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Debi West

@dewestudio

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Mom, Wife, Art Teacher, Artist, Speaker - Lover of Life! 🎨 #AOEU @crystalcollageartwears

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Eighteen years. 🙏🏼

It’s hard to believe that 18 years have passed since my beautiful Croy boy left this world. Officially, the date was July 15, 2008, but in my heart, I knew on July 14 that my sweet boy had already gone home to be with God.

Not a single day has gone by that I haven’t missed him. Grief changes over time, but it never truly leaves. It simply becomes a part of who you are. There are still moments when something reminds me of him, and for just a second, I forget he’s gone. Then the ache returns.

Croy’s life was taken due to a medical error, a loss no parent should ever have to endure. Yet even in unimaginable heartbreak, his life continues to make a difference. His love, his spirit, and the lives he touched are still with us. We recently received another letter from his heart recipient and it was a reminder that “donate life” matters! His heart beats in another, his eyes help two people see and his kidneys help two people continue to live their best lives and his liver went to science to learn more about OTC and urea cycle disorders.

My heart still hurts with how much I miss him each and every day. I would give anything for one more hug, one more laugh, one more “I love you mommy”.

If you knew Croy, I hope you’ll think of him today. Share a memory, do an act of kindness, hug your children a little tighter, or simply take a moment to appreciate the gift of today.

Forever 11. Forever my son. Forever loved.

His yearbook dedication page they made for him at Level Creek…he was such a shining light 🙏🏼

Proverbs 3:5-6 keeps me going! 🙏🏼💝 by @dewestudio

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12 days ago

I’m excited to present at the 2026 NAEA National Leadership Conference later this month!! Be sure to come and see me and the awesome @barretthayes !!

Pass It On: Mentorship as a Leadership Strategy for Art Educator Retention!

2026nlc.sched.com/event/4005a79d… @sched #togetherweARTbetter #artforall by @dewestudio

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15 days ago

Made lots of custom thank you note cards today to thank all my peeps for the love they’ve shared over the past 25 days!! #stillhealing #thisonewastough #blessed #artistlife by @dewestudio

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19 days ago

I’m excited to share our @gaea_artforall RAEA Monthly Mentor Minutes for the month of July!! Our amazing @jackieellett4 shares some great teaching tips! ENJOY!!
#artteacherlife #togetherweARTbetter by @dewestudio

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22 days ago

Hooray! The NAEA Summer Newsletter is out and I’m happy to share our NAEA Retired Art Educators Alliance article!

…and our interest group membership is currently over 800 members!

Congrats again to @auartlady and @lpoppart 💕

#togetherweARTbetter by @dewestudio

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a month ago

Happy Father’s Day to two incredible men. ❤️

To my dad! Tommy D! I thank you for giving me such a wonderful life, filled with love, support, opportunities, and memories that I cherish every day. The older I get, the more I appreciate all the sacrifices you made and the example you set.

And to my Chuck! The absolute best dad in the world! Watching you love, support, encourage, and show up for our family through every season, has been one of life’s greatest gifts. Your kindness, patience, humor, and unwavering devotion have shaped our family in countless ways! We are so blessed to call you ours!

Today I’m feeling especially grateful for the fathers who have loved us so well. Happy Father’s Day to both of you. You are deeply loved and so appreciated. ❤️ #FathersDay #GratefulHeart by @dewestudio

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a month ago

Wildcard voting ends in 30 minutes so just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me and my art!! I’m feeling very blessed to have made it this far!!

“There was so much talent on display last night! You took 2nd place in your group, but we wanted to give you another opportunity to claim the title of The People’s Artist. 💝

Welcome to the Wildcard Round. You have until this Sunday (6/14) to rise to the top of your Wildcard group and secure your spot in the Quarter-Finals.

Share your Wildcard link:
https://peoplesartist.org/2026/debi-west “

So I didn’t realize this until now and would love your support (again) lol! Who knows how long this thing is going to last but making it into the semifinals would be super cool!

Love and ART!! ❤️🖼️🖌️
#togetherweARTbetter by @dewestudio

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a month ago

https://peoplesartist.org/2026/debi-west

Ok so this is the last week and then each person in 1st place in their group moves on!! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone for your continued daily votes, they’re working!! 🙏🏼💥❤️🖼️🖌️💝
Please continue to share and vote so I can continue to share my art and my love for art education!!

#togetherweARTbetter #artistlife by @dewestudio

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2 months ago

Thanks so much to @hankmargeson for being the perfect @gaea_artforall RAEA Monthly Mentor for June!! Enjoy his “minutes” and know how much we appreciate you! You’re a true inspiration!!

#togetherweARTbetter #RAEA #artteacherlife #monthlymentor by @dewestudio

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2 months ago

I just received this exciting message!! Top 10!! So humbled and honored and excited!! Like OMG!!!! 🤸💥🤍🎨🙏🏼

Thank you ALL so very much for the continued daily votes and for the shares!! I’m blessed with such beautiful friends!
🤍🙏🏼🤍

peoplesartist.org/2026/debi-west by @dewestudio

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2 months ago

What a GReAt first day of the art festival - thank you to everyone who came out to say HEY!!! 💥 I’m officially tired!

See you tomorrow - we’ll be stamping custom jewelry from 10-6!

#artistlife by @dewestudio

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2 months ago

As I head into my afterschool art class - blessed to have two classes of amazing students aged 5 to 14 - I’m thinking about my fun 3 day Summer Art Camp!! 💥🩵 …coming up SOON!!

June 9th, 10th, 11th and space is limited so sign up asap!!! Reach out to me at:
@dewestudio@gmail.com and a 50% deposit and you’re in!

#togetherweARTbetter #artteacherlife by @dewestudio

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2 months ago