Art Directory

GVAL

In 2003, The Gilbert Visual Artists’ League (GVAL) was started as a part of the Gilbert Fine Arts Association (GFAA). The purpose of the organization was to promote visual and performing arts within the community. From 2003 to 2005, GVAL operated under the umbrella of the GFAA and was directed by Chuck Lambson and Tammy Cowden. In the summer of 2006, Georgia Mulholland, Lana Leibow, Helen Marquardt, and Andy Kirchberg separated GVAL into a non-profit 501-C 3 organization in order to focus on just the visual fine arts. GVAL was incorporated July 10, 2006.

Since its creation, the league’s mission has been to promote and support the visual arts within the Gilbert, AZ metropolitan area. GVAL holds several art shows a year that are open to the public. Since 2003 GVAL has hosted an annual juried fine arts show and invited artists from the community, the Phoenix area and beyond. Each year the show has grown and has attracted the participation of fine artists from members and community alike. GVAL also sponsors an exhibition that is open to members only. In addition, a mini 5X7 show is organized each year as a fundraiser and draws over 200 original paintings from league members.

Ground Floor Artists was founded by Kelley Smith and Padraic Murphy as a place for artists to gather and create. Phoenix West Valley has many talented artists. Some are just emerging, some are mid career change, yet others are retired and perusing their passion. There are several barriers for artists in Phoenix West Valley. Many young artists coming from an academic setting find that they no longer have access to state of the art equipment after leaving school. Another segment are those artists that have an interest in learning a new medium or technique, mid career artists, hobbyists and retirees. They are looking to produce printed art projects, sculptures, jewelry, metal work, ceramics and other mediums without a large capital investment in equipment and space. Cost of equipment can be prohibitive. Owning specialized equipment for individual use can take years to justify the expense. Space to produce their creations can be expensive and not conducive to producing their art. Artists are seldom good business people, their focus is on creating, they need support and mentoring in understanding the business of art. The final barrier for most artists is the fact that they need other artists around them to develop ideas, learn new techniques, and find community and others with similar interest in art. Ground Floor Artists center is the place where these barriers are addressed through support staff, affordable collaborative workspaces and state of the art equipment that is available for all members.

Gypsies Never Die
Eclectic, surreal and evocative are what people are saying regarding the paintings of Tabatha Hutchins. She has gleaned inspiration from the urban hubs of cities both across America and abroad. Her clever use of subjects of human nature and wildlife mixed with cold concrete cityscapes, bring harsh reality to life and gives breath to her art. The characters she creates on her canvases are not only done so by the acrylics she uses, but mainly by the imagination of those who view them.

HC Gilmore, Dimensional Fired Art

In my paintings I try to put on canvas the beauty of nature, of places visited, landscapes and seascapes, sometimes even personal dream landscapes, abstracts and fantasy images. I try to capture the fascination , the beauty, the vibration and brilliance of colour. To put this spontaneous experience on canvas, is not only a great challenge but also expresses my positive attitude towards life itself.