“Elizabeth Greisman is a relentless connector – a quality that has proven invaluable throughout her life.

A mother and grandmother, arts administrator and educator, Elizabeth is a commanding and evolving artist. Some may be surprised to learn she is also a writer, landscaper, caterer, and more. She credits her vast set of contacts for generating widespread opportunities across the globe. From Ireland to Israel, from Argentina to Italy, the list of countries where she has cultivated connections goes on and on. Her art has been exhibited internationally. Her visions have come to life during many an artist in residence post over the last twenty years. She has also been able to bring that international reach closer to home through the coordination of cross-cultural exhibits showcasing the communities of South Africa, Scotland and Iran here in Canada. ”

(Above) Excerpt from Elizabeth Katchen’s profile of Elizabeth Greisman (continued below)

Studio Fun Over the Years!

“Elizabeth makes a point of incorporating a variety of cultures into her way of life.  She prides herself on installing her art in public spaces. My favourite works of Elizabeth are her depictions of Breischit, the first of the Five Books of Moses. I was privileged to see these larger-than-life banners up close, exhibited as part of JCC Global’s Amitim Art Project in Eilat, Israel a few years ago. They were also proudly displayed both in the Botanical Gardens in Marnay Sur Seine France and again in Canada at Toronto’s well known Nuit Blanche contemporary art event.

 The 7 days of creation are boldly represented through Elizabeth’s creativity in all its glory. Elizabeth also demonstrates the value of community and hospitality by cooking for larger groups during her artist residencies, such as at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Ireland and La Maison Verte in France. She has been developing a cookbook with recipes that can easily adapted to feed a large crowd.

With what seems a never-ending list of educational credentials, her multiple degrees and diplomas in the fine arts are complemented by several teaching positions. She has taught at several schools in the Independent School System, both as a Visual arts teacher and then a supply teacher for all subjects. She also shares her love of the arts through Inner City Angels. It is no surprise in getting to know Elizabeth that she exudes passion for the arts and wants to share it with everyone. Her simple presence when walking into a room imparts colour, originality and ingenuity.

After a successful artist in residence program in Buenos Aires, Argentina last year, with the arrival of the pandemic Elizabeth’s plans to return were sadly derailed.  She was scheduled to liaise with the community in Argentina and Paraguay in celebration of International Women’s Day in March 2021, with assistance with the Canadian Embassy. Alas, this project will be waiting in the wings. During the pandemic, thanks to Elizabeth’s remarkable networking skills, she was able to forge ahead with other projects, creating and curating art locally. Despite physically working in isolation at her Wychwood Barns studio in Toronto, she remained in regular contact with the collective, collaborating and sharing ideas while remaining socially distanced.  Taking things a step further, Elizabeth exhibited her work in the Parkdale Art Recovery Program, at Gallery 1313, Toronto, displaying art in different stores in the Parkdale neighbourhood, thereby attracting people to support local businesses.  This type of ingenuity is what sets Elizabeth apart. While her recurring goal is to have more people see her work, supporting others is always central to her personal mission and this can be seen through her ongoing community outreach.  Elizabeth is a long term community artist with the Inner City Angels and she is passionately interested in contributing to projects to benefit students, teachers and families.

 Her works continue to be exhibited through the Propeller Gallery and Gallery 1313 locally in Toronto. As well, once travel is deemed safe again, Elizabeth will surely cross the continent to places far and away, enriching the world with her artistic capabilities. “

(Above) Excerpt from Elizabeth Katchen’s profile of Elizabeth Greisman