Remembering Debbie Vasquez

With much sadness, I share that Debbie Vasquez passed away on Friday, March 1st. Although Debbie hasn’t been a member of the Arts of Life community for several years, for those of us who had the pleasure of her friendship, Deb left a special mark that won’t be forgotten. 

Debbie and her family took a leap of faith when she joined the studio in 2002, just two years after we opened. She was one of the first artists outside our founding ten and quickly became a creative force. She would barely get her coat off before jumping into one of her butterfly paintings, collages, or abstract drawings. By the end of the day, Debbie would have completed a stack of new pieces.  

Debbie’s loyalty and admiration for her fellow artists were evident in her work as well. Deb was influenced by those she respected and would reinterpret their work in her style. Her artistic commentary extended to staff and community artists who made an impression on her. 

Outside of her dedicated and voracious creative practice, Debbie had the biggest heart and warmest smile. Debbie was a supportive friend, quick to rub your back, hi-five you, or pat your head to ensure you were okay. She took time each day to hug someone. Reflecting on it now, those hugs were special and happened just when you needed them (even if you didn’t know you needed them).  

Arts of Life will remember Debbie as one of the most prolific, uninhibited forces to be part of our community, and it was an honor to be in her orbit. I invite you to visit her artist page to see a selection of her work. 

– Denise Fisher, Executive Director