Art, Resilience, and Renewal: The Artistic Journey of Resident Nicole Gauvin
Born in Canada and growing up in the Greater Toronto Area of Hamilton City, Nicole Gauvin and her then high school boyfriend — now spouse — relocated to the US after college in the early 2000s, initially landing in Boston before relocating to Virginia. Originally residing in Arlington to get the lay of the land, they purchased their Alexandria house in 2004. The sense of community and the friendliness of the neighborhood ensured that Cameron Station became their forever home.
Nicole's creativity was always present, but it wasn’t until an unfortunate car accident in 2013 left her unable to work full-time that she began exploring her artistic capabilities. With knitting no longer an option, she looked for other creative outlets. Nicole happily spent her time fashioning personalized works for friends and family until fate played its hand.
In the summer of 2022 her favorite TV show, Supernatural, announced an upcoming fan convention in the local area; Nicole knew she had to find a way to attend. With the convention’s pricey Gold fan package in her sights, she had to find a way to earn the admission fee.
Starting small, with handmade greeting cards and an art piece hanging at the Cameron Café, Nicole began generating interest and sales for her work. Through her association with the Café, she also began managing their social media account. Her plan worked: her creative skills — through her artwork and creative social media writing — helped her earn the coveted Gold fan package. But that didn't stop Nicole. She knew she had unlocked her innate creativity, and she embraced it.
My Two Dads by Nicole Gauvin earned third place in the mixed media category at Del Ray Artisans exhibit earlier this year.
Soon, Nicole's passion for the local art scene led her to attend an in-person event at Palette 22: a bustling art studio, gallery, and restaurant just down the road from Cameron Station in Shirlington. She enjoyed it so much that she quickly applied for and was accepted into their Artist in Residence program. It was an encounter with an acquaintance from Palette 22 that led her to Del Ray Artisans, where she discovered a perfect match for her creative style. Every month, the art gallery accepts new artist submissions, and Nicole's very first submission was promptly embraced for display.
Nicole's first work and two other pieces are currently on exhibit at Del Ray Artisans. Nicole’s most recent success is as one of the featured exhibitors at the Spring Art Market. Her work and the works of other local creators were available for viewing on Saturday, May 11th at Colasanto Park, adjacent to Del Ray Artisans on Mount Vernon Avenue.
One aspect unique to Nicole’s creative style is the use of upcycled materials. Relying on scissors, tape, her sewing skills, and a Cricut machine, she creates one-of-a-kind art pieces. When asked about her inspiration, Nicole said she often lets the material dictate the result: these raw materials often have shapes reminiscent of details in her daily life, while others have a specific shape that defines the project. Working in one of the two project rooms in her home, Nicole enjoys the challenge of taking something that may have been discarded and turning it into something purposeful and beautiful. UpCycle Creative Reuse Center on Eisenhower Blvd. often provides the catalyst to inspire her work.
Aside from her artistic pursuits, Nicole and her husband have provided long-term fostering for cats in their home. Nicole cheerfully reports that they “have only adopted four of the 35 fosters.” The Gauvin’s were also active in the foreign student exchange program, hosting numerous students throughout the years. They maintain contact with three of “their girls” who now live in Kazakhstan, Amsterdam, and Germany.
When asked to choose her favorite place to live - the US or Canada - Nicole mentioned that she’s definitely had enough of bad weather and spring in Virginia has such pretty pink fluffy trees.
Carmen Mead is a new Cameron Station resident, having moved to the community in November 2023. As a Southern California transplant beginning in early 2022, she’s still figuring out life in the DMV, including what to do with her hair.
Neighbors in the News is a recurring feature in The Compass. Cameron Station is filled with interesting people doing interesting things. If you would like to be recognized in a future article, or if you have a neighbor you think deserves recognition, please email information to thecompass@cameronstation.org.
Follow