Debra Gilbert - Mixed Media Artist

Promoting Art & Culture in the Lower Naugatuck River Valley

Bring your old cell phones and
used printer ink cartridges to
Gallery@37 or the new Valley
Center of the Arts to be recycled

		Debra Gilbert I always knew I wanted to be an artist. These urges were suppressed save for a few classes here and there over the years, while pursuing an increasingly successful career in finance. When pushed to get my Bachelor’s degree in accounting, I realized I didn’t want to continue in this career path. I eventually returned to school, earning both a Bachelors and Masters in psychology, as applied in a work setting. I began taking more art classes while raising my sons and generally looking for more ways to incorporate my creativity in my work settings.
Over the years, I mostly concentrated on photography. I have since discovered that I favor the tactile and three-dimensional. I now sculpt in stone and epoxy clay, use fiber and felt to create one of a kind wearable art, and am developing uses of paper and fiber to express dimension. I have also been a lifelong writer, mostly in my employment. Including visual skills into my assignments, I write content for everything from branding, annual reports, brochures, presentations and websites, to grants, appeal letters, etc. On the strictly creative side, I have written a few short plays, several articles and speeches, children’s stories and tributes. I am thrilled to have participated in juried shows and receive recognition by the Stratford Arts Commission, the Milford Arts Council the Barnum Museum (2009), the Stratford Library, the City Lights Gallery, the SPAG Gallery and receive photo credits in several publications. I believe art is essential to the human condition. Whether is it for those who create art in all its forms, or for its appreciative patrons, humans require art in their lives to thrive. My deep-seated belief in this led me to start the Stratford Arts Guild in 2006 to bring together the tremendous talent in the town and surrounding areas. I currently belong to the Valley Arts Council, the Connecticut Sculptor’s Society and the Women’s Caucus for Art. My secret to a fulfilling life? Learn something new every day. Contact: Debbie Gilbert Art for the Heart and Soul 320 Keating Drive Stratford, CT 06614 Phone: (203) 377-1770 email: debbie@debbiegilbertartist.com website: www.debbiegilbertartist.com

Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism

Serving Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton