A Bit About Me and My Family...

Debby Gwaltney: I'm a married mother of three girls, ages 19, 17 and 6. We live in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. I've been an artist all my life, dabbling in all sorts of artistic media including painting, airbrushing, pastels, drawing, clay, calligraphy, pen and ink to name but a few. I have an Associate Degree in Graphic Art and worked in the field for 21 years, including as a graphic artist for a major newspaper in South Florida for almost six years, and then as the composing manager for a much smaller newspaper in Russellville, Arkansas. I have been designing jewelry since May 1989, and discovered lampworking in 1999. Now, I devote myself full-time to lampworking and designing jewelry. I am a member of the local art guild of Clarksville and participates in many of the guild's functions. I am also a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers and Wet Canvas online.

Tim Gwaltney:  Tim is my loving husband of seven years.  He is my number one fan.  He is very supportive and helpful to our lampworking endeavors.  Tim built the lampworking studio, the workbench, the glass storage system, installed the ventilation systems, the numerous bead shelves and storage systems in my office.  He also chops the wood to keep the studio warm in the winter.  Tim is the BEST hubby in the world!

Chelsea Lurker: Chelsea, age 17, is an A student at Lamar High School in Lamar, Arkansas. Chelsea is very artistic. She enjoys working with pastels and colored pencils, and has plans to attend college or art school.

Rachel Lurker: Rachel, age 19, attends the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.  Rachel is very artistic also.  Her interests are art, photography and cosmetology.  She is undecided what career path to follow, so at this time she is pursuing a business degree.

Virginia Gwaltney:  AKA Ginny, is our 6 year old little girl.  Ginny is already an aspiring artist.  She enjoys coloring and painting and has even already made her first bead!  (Of course, Mom was a nervous wreck the whole time, as she sat in Mom's lap and Mom guided her hands).  Ginny is a very special little lady and a true blessing in our lives!  Ginny attends Lamar elementary, and enjoys going to school just like her big sisters.  Ginny made straight A's all throughout Kindergarten!  We're very proud of her!

Pets:  Currently we have Sassy, a 15 year old Siamese cross cat, Fidget, an 8 year old black and white cat, and Phoenix, a 1 year old orange tabby.

I am so blessed to have a houseful!