Gibson’s Gallery: A Home for Art in Albert Beach
Krista Gibson - Gibson’s Gallery
by Will Fawley
Albert Beach is now home to a vibrant new space for art enthusiasts and creators with the opening of Gibson’s Gallery on May 18. Founded by local artist Krista Gibson, this space is an incredible addition to the area that is a must-see for artists and art lovers alike.
Krista Gibson: A Journey with Glass
Krista Gibson's journey into the world of art began seven years ago when she took a stained-glass course that ignited her passion for glasswork. Inspired by the natural beauty of the beaches area where she resides, Krista’s creations are a testament to her love for the environment and her innovative spirit. Her artwork includes intricate stained-glass panels and fused glass landscapes set in birchbark. Krista often breathes new life into vintage dishes and incorporates them into her pieces, reflecting her passion for repurposing materials. Her diverse portfolio also includes mosaics on upcycled doors and windows, ornaments, and greeting cards, all crafted from recycled glass.
Krista's creative journey and the support of her family—her husband Pete, their two amazing kids, and two adorable dogs—have culminated in the opening of Gibson’s Gallery. The Gibsons moved to the beaches in 2020 and have since embraced the local community and its natural beauty.
Gibson’s Gallery: A Space for Community and Creativity
Located on Saffie Road in Albert Beach, MB, across from Saffies General Store, Gibson’s Gallery has its own parking lot, and offers a wide range of art featured by eight different local artists. The gallery, formerly known as the Summer Shack, is divided into a main gallery and a porch area, creating a welcoming environment for visitors to take in the art.
The gallery will also host occasional workshops and scheduled art classes for residents and visitors, fostering a space for art lovers to explore their own creativity.
A Diverse Range of Local Talent
While Krista's glasswork is a highlight, Gibson’s Gallery also showcases the talents of several other local artists:
Krissy Ryhorchuk, an oil painter inspired by nature, captures the essence of animals, plant life, and landscapes in her vibrant works.
Patrick LeMadec brings varied subject matter to life through water-soluble oils, acrylics, and watercolors, offering everything from realistic local scenes to semi-impressionistic renditions.
Carly Lowen is renowned for her stunning photographs that showcase the beauty of Manitoba, capturing moments that resonate deeply with viewers.
Kevin McKay of Bayshore Gifts in Glass specializes in glassblowing and flame-work, creating exquisite glass cremation art.
Barbara Batulla, a summer resident of Grand Beach, has been creating and selling her pottery for almost 20 years. Her hand-built and wheel-thrown pieces are inspired by the natural themes and colours of the forest and lake.
Pattie Fernie of Lake Gal Artworks creates fine art mixed media paintings and whimsical canvases influenced by her love of texture, incorporating many layers of paint, collage bits, and acrylic mediums.
Judy LeRoye of JJ Designs is a Métis beader who grew up in Northern Manitoba and makes jewellery with high-quality products such as glass beads and Swarovski crystals, drawing from her heritage and experiences.
The gallery will also feature other talented artists going forward, so check back throughout the season!
Visit Gibson’s Gallery
Krista and the team at Gibson’s Gallery invite you to visit and experience the incredible array of art and creativity that this new space brings to Albert Beach. Gibson’s Gallery will be open every weekend from now through June, starting July 1 through the October long weekend, it will be open from Thursday through Sunday.
Additionally, a special "Holiday Pop-Up" event is planned for November 30, December 1, 7, and 8, offering unique holiday gifts and decorations.
The gallery will also participate in the Boreal Shores Art Tour on August 17 and 18, featuring registered artists and providing a fantastic opportunity for art lovers to discover new works.
