"The Colours of My World" on exhibit at Gibson Gallery through April 27

The work of Deborah McAllister is on exhibit at The Gibson Gallery through April 27. An opening reception was last Sunday afternoon.

Essex County artist Deborah McAllister and her paintings are the subject of the latest exhibit at The Gibson Gallery.

“The Colours of My World” is on exhibit at the gallery through April 27. A total of 38 pieces are hung around the gallery, most of which are acrylic and watercolour paintings. McAllister said most of her work is done in acrylics or watercolours, though she has worked in oils before.

“It’s really a combination of my hobby art since I retired about 15 years ago,” she said.

McAllister worked as a school principal and has pivoted to art since she retired.

“I’ve always loved art and beautiful things,” said McAllister. “It was a visit to a coffee shop that led me to a LaSalle fine artist.”

McAllister, also a LaSalle resident, pointed out the fine artist she met was Dennis K. Smith. Smith teaches art classes as well as exhibits his own work, with Smith being involved in group and solo exhibitions in the past at the Gibson Gallery and Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

Not only does McAllister paint under the guidance and support of Smith, she said she also enjoys painting alongside other area artists. It was with Smith’s encouragement that she applied to the Gibson Gallery to have an exhibit.

“He said every artist should have a solo show,” said McAllister, adding he was the impetus to have the exhibit.

After she submitted three samples of her work, she was accepted to have her exhibit as part of the 2025 season.

“This is really exciting for me. I guess I’m an artist,” she said with a laugh. 

“The Colours of My World” has been in the works for about one year, McAllister added. Since being accepted, she has worked on the framing and wiring for the frames in addition to creating enough art for the exhibit. She credited volunteers and staff with the Gibson Gallery for helping her along the way.

“They’ve done a great job in putting everything up and showcasing my art,” she stated.

A large crowd attended McAllister’s opening reception last Sunday afternoon at the gallery. She said family and friends from as far as Toronto attended the reception.

“It’s really overwhelming and humbling that everyone would come to see my work,” she said.

Future plans are to “just to continue painting and doing what I love,” McAllister added. 

“It’s been fun. It’s really a retirement hobby,” she said.

The name of the exhibit comes from her putting a lot of colour in her paintings and watching how they play off of one another. 

The Gibson Gallery is located at 140 Richmond St. in Amherstburg. It is open in the spring from Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.gibsongallery.org or call 519-736-2826.

"The Colours of My World" on exhibit at Gibson Gallery through April 27

By Ron Giofu