From Canvas to Heirloom

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery

By Kristine Pryor​

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Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery is a hidden gem in Ralston where art, family, and legacy come together. When you walk in, you will meet the artist herself, and she will help you find the perfect oil painting or uniquely handcrafted gift. Debra works hard to find the forever home for each item in her collection. That home might be yours!

 

Omaha is fortunate to have a community-rooted art gallery guided by homegrown values and a strong local vision. Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery helps connect the public with experienced art enthusiasts like Debra and her husband, Don, who help visitors build a personal connection with art. 

 

Debra began her dream of becoming an artist at age 3, when her drawing of a deer was showcased on the local version of Romper Room in Merced, California, where her family was living while her father was stationed in the Air Force. Her career took her in many directions. She found herself painting seascapes and selling them in Carmel and Laguna Beach, California. People would ask, “Are you from here?” and she would say, “No, I’m from Nebraska.” This response always led to the question, “What’s there to paint in Nebraska?” 

 

Once Debra found her way back home to her hometown of Ralston, she set out to show the world how beautiful Nebraska is. She began painting Nebraska through her artist’s eyes, and the result was a collection called “Yes, this is Nebraska.” You can view pieces from that collection, as well as many others, on Debra’s website, debrajoygroesserfineart.com.

 

The website showcases not only Debra’s oil paintings but also wood creations made by her husband. Don has an eye for detailed craftsmanship and technique. His beautiful cutting boards and vases really bring the wood to life. Don and Debra’s daughter, Erin, is also an artist; she sells her Earrings by Erin in the shop. It is a true family-owned and -operated business. 

 

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery is in the heart of downtown Ralston, where Debra grew up and raised her family. Debra and her husband still live in Ralston, where Don has been the mayor for 30 years. Debra’s gallery has been a winner of Omaha Choice Awards for Fine Art Galleries for nine consecutive years and won Best of Omaha for Retail Art Gallery in 2023. 

 

During my conversation with Debra, she helped me understand the benefits of having art in your life, not just hanging in your home. Debra brings many different art festivals and classes to the surrounding communities. She works hard to make the festivals cross-generational, offering young artists the opportunity to learn from nationally acclaimed, award-winning artists. Once these new young artists complete their work, Debra has it framed and displayed in area libraries. 

 

The art classes at her gallery give people the opportunity to explore their artistic side with Debra’s help and guidance. Visit her website to see upcoming classes and festivals; while you are there, sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch with the local art world.

 

An original work of art can enrich both your home and your daily life. It adds beauty, reduces stress, reflects your personality, and creates a natural focal point that sparks conversation with family and friends. It can also be a meaningful investment—one that becomes a lasting heirloom to pass down for generations. 

 

Sometimes people shy away from shopping for original art in a gallery because they fear the experience may be intimidating. When you shop at a gallery like Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery, you walk in and meet the artist firsthand. The artist who created the work can help you understand the piece and why she painted it. 

 

Debra can also help you figure out what kind of art you’re looking for. Her gallery has artwork in a range of prices to suit all budgets. When you shop at Debra’s gallery, you can be sure you’re buying a creative, original piece of art made by human hands and filled with the love of a human heart. 

 

The holidays are approaching, and Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery is a wonderful place to find a one-of-a-kind gift or hostess basket. Stop by and let them help you choose the perfect original gift for a family member or friend. You’ll find a variety of unique options, from oil paintings and handcrafted wood pieces to wine glasses and coffee mugs. Let Debra help you make gift-giving easy and interesting this year.

 

Debra Joy Groesser Fine Art Gallery is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays from 11 to 4, and Saturdays from 10 to 2. Other hours, she says, are by appointment or by chance. Give her a call at 402-592-6552 or drop by 5615 South 77th Street, in Ralston.