04 Jul Four Day Ray Showcase: “Let It Flow” by Debbie Herrmann and JanettMarie Mara
Creativity often blooms in the most unexpected places. For Debbie Herrmann, a simple gift at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a vibrant new chapter in life. What began as a family project with fluid art quickly turned into a passionate pursuit of color, texture, and transformation.
Debbie recalls the moment fluid painting entered her life: a gift from her stepson. That one piece inspired a hands-on experiment with her family, leading to evenings spent learning techniques from YouTube videos. Soon, she was sharing those techniques with friends, who encouraged her to take a leap and begin selling her work. “They really pushed me,” she reflects. “And from there, everything just unfolded.”
Support from mentors like professional artist JanettMarie Marra helped Debbie find her footing in the local art scene. Through experience at The Stutz, High Frequency Arts, Noblesville Creates, and other creative collectives, she honed foundational and marketing skills. “They [High Frequency Arts] took a chance on me. I attended a class at Noblesville Creates on marketing, which gave me the courage to submit art for events with Noblesville Creates. These interactions helped me gain the confidence to keep growing.” In addition to painting canvas, she now explores jewelry design and works with glass and stainless steel.
Her process has since evolved from imitation and careful observation into something deeply intuitive. “At first I followed tutorials exactly,” she says. “Now I mix techniques, experiment with textures, and trust my instincts. Sometimes my best pieces are the ones that didn’t go as planned.”
Debbie describes Let It Flow as a reflection of that artistic evolution. With a range of fluid art techniques—like the swirling, delicate tendrils of a Dutch pour or the dramatic effects of metallic contrasts—her work celebrates the dynamic tension between control and spontaneity. “I like vibrant things,” she says, “and I love contrast. I might mix copper with purple or metallics with soft colors. It’s about the push and pull.” Debbie invited her mentor JanettMarie to join her and share her work at the Let it Flow exhibit.
Visitors can experience Let It Flow at Four Ray Brewing, located at 11671 Lantern Road in Fishers, Sunday and Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00. You can meet Debbie at her free public reception, date and time to be determined. Stay tuned!