Art at The Place
The foyer, in the main building at Fairfield Community Place, serves as gallery space with the intention of displaying artwork from local artists. Since its inception in 2014, colourful paintings, pictures and installations have decorated the centre’s walls. We strive to feature artists who align with the FGCA’s organization values.
2025 Artist Application
Current Exhibit
December 2 – January 2
Although my paintings are mostly abstract, I find inspiration in nature, and the interplay of colours and shapes of objects in my environment. My work expresses movement and an energy of joy, harmony, and enthusiasm. The emphasis is on exploration and discovery as I tune in, create a dialogue with the painting, and connect with what is unfolding. I often incorporate vibrant colours, bold brush work and gestural marks in my work expressing a sense of freedom and spontaneity. Working through the layers, I become more discerning as the painting comes together as a whole. In addition to a background in science and psychology, I have always been drawn to the expressive and healing components of art and the creative process.
Painting brings me joy, and it is my hope that my artwork brings joy to
others as well.
Past Exhibitors
November 4 – 29
Artist Bio
Noah Gilroy (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist residing on the unceded lands of the W̱SÁNEĆ, Songhees and Esquimalt nations. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (Political Science) from the University of Victoria and have studied a multitude of creative practices independently since childhood. Noah’s formal education in political science, social justice and gender studies influences their artistic work as they explore themes of sustainability, gendered creative practice, environmental preservation, and others.
Noah’s primary creative outlet is currently contemporary fibre art woven by hand on a frame loom. Noah discovered contemporary weaving in 2017 as a healing practice and continues to enthusiastically explore new experimental techniques to push the boundaries of what is possible on a canvas of thread. They work exclusively with biodegradable or recycled materials to minimize environmental impact.
To purchase an existing piece or request a commission, email Noah at mossandarrow@gmail.com.
To follow along with Noah’s creative journey, check out @noahweaves on Instagram.
October 2 – November 1st
Artist Bio
Moss Rock Art Collective is a small group of women creating art on Vancouver Island. Kim Hardy, Madeline Ryan, and Victoria Mazza-Sinclair were friends who enjoyed doing art together casually over the years and formed the collective in 2023. It started as a social endeavour, turned into an almost therapeutic event, and soon the group was creating art almost daily.
Kim specializes in mixed media process art, while Maddie is passionate for playful mark-making and water colours, and Victoria prefers to relinquish control through fluid painting and inks. As a group their pieces are sure to surprise and delight!
You will find their art is abstract, colourful, experimental, whimsical and generally uplifting. Their approach to art is not about producing art but about enjoying the process of creating it.
September 4th – October 1st
Artist Bio
Paula Nasmith is a multidisciplinary artist based out of Victoria, British Columbia. Her paintings and illustrations depict hidden worlds, places of mystery, enchantment, and magic. Her mission through her work is to inspire imagination and curiosity. She has illustrated four picture books for children, and displayed her artwork in numerous shows around Vancouver Island. Her work is deeply inspired by nature, and her art practice includes frequent walks in the forest.
August 6 – September 3rd
Artist Bio
I take an expressionist approach to my paintings, tapping the energy that meets between an inner and outer world. Nature reflects stories of light and dark; stillness and movement and my art is a connection and exploration of that dance, exploring what it feels like to be alive. A poem between the natural world and humanity; Channeling the love languages of the world into brush strokes that ask us to slow down, looks inwards and meet ourselves wherever we’re at
July 8th – August 2nd
Artist Bio
I have a deep fascination and appreciation for various art forms, including films, literature, and contemporary art. It is the magic essence inherent in these forms that primarily inspires my creative process. One of my goals as an artist is to create work that captures a sense of continuation, as if it were recording an existing moment in time. I strive to evoke emotions and tell stories through my art. I invite viewers to connect with the narratives I present. By blending my passion for different art forms, I aim to create visually compelling pieces that resonate with others on a profound level
June 5th – July 5th
Artist Bio
Almost all of my paintings are inspired by local landscapes around Victoria, BC, but I also draw from scenes I’ve encountered elsewhere. Although landscape is my current subject matter, I think my paintings are more so representations of me processing our complex, sometimes overwhelming world. The results are often emotional, energetic, sometimes wild, and sometimes calm and reflective.
I tend to lean into expressive brushwork, vibrant colour palettes, abstracted forms, and strong compositions. I’m a professional writer by day, and at night, the non-lingual, embodied process of mixing colours and playing with paint feeds my soul.
Jennifer Cameron
May 6 – June 3
Artist Bio
I have been creating art since I can remember and have recently been exploring the art of relief printing. I love the beautiful textured surfaces created with ink and paper. Much of my inspiration comes from spending time in nature, including my own garden. All of my work is carved and printed in my own home studio in Victoria.
Mara Szyp
April 3rd – May 3rd
Artist Bio
Mara Szyp is an emerging Argentinian-Canadian artist and three time cancer survivor. She specializes in West Coast landscape and contemporary abstract. Her preferred medium is oil. She now dedicates herself full time to art and creates evocative pieces that transport viewers to the unique beauty of coastal environments.
Caron Smith
March 5 – April 2
Artist Bio
My name is Caron Smith and I am an artist working with oil paint on canvas or soft pastels on paper. Painting en plein air with the local “Al Frescoes” painting group has greatly influenced my art. I also paint in my shared studio in Fairfield, and at a life drawing group in Metchosin. Bold mark making is characteristic of my style. My goal is to enliven one’s sense and to convey my appreciation of our natural world – from landscapes to the human form.
Please feel free to look at my paintings at www.caronsmith.com or on Instagram @caron.smith.art
Bruna Silva
February 1 – March 1
Artist Bio
“My name is Bruna, I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Canada 4 years ago. Ive always enjoyed making art, its been a passion and hobby since I was little. I am a self-taught artist and moving to Canada got me inspired to continue exploring my art, improving and trying new medias.I appreciate all the support I get and I am always open for commissions and new ideas. Reach me out on my instagram page @_brunasart.”
January 3 – 31st
Artist Bio
Ashley Chun is a Korean-Canadian self-taught artist based in Victoria, BC. Ever since she can remember, she was drawing, painting, and visioning. Growing up with an artist mother, her childhood was filled with creativity in all corners of her life.
She paints in a contemporary style, and is drawn to deep romantic colour palettes. Her art is inspired by the emotions of life’s warm moments.