The Riverdale Hub Gallery is excited to present “Recycle – Reuse – Renew” by Gail Blima. On display from June 4th to July 3rd, 2026. Join us on June 13th for opening reception from 2 to 4pm, artist talk begins at 3pm. RSVP to gallery@riverdalehub.ca
Mixed media artist Gail Blima is thrilled to announce her latest project, a vibrant series of paintings that celebrate nostalgia and the art of recycling. With deep roots in the recycling movement, Blima’s work reflects her lifelong passion for transforming found materials into evocative art pieces.
Blima’s journey began as a teenager working in her father’s auto-parts business, where she learned the importance of reusing materials long before recycling became a global movement. “I proudly identify as a recycler,” Blima shares. “It’s in my blood.”
The latest collection, created on wood panels using acrylic paint and recycled materials, is a testament to her belief that beauty can emerge from discarded objects. Each painting features multiple layers, inviting viewers to uncover hidden emotions and cherished memories within the artwork.
Central to this body of work is Blima’s exploration of nostalgia. She spends weekends scouring flea and antique markets for the perfect materials to bring her visions to life. Incorporating original Life and Mad magazines, she collages iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire, and Diana Ross, pairing them with poignant phrases such as “C’est La Vie,” “Live Life,” and “Facts of Life.”
Born in Montreal and now residing in Toronto since 1997, Gail Blima has established herself as a prominent figure in the Canadian art scene. Her mixed media paintings are highly sought after across Canada and the United States, and she has gained recognition through publications and interviews. Blima actively participates in art shows, both in-person and online, and her work can be viewed in galleries throughout Ontario.
