Word has arrived that the longtime Portland artist Deborah Horrell died on August 24 after a six-year battle with lung cancer. She was 65. Her obituary is here.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that our dear friend and gallery artist, Deborah Horrell, recently passed away after several years battling cancer,” her Portland gallery, Elizabeth Leach, announced. “Deborah was a beloved member of the gallery family and larger arts community, known for her dynamic and meticulously crafted works in glass, wood and ceramics, as well as her masterfully drafted drawings and paintings.
“Many of you may know that during the last 18 years Deborah had several periods fighting cancer. She always brought tenacity, immense strength and dignity to this herculean task. During those challenging years, Deborah deepened her infectious love for life, boundless affection for friends, colleagues and collaborators, expanded her witty sense of humor, and her passion for imaginative and creative fashion. Deborah dedicated her time to her family (husband Kit and dog Kenai), her studio art practice and giving back to her community. She served on the board of PICA: Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, participated in art residencies and major exhibitions around the country and was an ever-present and engaged patron and attendee of art and dance events throughout our community.”
A celebration of her life will be held October 6 at PICA, 15 N.E. Hancock Street. Details are here.
One Response
I am so honored to have on my wall a favorite monotype of Debra’s traded for from a Prints for PICA session. We will greatly miss her infectious smile and Arty clothes and big heart.
What a tenacious fighter against her cancer. With an eye on heaven, those last beautiful sculptures are a magnificent legacy.
Thank you for them dear Debra.