The University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Blake Library Gallery is featuring “Couleur de la Vallée,” an exhibit of artwork by local artist Gert Thibodeau, through the month of May.
Couleur de la Vallée showcases paintings where the artist explores a new style of figurative art. Thibodeau said this new way of painting opens a world of greater expression, allowing more freedom and satisfaction for her soul.
Gert Thibodeau’s creative process uses more vivid, brilliant colors that excite the viewer’s mood. Her paintings portray a three-dimensional interpretation that depends on the presence of light to define form and create shadows – elements that significantly affect composition.
Thibodeau said, “Art would not exist without light. The key is strong, bright, and colorful light.”
A “Meet the Artist” event will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Blake Library Gallery. The event is free and open to the public.
Gert Thibodeau is a French-Canadian artist born in Clair, New Brunswick. She was an art instructor for more than forty years teaching children and adults through numerous schools and private classes.
She attends many yearly exhibits, including the Rendez-vous des artistes in St. Leonard, New Brunswick. This exhibit is the largest gathering of juried painters and sculptors of Eastern Canada. She has received numerous educator and artist awards and has sold work that has travelled across borders. Thibodeau is a member of the Saint John Valley Artists.
Having a great admiration for nature, Thibodeau said, “Painting the Saint John Valley landscape fulfills my ability to create new works, capturing the Valley’s exquisite beauty full of color and light.” She believes that art is the highest expression of beauty that God created and she is humbled by her gift to share the beauty of art with the world.
For more information on the exhibit or library hours, please contact Gallery Curator Sofia Birden at 834-7527.