Jackson Township, NJ - With imagination, wit, and paint, Debi Heyck turns ordinary sea shells into decorative conversation pieces and collectors’ items. Her works will be on display throughout the month of August at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch.

“Shells from the Jersey Shore and More” illustrates the Jackson resident’s ability to transform the mundane into the magical. Her works have appeared in the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion, Trenton’s Art All Night exhibit and juried shows under the aegis of the Ocean County Artists Guild.

Debi’s passion for painting developed in her high school years. She earned an Associate’s degree in fine arts at Mercer County Community College in Trenton, and
applied her skills at surrounding commercial concerns and porcelain studios.

“I found my niche in the satellite industry,” she said, “doing epoxy, tape and paint applications for space-ready hardware. I also took classes in computer graphics and made paintings in my free time.”

Settling down to raise a family in Ocean County, Debi and her then-toddler frequented the beaches, where they searched for shells, driftwood, sea glass, and other “treasures.”

“I loved the patterns and forms of the shells,” she said. “When my shell collection grew big enough, I learned to enhance them with my own style of craft. I enjoy decoupage, pouring clear resins, and painting.”

“Since ancient times, people have been intrigued by the bounty of the ocean. Shells last forever,” Debi said. “I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I enjoyed making them.”

“Shells from the Jersey Shore and More” is free and open to the public during regular Branch operating hours. No registration is required to view the display. For more
information, visit the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, or call (732) 928-4400.