ARTIST STATEMENT
I dislike the rough and grainy texture of a new canvas. To prepare my canvas, I recycle leftover paint from my last painting. Every painting I make builds on the past while telling a new story. I feel it is my responsibility, as an artist and member of my community, to uplift, encourage, and engage with those around me. Through expressive brushwork and bold color, I aim to capture the individuality and essence of each person I paint.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Bree Gilliam is a figurative painter from Buffalo, NY. Gilliam attended SUNY Buffalo State University where she received a B.F.A. in painting and a minor in art therapy. In 2023, Gilliam was selected as an artist-in-residence at Hunt Art Gallery. Her work has been featured in many museums and galleries in Western New York, including Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, Burchfield Penney Art Center, and Buffalo Arts Studio. In 2026, she completed a mural, Bright Days, in collaboration with Buffalo AKG Art Museum and Evergreen Health Services at 3070 Bailey Avenue. Gilliam has received over ten academic awards and scholarships during her time at Buffalo State. In 2026, she was a recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Grant for Support for Artists.
© Bree Gilliam