Yorkville Woman Rediscovered Painting After Kids Left Home

A dabbler in the fine arts at an early age, Yorkville resident Deborah Horaz put her drawing pencils and paints away for nearly three decades to pursue a career and family.

But that changed about four years ago.

“I used to take art classes in grade school and high school, but I never did anything again until my kids left the house,” said Horaz, 53. “All of a sudden I decided I wanted to paint again.”

She set out for the nearest art supply store and stocked up on canvasses and paint.

This month, Horaz’s work can be found at the, where she is the featured artist.

The library chooses a new local artist every six weeks to display their work on the art display wall on the second floor. This program was established at the grand reopening of the library back in February 2007.

“As an amateur it is always an honor when you can share your work, especially at a library,” Horaz said.

A  member of the Kendall Arts Guild, Horaz has an interest in acrylics, sheet metal and photography.

Her favorite subject to paint? Abstract landscapes.

Before setting to work, she likes to first cover her canvasses in plaster paint.

“It makes it texturized so it stands out a little better,” she said. “Then I paint over it.”

Once Horaz starts a painting, “I don’t sit down until it’s done.”

“I like to start at nighttime when all of my housework is done and everything’s quiet,” she said. “And I don’t like to stop until I’m finished because I have an idea in my head I want to get down.”

She also prefers painting in the winter when she has more time. Her work as a master gardener keeps her busy in the warmer temperatures. She is also a member of the Yorkville Park Board, and she and her husband, Chuck, own and operate the Yorkville-based Interlink Telecommunications Inc.

“I keep busy,” Horaz said.

As for her artwork, members of her family are often the recipients. Horaz also has a painting hanging in the office of Gary Golinski, and a print hanging up at the .

A few years ago, she was approached by someone who wanted to purchase one of her paintings hanging in a model during a parade of homes in Sugar Grove.

Though she was flattered, Horaz said no.

“It was my first painting,” she said. “And I actually don’t sell my paintings. I like to use them in my own home.”

She has donated some of her artwork to various local charity auctions.

Sheryl Iwonski, who is the circulation manager and director of the art display program at the library, lauds Horaz’s work.

“It’s beautiful and such a wide variety,” she said. “It’s something everybody can appreciate.”

She added that library staff is also excited about Horaz’s work.

“They’re very impressed,” Iwonski said.