𝗚𝗢 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗨𝗥𝗘: 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗔𝗞 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗟𝗜𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬

May 1 -- 31 2025

OAK HARBOR, WA - The Oak Harbor Public Library is pleased to present a new exhibition of works by acclaimed Whidbey Island collage artist GJ Gillespie. The exhibition, featuring a collection of 13 abstract figurative works will be on display in the library gallery from May 1 through May 31, 2025.

Gillespie, who works from his 1928 Tudor Revival farmhouse overlooking Oak Harbor, transforms everyday materials—colored tissue, disassembled newsprint, and grocery advertisements—into compelling abstract compositions that reference art history while creating new contextual meanings.

"My goal is to create individuations of universal imagery that seem mysterious in new contexts," says Gillespie. "Rather than venturing into a world of totally original designs, I try to 'stand on the shoulders of giants' and riff on cultural icons."

The exhibition includes notable works such as "Can't Help Myself," recently selected for publication by MEMEZINE Literary Magazine, and "She's Come Undone," a Finalist Award winner in Sunspot Literary Magazine's "Inception" art contest. Other highlights include "Man Disguised as Spirit," which has been exhibited at the Bellevue Arts Museum, and his newest cubist figure "Everyone Knows Its Windy."

A prolific and accomplished artist, Gillespie has received 22 awards and exhibited in 69 shows across Washington, British Columbia, Mississippi, and Arizona. His work has appeared in more than 186 art and literary publications.

When not in his studio, Gillespie channels his passion for art into Leda Art Supply, his company specializing in premium sketchbooks for fellow artists.

The public is invited to view this exhibition during regular library hours from May 1-31, 2025. For more information, please contact the Oak Harbor Public Library.

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