The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY Renee Gifford’s exhibit is currently on view at the Peru Free Library through May 2. A registered nurse by profession, Renee rekindled her passion for art—first sparked in high school—during the pandemic. When she first showed her paintings at the Strand Center, she hesitated to sign them, unsure whether to call herself an artist. Encouraged by viewers, who insisted, “Yes, you are an artist,” her confidence grew. The sale of several pieces, including one by well-known artist Judy Gugglielmo, affirmed that others valued her work. Since then, several of Renee’s pieces have brought color to the walls of the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. This summer, she’ll share her art at the Strand’s marketplace. Looking ahead, Renee hopes to open her own gallery after her retirement from nursing.