Debbie Lamson and her husband, David reside in Kewadin and Farmington Hills. Debbie’s career began in accounting in the Detroit metro area until her daughter was born then left the business world. Once her three kids became independent, she returned to college for an art education degree. Teaching in a gifted and talented arts school in Ann Arbor, Debbie was encouraged to continue her artwork since the school saw the value of students observing working artists.

In 2016 Debbie left teaching to focus on a life long dream as a full time artist. This chapter of her life has been enormously enjoyable, although not always ideal. Working in a dimly lit basement, dining room table, a vacant bedroom and a barn with no heat, air conditioning, or running water and shared with mice and red squirrels. Once Debbie moved from the Leelanau Peninsula to Kewadin, to a studio with utilities and no bushy tailed companions, her artwork flourished.

As one who sees the value of lifelong learning, I believe that the Crooked Tree Art Center is ideal for providing numerous opportunities for the community to learn, observe, and thrive in the arts. As the art world continues to grow in northern Michigan, I'm looking forward to working with CTAC-Traverse City.