From ‘Footloose’ to Fine Art: Elizabeth Gorcey Debuts Powerful New Paintings in LA Wildfire Exhibit — Opening Night This Saturday!

By The Big Magazine Staff

You know her from iconic ’80s hits like Footloose, Teen Wolf, and Max Headroom, but these days, Elizabeth Gorcey is turning heads in a different kind of spotlight — the art world.

Left Photo: Elizabeth Gorcey at her studios with her dog Butler from "Liv on Life" book series. Photo credit: Elizabeth Gorcey Right Photo: Elizabeth Gorcey, Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Ron Galella Collection /Getty)

This weekend, the actress-turned-fine-artist unveils two paintings from her collection as part of “Re-envisioning Resilience: Reflections on the LA Wildfires,” a powerful group exhibit opening Saturday, June 7 at the Barnsdall Junior Art Center in Los Angeles. The show runs through August 2, featuring works by LA-based artists responding to the devastating wildfires that swept the region earlier this year.

And yes — you’re invited to the opening night celebration.

Now an established figure in the local art scene, Gorcey’s journey into painting is a full-circle moment. Her very first painting appeared in a museum when she was just 10 years old. After decades in Hollywood, she picked up the paintbrush again two and a half years ago — and hasn’t looked back.

“In the wake of tragedy, I turned to art when words failed me,” Gorcey tells The Big Magazine. “My paintings reflect my deep respect for the lives lost and the resilience of the LA community. I hope that my pieces continue to inspire healing.”

Artist Elizabeth Gorcey painting in her studios Photo: @elizabeth_gorcey_art Instagram Profile

Gorcey’s paintings are bold, emotional, and impossible to ignore. Her expressive, mixed-media portraits fuse raw energy with striking color palettes, tapping into themes of vulnerability, resilience, and transformation. Think Basquiat’s symbolic intensity, Egon Schiele’s emotionally charged figures, and the personal, confessional tone of Tracey Emin — all filtered through Gorcey’s fearless lens. She’s quickly reestablished herself as a force in LA’s art scene, with pieces now featured in exhibits both locally and internationally.

She’s also a proud member of the California Art League, Women Painters West, and the Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art — all organizations dedicated to elevating women’s voices in the arts.

🎨 Don’t miss the opening night reception this Saturday, June 7 at Barnsdall Junior Art Center -- 4814 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027— a rare opportunity to experience Elizabeth Gorcey’s gripping new work in person, alongside other compelling LA artists.

Even better? A portion of proceeds from Re-envisioning Resilience: Reflections on the Los Angeles Wildfires will directly benefit those affected by the wildfires, making your visit to the gallery both inspiring and impactful. The gallery is offering a variety of workshops for the duration of the show which will be facilitated by guest and resident Teaching Artists. The workshops are designed to help participants process the recent events through creative mediums and modalities.

For more on Elizabeth’s artistic journey, visit elizabethgorcey.com.

Follow us on Instagram @TheBigMagazine