Featured Artist - June 2023

In June began this series with President, Gary Fournier who answered some questions about the rich art history of Artsbridge and about his own artistic talents. Gary keeps the wheels turning beautifully for our organization ever since he took this position in 2019.

Even when programs were not running in person in 2020-21, we met online and Gary continued to work with vigor behind the scenes to ensure that our organization was ready when we were able to resume together. In the past couple of years, Gary and the Board have planned exhibits and new events in an effort to bring members together to share their art and stories with the public. Along with co-members, we are collaborating with great enthusiasm, creativity and energy. He has been a member since 2018 after finding Artsbridge on Facebook and felt he had an opportunity to advance his work as a member of an art organization. Find out more about our president & artist, Gary David Fournier and his thoughts and recollections about Artsbridge as an organization over the past 30 years to now.

I know it was originally started by Ty Hodanish. (Ty served as president of Artsbridge for a number of years and was an award winning artist, teacher and mentor, and known for plein air painting. Ty started his career in public service and then had art studios in Sergeantsville and later Stockton, NJ. He was heralded as one Bucks County’s 10 most interesting people by a local magazine. ) I’d seen some of his work on line and realized the Delaware River art scene was where I could learn from some very talented artists.
What inspires or motivates you to create and paint?
I’m inspired by the color, scenes, creatures sounds and smells of nature. Waves crashing, a stream gurgling through rocks, the smell of flowers and pine trees all grab my senses and send me to my studio.
Do you have a first moment that made you realize you had a talent and interest in art?

My first moment was in my senior year in high school. We had an art show and the librarian loved my piece “Worlds Fair” (collage of exhibits at the fair) Our school band played at the open ending ceremony in 1964 in Flushing, New York. She bought it; my first exhibit and first sale!
What influences have you had in your artistic career?
I’ve been influenced by many famous artists, primarily Claude Monet. Impressionism is my favorite form but I love all forms. My style is a mix of Impressionism and Realism. I’m also much influenced by family and friends as well of course, other artists who continue to express interest in my work; a good motivator!

About Gary~

Gary’s artistic journey began in High School where he excelled in oils, watercolor and the potter’s wheel. College art was interrupted by Vietnam and 4 years of Naval service, including 2 years of duty in Vietnam. After Vietnam, he married, started a family, went to college, and began a very demanding 40+ year career in the environmental engineering industry, and traveled the world working for several global engineering companies.

Gary’s art provides an opportunity to express himself. After many years in all levels of management in the business world, being able to express himself offers a relief from the confines of organizational structure and peer pressure. Inspired by nature and the natural world, landscape, seascapes and animal life are his typical subjects. Gary loves impressionism and combines it with realism as his own style. Gary studied art while attending Empire State University, SUNY at Plattsburgh NY where his art focus was art history, drawing and watercolor.