Talented artist and Art 4 Shelter committee member, Deann Speltz is dedicated to creating art and supporting the important work of Simpson Housing Services through Art 4 Shelter. She began contributing her work to Art 4 Shelter four years ago after first attending the event. Deann later joined the Art 4 Shelter committee because her two sisters-in-law were members of the coordinating team. “I figured if I was going to be involved I might as well use my talents as well,” she says.
Deann paints primarily with acrylics, historically producing realistic pieces and recently branching out to more abstract work. She identifies with many different styles of art: “I love so many types and eras. I love the classic art of Monet and Rembrandt but also love folk art. I think I’m most affected by architecture; I never can get enough of the old architecture in European cities. I’m enchanted by that architecture, which I believe is art.”
Deann was an interior design major in college, dabbling in painting during her college art classes. In her fifties, she began painting to fill a creative outlet. For the last 10 years, Deann has created beautiful artwork to display in her home and in the homes of friends and family members.
In the years to come, Deann hopes to spend more time painting. “My goal is to make it a priority in my life. I’m busy with grown children, aged parents, and volunteering. I do some interior design work from time to time. I love to travel; my husband jokes that I’m always planning our next trip before the current trip has even happened,” she says.
Deann’s travels influence her art, and she often finds herself painting something she has photographed while traveling.
Born and raised in Winona, MN, Deann currently lives in Minnetonka, MN.