LONGMEADOW – The Storrs Library presented its first art exhibit in 2011 featuring a Longmeadow High School senior.  She went on to study at Parsons School of Design in New York, majoring in Fine Arts and Global Studies.  This month the artist, Gabby Madden, 24, is back at Storrs, displaying her latest work.

Madden had an affinity for working with her hands for as long as she can remember, “I’ve really been interested in art and creating things from a young age, I’ve always had a passion for it.  When I was in high school I took all of the arts electives I could and I really started getting into painting,” she said.

Though a career as an artist can be risky, when it came time for college applications, Madden applied to art schools with a push from her mother Irene, 53, and father Lawrence, 54. “Both of my parents were very supportive, they love art.  I had my doubts about it, it’s a really risky move.  You’re spending so much money on this college education and you just don’t know if pursing arts is going to be a successful career.  They’re my cheerleading team, they’re amazing.”

Following her high school graduation, Madden attended Parsons for five years.  There, she had six-hour studio classes where she would spend full days in the studio working and creating her paintings.  Madden graduated from Parsons in May of 2016, with her exhibit at Storrs Library being one of the first shows she’s done since graduation.  “It was really nice to exhibit at the Storrs Library again and see how my work has evolved since the first time I showed there,” Madden said.

Currently, Madden is working on coordinating a show for her artwork in New York in May while working two jobs at a restaurant and a photography studio.  Though she spends a lot of time working, she still finds time to be in the studio.  “Right now I’m feeling really motivated to keep going with my painting while I can.  It’s working out for me right now and I want to keep producing work.”

As for the paintings themselves, Madden focuses on expressing herself through ways that connect with others.  “I really just explode on the canvas.  I start with one color and I do them all with my hands and I just kind of move through a painting like that, and it’s really about expressing as much energy as I can into it,” Madden added, “It’s so fun to talk to people about it because some people will look at a painting and be like, ‘Oh, I see the mountains,’ and other people will say, ‘Oh, I see the ocean,’ and you’ll have some people be like, ‘I see a dog!’ It’s however the person who approaches it sees themselves or whatever memory or image they connect to through the work.”

Madden’s paintings are on display in the Storrs Library until April 29. All of the artwork is for sale, and a price list can be found at Storrs. More information and photos of her artwork can be seen at www.gabbymadden.com.