Deborah Lee Newton

I first met Deb at the 317 Market Street Gallery that she daringly (and nearly single-handedly) created in the mid-1980s in Rockford, Illinois. 317 was a fantastically progressive space that brought together untold numbers of Rockford-area artists and art lovers. The unique multi-story gallery / studio complex and its creator made all of us feel that we were part of a warm and welcoming community where all forms of creative expression were encouraged. Deb was an unusually gifted and...

Her special talent is now gone but some of her art will be on display for years to come. Rest in peace Deb. Jackie Danielsen

I was just thinking this morning that today was Deb's birthday. I never expected to read her obituary later. What a sad time for her family and friends. No one could have left a better legacy for the arts in our area. She lived her dream and made other's dreams come true too. I'm one of them. A person like Deb, who was, is and always will be a force of nature, does not fade from the memories of those people they touched along the way and her contribution to the art world locally lives on. May...

Rest In Peace my artist friend.