Albany’s artistic community remembers Abigail Parker for her ‘talent, generosity of spirit and dedication’

Albany’s art community is mourning the sudden passing of Abigail Parker, who died on March 2. Her art was inspired by nature and she was passionate about environmental causes as well as being the vice-president of Albany’s branch of the Country Women’s Association. Born in Yorkshire, England, to a farming family, she wasn’t confident enough to try to make a living as an artist, so she went into teaching, helping special needs children. She emigrated to Australia with her young family in 1988, setting up a large and extremely busy commercial goat dairy in Gidgegannup in the Perth Hills. It was when she retired from the goats that she decided to give art a proper go, studying for a certificate four in visual arts and crafts and then a BA in fine arts — qualifications which gave her the confidence she needed to launch a career. She moved to Albany in 2013 and immersed herself in the community, setting up Gail’s Gallery as an online working portfolio and mail order store, as well as opening her studio in Lower King. A regular contributor to the Southern Art and Craft Trail, she was on the ArtSouthWA board and will be much missed by the artistic community. Albany artists Ron Baker and Marjan Bakhtiarikish penned a special tribute to a much-loved friend. “Abigail was a remarkable botanical artist whose work celebrated the beauty of Australian flora and fauna with great sensitivity and care,” they said. “She was also a passionate and unwavering supporter of the arts in our community. “Abigail believed deeply in the importance of culture and creativity, and she worked tirelessly to promote and nurture the arts in Albany. “One of her great dreams was to see a dedicated art gallery established here — a place where artists and the community could gather, share and be inspired. “Her talent, generosity of spirit and dedication to the arts will always be remembered.” Anne Barton, the treasurer of the Albany CWA, said Ms Parker had been the association’s president, secretary and a member of the State board. She was the vice-president when she died and Ms Barton said she was “one of a kind”. “She was a wonderful lady who did so much for so many people,” she said. “She loved her art, was a fantastic artist and was very much into the environment. “We will miss her terribly.” Ms Parker leaves sons Graham and Alex and stepdaughter Leila. Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed but son Graham said all would be welcome.