YVAA member and multi-media artist, Debra Wick has been named “Artist of the year.”  We are so happy that Debra is a member of YVAA and that we have had the privilege of seeing her amazing multi-media art on display at our events. Debra will receive an award this January 2026, acknowledging her as the winner for her regular monthly art show entries and ribbon wins in the various categories that members can enter in during the 2025 season.

Before retiring as floral designer, Debra Wick enrolled in watercolor classes, approximately 12 years ago, from then on, she was hooked!  She studied watercolor techniques under the tutelage of Ed Sotello and Holly Warner. There was so much to learn and so many “rules” to break.  As she progressed, she joined the Redlands Art Association to show her art in their gallery. Debra is also a member of the Pomona Valley Art Association, Loma Linda Art Association and Yucaipa Valley Art Association where she has the opportunity to show her art in their respective art shows as well as juried shows.

For Debra, beauty and color uplift the human spirit as they draw us into the awe and wonder of God’s creation. This is Debra’s aim which she pursues in her paintings and it is the reason that she shares her art with others. Debra likes to work in various mediums, including watercolor, acrylics and alcohol inks because they produce bold colors or interesting atmospheres of the subjects that intrigue her and stimulate her creative juices to put art to paper or canvas.

Congratulations to this very talented artist! We have enjoyed seeing her amazing and creative art throughout the year!