Her parents were supportive of her artistic endeavors and often took her to art museums and bought her painting supplies. Deb is particularly interested in the art nouveau and art deco styles of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. She said she loves the very sensuous, natural shapes of the anti-industry movement with their vivid, “technicolor” tones.  

     A year-round resident of Chautauqua, NY, Deb first visited the Institution in 1972, when she worked as a dishwasher and lived in the tower of the Athenaeum Hotel. It was during that summer that her love affair with Chautauqua began. Her fondness for Chautauqua quickly made its way into her paintings and now is the primary subject of her artwork. Deb has donated several pieces on the ground of Chautauqua….

     For a self-trained artist, Deb appreciates and understands the value of art as a tool for learning, exploration and self-discovery. “You need to enjoy art and let it flow”, she said. “Don’t be so self-critical that you are petrified to fail, because you will fail.” It is only after allowing one self to try new techniques, make mistakes and take chances that one is truly able to learn and improve, she said. Surely it is the attitude that has allowed her to be so eclectic, multi-talented and creative.

     A lot can be learned from Deb and her take on life. Her path was not easy – she took risks for the sake of learning and she constantly tried new things. She is doing exactly what she has always wanted to do, and she is happy. And in keeping with the very first sentence that she spoke as a child, she has definitely gotten what she wanted – paint.