Our Artists
Deb Deats, President
Deb Deats embarked on her art career after retiring from a 28-year tenure in the petroleum industry. She discovered her passion for glass fusion art, a process that involves melting two or more pieces of glass together at high temperatures in a kiln. Deb is captivated by the interplay of colors and the balance between unstructured creativity and structured design in glass fusion. She likens the process to creating a free-form puzzle, acknowledging that while glass fusion can be an unforgiving medium, it yields magical results when done correctly.
In addition to glass fusion, Deb studies watercolor painting and has earned several awards for her work in both mediums at a local college. She shares her expertise as an instructor at the College of the Mainland Life Long Learning Center, where she teaches fused glass to both advanced and beginner students.
Beyond her teaching, Deb volunteers her time to various nonprofit boards, her church, and the Dickinson Texas Art Guild. As a dedicated grandmother, she cherishes spending time with her family and is proud of her grandchildren, who are also budding artists.
Eleanor Brown
Eleanor Brown has always been captivated by the vibrant world of art, drawn to colors, clay, jewelry, and gardening since childhood. Her lifelong passion for these creative pursuits led her to a fulfilling career as an art teacher, working with students of all ages, from kindergarten to adults.
One of Eleanor's most cherished mediums is clay. She finds working with clay deeply satisfying, as it connects her to the earth and allows her to create functional, yet unique and decorative items. She also loves crafting pieces that add color and beauty to gardens. For Eleanor, one lifetime is simply not enough to explore the endless possibilities within ceramics.
In retirement, Eleanor has embraced the opportunity to delve into other artistic avenues, such as beading, creating pastels of local landmarks, and designing and painting the stunning Dickinson herons that grace the town. As the treasurer of the Dickinson Texas Art Guild, she continues to share her artistic journey and inspire others in the community.
David Paulissen
David Paulissen is a seasoned avian and wildlife photographer with a passion that has been nurtured since childhood. Over the years, he has developed a keen eye for capturing the beauty of birds and wildlife, turning his early interest into a dedicated pursuit. In addition to his wildlife photography, David also specializes in portrait and fine art photography, operating a home studio for creating cherished family portraits.
Residing in the Galveston Bay area of Texas, David frequently explores the local bays, ponds, refuges, and state parks. Some of his favorite spots include Galveston Island, High Island, Brazos Bend State Park, and the Anahuac and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuges, all conveniently located near his home in Dickinson. His work reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to capturing its essence through his lens.
Karen Wells
Karen Wells discovered her passion for art and color upon retiring, when she began drawing and painting. Art classes revealed a deep-seated interest she hadn't previously recognized, and she quickly became dedicated to her craft.
Karen's artistic journey led her to join the National Art League Society, where she showcased and sold her work, earning several awards in the process. With a desire to share her knowledge and inspire others, she taught art at the College of the Mainland for about 10 years and now continues to teach a class from her home.
As a committed member of the Dickinson Texas Art Guild, Karen takes pride in contributing to her community. Her involvement in the art world has filled her life with joy and purpose, and she loves sharing that passion with others.
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