Associate creative director by day, dedicated painter by night, Pat Gabriel is one multi-talented GCGer.
Pat was one of 49 artists selected to participate in Preservation is the Art of the City, or PAC for short (let’s face it, everyone loves an acronym). The annual art show and sale is hosted by Historic Fort Worth, a local organization headquartered just around the corner from GCG’s office. For about three weeks each year, PAC offers gallery-goers a chance to purchase artwork while learning about the importance of preserving our city’s historic landmarks. The show is also a great way for local artists to promote their work.
How do I know so much about PAC? It’s simple: I’m also involved in the event. Instead of being a featured artist like Pat, I help out by selling the art. It may not be glamorous work, but trust me, this gig comes with its perks — I get to brandish a giant red clipboard and stick dots on the “sold” paintings. Feel free to be jealous.
Although my job was cool, it’s the artists who get all the glory — and for good reason. The gallery was a visual wow-fest with artwork of every shape, size and subject. Many of the artists submitted pieces with a preservation focus for the “Stories of the City” exhibit. Most of Pat’s featured artwork showcased well-known landmarks and played off the theme of driving around town. And let me tell you, from desert drives to Fort Worth dives, this guy can paint just about anything. In fact, Pat’s so good that most people have a hard time distinguishing his creations from actual photographs. (Seriously, try it for yourself: Here’s one of his latest works. Crazy, huh?)
There were plenty of people eying Pat’s artwork at the show. In fact, six of his pieces were snatched up the moment the art sale began. (I had to deal with several disappointed people who were hoping to land an original Gabriel). He was also honored as the recipient of the Gail and Bill Landreth Award in memory of Gene Owens. “Historic Fort Worth goes to great lengths to make this a fantastic opportunity for every participating artist. I feel lucky to have been involved,” Pat told me. And this all happened at his debut at PAC — talk about making a great first impression!
As for me, I had a fabulous time just observing the scene. Fort Worth art fanatics munched on finger foods and sipped on vino while perusing local artists’ wares. Proceeds from the artwork benefit Historic Fort Worth and help fund preservation projects around the city. Really, who can resist that statement piece when it’s for a good cause?
Since I’ve been going on and on about this amazing event, I bet you’re thinking, Gosh, I’m sorry I missed it. We’re sorry, too — but don’t worry, PAC will be back in a year. And there’s even more good news: Pat plans on participating again. We’ll give you a heads-up next September so you can head on down to the Fort Worth Community Arts Center and catch the show. There will be plenty of crab cakes and wine samples, but the most important thing is that there will be lots of amazing pieces to view and purchase.
For now, you can motor on over to patgabriel.com to take a gander at Pat’s work. If you find that you love Pat’s paintings as much as we do, you’re in luck: He still has several amazing pieces for sale.
Despite his love of painting, Pat doesn’t plan on quitting his day job anytime soon — and that’s good news for us. We’re proud to have such a talented guy on our GCG team.
