Gabriella Torres is an abstract painter and creative placemaker based in her hometown of Clinton, Iowa. Across Iowa, she is recognized for her community-based art projects, which transform underutilized spaces into vibrant social hubs. Her work not only fosters connection but also drives economic growth.
In 2023, Gabriella was honored as an Emerging Arts Leader and selected as one of five Iowa Arts Fellows. Since then, she has presented at conferences and participated on panels discussing rural placemaking and public art throughout the region. Alongside her partner Chris Shannon, she co-founded Paint it Back, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to revitalizing spaces through public art, energizing communities, and spurring economic growth.
Gabriella’s paintings have been exhibited internationally and across the U.S., though she is intentional about choosing her hometown as the canvas for her public art. Her most acclaimed projects—The Grove, WILDNESS, and Paint it Back—have left a lasting impact on Clinton’s public art scene. Her work has been widely covered in the media, including a feature on PBS’s Iowa Life. Passionate about establishing Clinton as an arts destination, Gabriella continues to develop sustainable creative placemaking models that support both cultural vibrancy and economic resilience.
“Each painting is an intentional examination of the balance and connectivity between the seemingly disparate parts that make up our lives. Instead of compartmentalizing these parts, my paintings strive to bring these elements together in harmony. ”
