwork as a momento of your fun date. Make it a double date and double the fun.

To register go to www.thejackalopegallery.ca and click on 'Workshops' 

FINALLY….Prints! I’ve finally decided on a printer and which pieces I’ll start offering prints of. I’ll debut them at the G & T. In addition, you’ll be able to order prints of any artwork you’ve loved but haven’t the budget for the original. I can’t wait to show these beauties.

As always, my deepest appreciation for your appreciation.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Hot off the easel…making her debut!

‘Should I stay or should I go now?’

Tracy and I look forward to visiting with you and G & T

Indoors and Out…always such a fun time

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

  Ongoing..my art is in the window

• G & T with Friends

  The Jackalope Contemporary Art Gallery

  1558 Queen St E, Toronto, Thurs - Sun 12-5. or by appt

• The Art Show, 64A Queensbury Ave (Warden/Kingston Rd)

  Sat June 1 and Sun June 2, 11-6pm

2024-08 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Icebergs &Whales & Puffins..OH MY !

I’ll bet you can guess where I’m headed! Newfoundland has long been on my list and I am so excited to finally get to experience the famous hospitality of the island. There’s bound to be some fiddle music and some great fish dinners too.

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, my newsletter schedule has been put on the back burner in the last few months as I integrate the work of being a galleriest into my art making time. The Jackalope Gallery has been occupying a lot of my efforts as we establish our gallery as a key player in the Toronto art scene. We’re not Yorkville and don’t intend to be, but Tracy and I have big plans. The support of artists and the community has been overwhelming and we are both honoured to be entrusted with working with artists who deserve to be recognized.

The JOY show that is now on at the Jackalope, 1558 Queen St E is stellar. There are several of my pieces on the walls. ‘The Tall Trees are Listening’ is waiting in the entry hall for your enjoyment as is ‘Watermelon Anyone?’ Let me know when you are planning your visit and I will do my best to be there.

You might want to add ‘The Artist Talks’ at the Jackalope Gallery to your events. The last one was quite inspiring. The date is TBA.

As well I’ve been working on some new pieces for an exciting show that Tracy and I are planning for the Jack.

Thanks so much for reading and supporting my artistic journey.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Watermelon Anyone? a fun abstract, 20 x 20 in, ready to hang

‘The Tall Trees are Listening’ might be just that perfect addition to your space. 30 x 40 in

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

  Ongoing..my art is in the window

• The JOY show

  The Jackalope Gallery, 1558 Queen St E

  April 26 - May 25

2024-07 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Come Play With Me!

Are you up for some fun in the sandbox? Next Wednesday, April 17, 6:00 to 8:30 we’re playing with beautiful alcohol inks on yupo paper at the newest gallery in Toronto, the Jackalope Art Gallery, 1558 Queen St. E. It’s a few short blocks west of Coxwell.

We’re offering this totally beginner friendly class at a low introductory price of $95.00 with all supplies included. The teacher is the fabulous local artist Rea Kelly. This is our first of many workshops and we are honoured to have Rea start out with this one. It will be a small intimate class held in our beautiful new gallery. 

I really hope you can make it. We’ve made it super easy to register.

Go to www.thejackalopegallery.ca and click on ‘workshops’. If you have any questions, please send them along.

If you have some suggestions for classes I’m all ears!

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

  Ongoing..my art is in the window

2024-06 Living Artfully with Gail

Hello Dear Art Lover

Rushing the Seasons

Do you do this? As soon as there’s a hint of warm weather..crocuses popping up, guys in shorts, birds singing and I start thinking it’s summer already and completely bypass Spring. Not that I don’t love Spring. I guess it’s partly because where I was brought up there was always snow on the ground til the end of April. What triggered me this year was a painting I did called ‘Watermelon Anyone?’ I can smell that sweet fragrance and feel those sticky juices as I spit the seeds out just looking at it. I’ve added it today to tempt you too. Enjoy. 

You know that I have been distracted from actual painting for a bit by my knee replacement which is healing slowly but surely and with my focus on the gallery that my friend Tracy and I have been busy setting up. 

The Jackalope Contemporary Art Gallery, 1558 Queen St E had an amazing opening and wonderful support. If you haven’t made it there yet, not to worry. We are creating more opportunities for your artistic pleasure. On Sun April 7, 1-3pm we are hosting our first ARTIST TALK where 10 of our 50 artists will share their creative genius and inspiration. It is a FREE EVENT and I invite you to come out and meet local artists. 

Next up is our first of many workshops to come. Rea Kelly will be teaching how to use alcohol inks on synthetic paper. It is a fun beginner friendly class learning how to use these non-toxic inks. All supplies are provided for the low introductory price of $95.00 +tax. Sign up easily @thejackalopegallery.ca website under workshops. Personally I can’t wait to try them.

If you really want to support the Jack in a low cost way, we also have Jack merch and a lay-a-way plan…just sayin’. And also of course, come for a visit and see our regularly changing collections.

We have just put out a call for our next show which is called JOY. Please consider how you experience joy and perhaps tell your artist friends about our delightful new space. We know it will be a joyful event.

Hoppin along with the Jackalope,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Watermelon Anyone?

Bring your questions please

Joy submissions are open

Visit @thejackalopegallery.ca to sign up

Merch is always fun at the Jack

Join Rea at the Jack to play along in the big room

Go to @thejackalopegallery.ca to sign up

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

  Ongoing..my art is in the window

• COURAGE (on til April 12)

  The Jackalope Contemporary Art Gallery

  1558 Queen St E, Just west of Coxwell Ave.

2024-05 Living Artfully with Gail

HELLO DEAR ART LOVER

AN AVANLANCHE OF ART

Hope you’ve been doing well. It looks like there are only a few weeks of possible snow days left. Maybe we’ll be really lucky and get away with it this year. I do love the snow but with having had my knee replacement, I am grateful I didn’t have to deal with ice. I had the staples removed today at Michael Garron Hospital by a very kind nurse, Martin. He only hurt me a little. They’ve got this program down to a fine art. I was in and out in under 10 minutes.

This past month and a half I have not put one bit to paint on a canvas and my fingers are itching to get them covered. I have a lovely new studio at the gallery with a huge window….at last. Somebody must like me.

As per the subject of this letter, we have had an avalanche of art from across the country come into the gallery. It is quite humbling that so many artists are entrusting us with their work.. Over 50 artists are showing at the Jackalope Contemporary Art Gallery, 1558 Queen St. E, ( just west of Coxwell) Tracy and I have been working overtime to get the space ready for the big party next Sat Mar 16, 5-9. You are invited to join us to meet the artists, but if you can’t make it, the show runs til April 12. Our regular hours are Thurs- Sun, 12-5 or by appointment.

As always I am deeply grateful for your support. Pls let me know when you want to visit and I’ll make sure I’ll be there. Tracy and I will be sharing gallery open hours.

Rock on,

Gail

YOUR HOME + YOUR STYLE + MY ART

Tracy and I are in the March 5th issue of Beach Metro News

Gallery Hours

Thurs - Sun , 12-5pm or by appointment

Someone needs to clean that door!

Our favourite handyman Gilbert makes sure the ramp is safe

Our handsome handyman installing our beautiful banner

YOU ARE INVITED…

• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery, 18 Court St, Thunder Bay

Ongoing..my art is in the window

• The Jackalope Contemporary Art Gallery,

1558 Queen St E,

Grand Opening Sat Mar 16, 5-9pm