Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art

Original Oils and Gifts That Inspire

By Angella Arndt​

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Are you looking to refresh your home décor, add an original piece of art, or find a unique gift? Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery in downtown Ralston offers oil paintings and a beautiful selection of artful treasures. 

Debra’s love of art began in childhood. At age three, a drawing of hers appeared on the children’s television show Romper Room. At age 12, she won a World-Herald coloring contest and used the $25 prize to buy art supplies. At the age of 14, she received a set of oil paints and discovered her passion. 

After starting her career as a graphic artist, Debra paused to raise her children. She moved into real estate, where she also created renderings of homes for a local builder. As demand grew, her artwork expanded to include commercial building renderings and artistic note cards, eventually becoming a full-time business. With her husband Don’s encouragement, she began teaching classes and, in 1997, opened her own gallery in downtown Ralston. Although she later closed it to travel and paint, she reopened the gallery in 2018.

Now a nationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, Debra specializes in landscapes, seascapes, and portrait paintings in oils. She loves plein air work. Plein air, a French term, means “out of doors.” In this style, paintings are created entirely outside. 

Debra draws inspiration from a variety of sources. “Sometimes, I have a clear idea of what I want to paint. Other times, something stops me in my tracks and inspires me—a color, light and shadow, contrast, mist, or a moody scene.” Because life can often feel chaotic, she seeks out subjects that bring her peace. One of the things she treasures is preserving moments like barns in Door County, Wisconsin…things that no longer stand but live on through her paintings.

One of Debra’s most meaningful works is Faith, Hope, and Healing, a seascape she began on her first day of radiation treatment for breast cancer and finished the night before her last treatment in April 2022. Inspired by a photo she took of Monterey, California’s “Restless Sea” along the 17-Mile Drive, she painted crashing waves beneath a foggy horizon as the sun briefly broke through. 

The scene became a metaphor for Debra’s cancer journey. The fog represented fear and uncertainty, the waves mirrored overwhelming emotions, and the light symbolized hope and healing. When she heard the words, “We got it all—you are cancer-free,” the fog lifted, like in the painting. The original artwork is not for sale, but prints are available, with 25 percent of proceeds supporting Project Pink’d, an Omaha non-profit that provides resources for breast cancer survivors. 

In addition to Debra’s original artwork, the gallery showcases wood pieces created by Debra’s husband, Don, like segmented vases, cheese and bread boards, vessels, and wine stoppers. Visitors can also find coffee mugs, wine glasses, artful totes, fiber art, stained glass lamps, and note cards. “We have plenty of gift ideas for the holidays,” Debra shares. “We can even create ‘artful’ baskets for wine, tea, coffee, or charcuterie lovers.” 

Beyond her own work, Debra is committed to advancing art. She has served as Board Chairman of the American Impressionist Society (AIS) for the past 15 years. She is stepping down as Chairman to focus on painting, teaching, a mentorship program, and spending more time with her family, but she will continue to serve on the Board.

Locally, Debra leads the Ralston Hinge Creative District, a certified creative arts district with more than 18 creative businesses. The district’s five-year plan includes bringing more art into the community while boosting economic growth. Plans are underway to bring a plein air event to the Creative District, which will draw nationally known artists. 

“Owning a piece of original art is more affordable than people think,” Debra says. She does a lot of commissioned work to capture a special place, memory, or portrait. Some of the most incredible things she has done are memorial portraits. “These pieces are incredibly challenging and emotional to do, but it is so meaningful to create something that brings healing and joy to people.”

When visiting the gallery, Debra hopes people feel a sense of peace. “I hope they leave with a better understanding of the importance of art in our lives, as well as how healing and inspiring it can be.”

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery is located at 5615 South 77th Street, in Ralston. Check the gallery website for special hours during the holidays. You can call the gallery at 402-592-6552 or find them online at debrajoygroesserfineart.com.