13 Jun Meyer Najem Showcase: “Together We Flow” by Debbie Herrmann and JanettMarie Marra
Creative expression often connects perspectives that might seem different on the surface, yet share deeper meanings. In “Together We Flow”, artists Debbie Herrmann and JanettMarie Marra explore that idea through a vibrant showcase of color, experimentation, and individuality. Their collaborative exhibit celebrates the beauty found in diversity and demonstrates how unique artistic voices can come together.
For Debbie Herrmann, art began with curiosity and a gift from her stepson. Fascinated by a fluid painting he created, she joined him and other family members for a painting session in his garage during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a simple family activity quickly became a passion. “It was fascinating how the colors interacted and changed with the manipulation of the flow on the canvas,” she recalls. Inspired to learn more, Debbie turned to online tutorials, experimenting with techniques and materials while developing her own approach to fluid art.
As friends became captivated by her work, Debbie began teaching others, creating step-by-step instruction guides for various fluid art techniques and hosting painting gatherings. Her artistic journey took another important turn when she met professional artist JanettMarie Marra through mutual friends. “With her help and encouragement, I continue to learn and grow into fine tuning my own style of using fluid art as a form of expression,” Debbie says.
JanettMarie brings a unique perspective to the partnership. A graduate of Herron School of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Trine University. Her background in both art and science naturally fuels her creative process, inspiring her to experiment with materials and discover innovative ways to incorporate them into her work.
Known for whimsical paintings and mixed-media pieces, JanettMarie works across a wide range of mediums, including oils, acrylics, oil pastels, charcoal, ink, graphite, and glitter. Her canvases explore an equally diverse range of subjects, from landscapes, flowers, and sailboats to coffee cups, martinis, and more born entirely from her imagination. Whether creating themed collections or commissioned work, she approaches each piece with a spirit of curiosity and play.
While their artistic paths differ, “Together We Flow” highlights a common thread. For Debbie, the exhibit centers on themes of diversity and inclusion. Through fluid art techniques that utilize different tools and methods, each piece emerges with its own distinct personality while remaining connected to the larger body of work. “Slight changes can make a significant difference, and yet they are all connected,” she explains. She also sees the work as a reminder of individuality. “Every piece of abstract art is uniquely different and cannot be duplicated,” she notes, “They all have beauty in their own way, one not better or worse than the next.” Drawing from her experiences working with people from many different backgrounds, she approaches both life and art with an appreciation for the unique qualities each person brings. “I choose to look for the good and beauty in all of the uniqueness of each individual.”
Visitors can experience “Together We Flow” at the Meyer Najem 2nd Floor Gallery from June 5 through June 26, 2026. The artists will host a free public reception on June 26 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering guests time to chat with them one-on-one, learn more about their creative processes, and explore the exhibit firsthand before it closes.