Artist BIO

Debbie Laden is a mixed-media artist and dedicated art educator whose work is deeply influenced by urban landscapes, industrial textures, and the interplay of decay and renewal. Born and raised in New York City, Debbie’s artistic style reflects the grit and vibrancy of the environments she has encountered. She specializes in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional mixed media, incorporating collage, sculpture, and layered textures that evoke the patina of time. Her fascination with bees, graffiti, and metal-like surfaces informs much of her creative exploration.

Debbie has lived in New York, Atlanta, and Boston, and she currently resides in South Florida. Her experiences in these diverse urban settings continue to shape her artistic perspective, particularly her appreciation for the juxtaposition of nature and the built environment. Though her art is deeply personal and rooted in self-expression, Debbie’s passion extends to teaching and fostering creativity in others. She has taught at Clark Atlanta University and at various cultural art centers throughout Atlanta. She has taught art in public schools since 1990 and currently teaches children in South Florida, many of whom have received art awards under her guidance. She is also involved with the NSU Museum of Art’s Sensory Saturdays program, working with children with autism and their families.

Debbie finds inspiration in the contrast between urban decay and natural beauty, especially in her travels to Eastern Europe, where she photographs architecture entwined with graffiti and organic growth. Looking ahead, she dreams of expanding her artistic journey by writing a book about art, collaborating with other artists, and continuing to build creative communities through teaching and mentorship.