Michelle Gazely is an oil painter based in Smithers, British Columbia. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1974, she began oil painting at age seventeen. She earned a fine arts diploma from Kwantlen Polytechnic University in 1995 and a graphic design and illustration diploma from Capilano University in 2002. Michelle spent several years working as a graphic designer and commercial photographer. She began a consistent painting practice in 2015. She has exhibited her work throughout British Columbia.

Her work focuses on landscapes, portraiture and still life. Most recently, she has been painting florals. Michelle enjoys adding collage, unexpected squiggles and colour into her paintings. 

Michelle has taught art workshops to adults, teens and children since 2016. Sharing her skills and knowledge with encouragement and enthusiasm brings her joy. 

Michelle is grateful to live, work and play in this beautiful, inspiring place on the unceded, traditional Territory of the Gidimt'en clan and the Witsuwit'en people. ​
"I love to paint with bold brush strokes, intuitive squiggles and adding elements of collage to my work. Incorporating these techniques into my oil painting practice gives the viewer little visual surprises. Playing with my paints fills a curiosity in me like nothing else does."
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SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024  entangled in blooms 
          Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers, BC
​2019  out of the blooms 
​          The Station House Gallery,
           Williams Lake, BC
2018  landscapes + blooms 
          Terrace Art Gallery, Terrace, BC 
2016  Wilds of Walcott Road 
​          Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers, BC
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024  Derelict: Waiting in Ruins 
​          Northern Artist Adventure Group
​          Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers, BC
2021  Arterial 
          Fantastic 5point0
          Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers, BC
          Island Mountain Arts, Wells, BC
          Rustad Galleria, Prince George, BC
COMMUNITY EXHIBITIONS
2014/16/22  6x6 Art Auction 
                    Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers, BC
2019/20       Skeena Salmon Art Show 
                    Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers, BC
2019            Art Exhibition 
                    Pleasant Valley Plaza, Houston, BC
2018/19       Bulkley Valley Artisan Tour 
                    Smithers, BC
2017            What's Your Story: Canada 150+
                    Smithers Art Gallery, Smithers BC
EDUCATION
1999 - 2002    Graphic Design + Illustration Diploma
                       Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC
1992-1995      Fine Arts Diploma
                       Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC