The Latest News from

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art

"Capturing the Spirit"

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS IN DOWNTOWN RALSTON!

Hard to believe this week marks the first day of spring! It's so nice to see the garden coming to life, hyacinths and crocus blooming and tulips not far behind. My favorite time of year as the earth wakes up from its winter slumber and new life emerges all around. It's a time of hopefulness and new beginnings and for us this year, a new adventure!

This week Don and I will be embarking on a journey that's been on our bucket list for many years. We will be immersed in beauty, art, history and time with family as well. I'll fill you in and promise to share pictures next time, but suffice it to say I'll be gathering a lot of reference materials for new paintings to come! Because of this, our gallery will be closed from March 21st through April 14th. We'll be back for a week and then will head to St. Simon's Island, Georgia, on April 22nd for the American Impressionist Society's 8th Annual Small Works Showcase. You can see this incredible exhibition online HERE. Our gallery will reopen on May 1st.

When you purchase original art, it's not just paint on canvas or in Don's case, pieces of wood... you are getting a piece of the artist's heart and soul. The greatest compliment and honor for an artist is when someone is touched enough by their work, that they want to spend their hard earned money, take it home and live with it. It means more than all the awards and recognition in the world. We truly appreciate your support...thank you so much.

Creatively yours,

Debra Joy and Don Groesser

What's New in the Gallery

Don has several new wood creations available. One of his most popular designs is his Open Segmented Vase. He's just made two new ones, this time adding accents made of padauk wood. It's a beautiful red color as you can see here. These vases come with a glass cylinder vase insert, so you can use them with fresh or artificial flowers, or with a battery operated candle for a stunning lantern effect. Click on the images for more details!

In preparation for the upcoming Ralston Wine Walk on April 18th, Don has also created a whole new batch of beautiful wine stoppers! These are made from a variety of different types of wood and the patterns are really fun! Each side of these look different. Here are a couple of them. You can see them all on our gallery website HERE .

Don has a number of new charcuterie boards in the gallery. He has also been taking special orders for specific colors, sizes and designs. Contact us for more information if you'd like to have one custom made for you!

Ralston's annual Wine Walk will be held Thursday, April 18th from 4:30 to 7:30pm. It's a great chance to check out all the participating businesses, who will serve wine and snacks. Our gallery will feature a wonderful red wine and a white... with a food pairing specially made for each. And for those of you who've been here before, there WILL be chocolate involved! $25 per person in advance, $30 the day of the event. Click on the image at left for more information and how to register. Hope to see you there - Cheers!

The Visitors - An Update

I completed the painting below, "The Visitors," (40x30 oil) a couple of months ago on gallery wrap canvas. It was unframed, but even with the sides painted, it felt like a simple frame would really complement it. The subject, you might remember from a previous newsletter, is a doe and her fawn who are our "neighbors." They've been living in the woods beside and behind our house. A couple of years ago, a huge burr oak was knocked over in those woods (which is actually a city park) during a severe storm. The tree was salvaged by the city and is finding new life as gorgeous tables for our city hall and hubby Don's Mayors Office. With some of the remaining wood, I was able to have this beautiful frame custom made for the painting. I just love the that these deer will live on, captured forever in the painting, surrounded by a frame made from a tree where they actually lived, giving it a new life as well. I'm so pleased with the frame which was handmade by NE Frames and Furniture, located right around the corner from my studio in downtown Ralston. The painting is available!

Current and Upcoming Shows/Events

American Impressionist Society 8th Annual Small Works Showcase, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simon's Island GA. April 25-May 28, 2024. Opening reception April 27th, 4 to 7pm. More information at https://americanimpressionistsociety.org/AIS-8th-Annual-Small-Works-2024

For the complete list of events and exhibitions click HERE.

Explore Your Creative Self in my 2024 Workshops and Classes

If you or someone you know has ever wanted to explore your creative side, make this the year to do so! My 2 Day Beginner Oil Painting Workshop on Feb. 24th and 25th was a success and I have a few more people interested in taking another one. If you missed the last one and are interested, please contact me and if we have enough people, I'll schedule a second one!

I'm also giving a 3 Day Plein Air Workshop in Mullen, Nebraska, May 14-16th, a 3 Day Plein Air Workshop, Omaha NE, August 23-25th, and 3 Day Studio Landscape Painting Workshop at my studio, October 18-20th. And by popular demand...for the first time, I'm offering two 4 DAY ART CAMPS FOR KIDS in June! June 17-20 will be for ages 6-8 and June 24-27 will be for ages 9-12. These are filling up so register soon if you're interested! I'll be teaching drawing and painting in both sessions. We are also holding monthly Open Studio Portrait Sessions on Monday nights - just $15 with model provided. Click HERE for the full schedule and more information. Email me at debra@debrajoygroesser.com for a registration form and payment info or you can print the form off and pay directly on my website. Gift certificates are available for classes too!