Gabrielle Abbott is an award-winning public artist who paints large-scale murals for urban spaces.
Her practice is rooted in social awareness, public engagement, and equitable representation. Through community partnerships, she brings creative empowerment to underserved spaces. Previous clients include Seattle Art Museum, Bellevue Art Museum, and the Hague City Government (NL).
Gabrielle received classical training in portraiture from the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, and an MFA from the University of the Arts, London. She currently exhibits nationally and works from her studio on Vashon Island, WA.
“At age 20, I moved to Italy to pursue training in classical oil painting. While there, I discovered “street painting,” and the course of my career was radically altered. For the following three years, I traveled around Europe, recreating famous paintings for tips. Busking taught me how to work fast and large. Copying the old masters taught me draftsmanship. Most importantly, by transforming dreary sidewalks into activated spaces, I learned the power of public art.
Upon returning to the states to pursue a BA degree (with a focus on social justice), I realized murals were my calling. The medium allows me to marry my passions for public art and social change. In the past ten years, I’ve led over 30 participatory mural projects in my local community and am known for historical murals emphasizing untold stories or previously silenced voices.”
MEDIA BUZZ:
Lynnwood Today, “South Lynnwood Park mural celebrates native plants, wildlife,” 2020
Komo News, “Chalk artists from all over the world transform Redmond Town Center,” 2019
Shoreline News, “La Madonnara Creates Chalk Art in Shoreline as part of Arts al Fresco,” 2014
The Seattle Times, “Painting the Walls of Garfield High with History,” 2012
Bellevue Reporter, “Chalk Art Tradition Continues at the Bellevue Arts Festival,” 2012.