Meet the Artist

Gayle Mangan Kassal’s paintings express the vibrancy and exuberance of life’s experiences.  Her art communicates a passion for brilliant colors and dedication to realistic detail.   They capture life in a single moment bursting into immense proportions, transforming ordinary spaces into vibrant new whimsical worlds.

Gayle was born in Connecticut and received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, magna cum laude, from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She traveled abroad as a yacht stewardess watching the world through her porthole, sketching scenes along the way. Her employment required a small stay in Lisse, Netherlands, where she was awestruck by the beauty of their abundant floral display at the Keukenhof gardens right before her return to the states. An inspiration took root in her mind fueling her desire to pursue a career in painting. Gayle earned her Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a specialty in painting and flowers as her muse. Gayle was an adjunct professor at UMass Dartmouth, Salve Regina University and eventually Anne Arundel Community College when she moved to Annapolis in 2002. During these years Gayle’s art bloomed into intricate fanciful murals and fine art pastel paintings that today, adorn corporations, hospitals, and private residencies nationwide.  

In 2006, Gayle embraced motherhood enjoying a new path, which led her to teaching mural workshops at primary schools throughout the county, painting with hundreds of young artists. As a breast cancer survivor (2022), Gayle knows all too well the importance of art, healing and inspiring. She is thrilled her murals can be found in the pediatric units of Boston Medical Center, Rhode Island’s Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and Washington D.C.’s Children's National Medical Center as well as several Anne Arundel County elementary and middle schools. The paintings transform dull walls into friendly inviting spaces.  They aid in the healing process for patients, their caregivers and medical staff or inspire all who share in the mural experience. She is currently a professional artist and visiting educator throughout Maryland public schools, vice-president and signature board member of the Maryland Pastel Society, a member of the Maryland Federation of Art and Annapolis Art Alliance. She enjoys living by the Chesapeake Bay with her husband and their two children in Annapolis, Maryland.

I paint to uplift and celebrate life’s simple treasures. My artwork is focused on capturing single colorful moments. Ones of abounding movement and energy, expressing genuine joy and passion.   My paintings reveal playful moments of interacting characters from creatures to flowers. I may convey a seed’s journey from emerging bud to bursting bloom or an octopus who is spinning the DJ tunes. A touch of whimsy to bring a smile and create a story for the viewer to envision.

"Thank you Mrs. Kassal! I loved doing the mural with you! You are such an inspiration!" - Corkran MS student

"This experience has been so rewarding and memorable for our students!"   Art teacher Mrs. Tracy Edwards

"What a remarkable time for all our students working as a team on this exciting project. We came together as one and created work we are all proud of and will cherish for many years to come." Principal Mrs. Janet Lancaster