Gabe Drueke is an artist of many disciplines working in Southwestern Illinois just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. A University of Illinois trained graphic designer, Gabe has proven to be so much more over his past 30 years as an artist. While colorful murals and hand-painted signs are mainstays from recent years, a paradigm shift has launched Gabe into an unexpected exploration of abstract acrylic canvases. Utilizing tools that are familiar to his hand – lettering and pin-striping brushes – Gabe’s subjective works reveal a unique visual flavor. Combined with a laser sharp focus on craft, which extends to his expertly handmade frames, the work commands attention.

Adept in a wide range of artistic disciplines, Gabe gained regional notoriety in 2006 when he created 120(+) relief-carved, cast-stone plaques for the St. Louis Cardinals which are installed in the brickwork of Busch Stadium. From the entry ways, to the towers and even the field wall behind home plate, Gabe’s work is spread generously throughout the facility and is enjoyed by millions of baseball fans each year.

Driven by a constant desire for self-improvement and the pursuit of new challenges, Gabe welcomed the opportunity to become an Industrial Arts teacher at Freeburg Community High School in the fall of 2024. As a welding and construction trades instructor, he shares his diverse expertise in both the trades and fine arts with the next generation—channeling his passion into inspiring young minds while still finding time to create.