Veterans Lunch & Learn with Deborah Hildinger

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 | 11:00am - 12:30pm

Please join fine artist Deborah Hildinger for an engaging talk and demonstration on transforming gourds into works of art. She will share her process—from selecting, cleaning, and drying gourds to embellishing them with beads, lacing, weaving, botanicals, and other mixed-media techniques. Discover how a simple natural form becomes a unique piece of fine art and explore the creative possibilities of this versatile medium.

After the discussion, participants will enjoy a free boxed lunch (choice selected at registration).

This program is ONLY open to veterans and current service members.

Registration closes at 10am Thursday, 8/20, or when program is full.

About the Presenter:

Deborah Hildinger received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a double major in Printmaking and Painting in 1979. Upon graduation, WED Show Production employed her as a finishing artist during the construction of EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World. She believes this to be one of the greatest learning experiences of her life. Before moving to California in 2004, Deborah was administrator of the permanent art collection at Orlando International Airport and responsible for the works of art produced by internationally acclaimed artists such as Doris Leeper, Miriam Schapiro, Jacob Lawrence, Duane Hanson, and Dale Chihuly. Deborah is an award-winning artist in her own right within the mediums of printmaking, painting, pastel, digital imagery, and fine crafts. She has exhibited in galleries, museums and sidewalk art festivals throughout the southeastern United States and in California. Ms. Hildinger retired in 2016 from the City of Santa Maria, CA where during her tenure she held the positions of Cultural Events Coordinator and Library Artist. Within these positions, she managed the visual arts programs and galleries for adults and children. In addition, she retired from her position as an adjunct instructor at Allan Hancock College. From 2005 to 2016, Ms. Hildinger taught lecture and studio classes that included portraiture, drawing, digital fine art, art appreciation and American art history. Returning to Florida in 2016, Ms. Hildinger is now working as a full-time artist, exhibiting at art festivals and within the HUB on Canal in New Smyrna Beach, FL with her fine art gourds.