Remembering Deana

Deana Blanchard, artist, merry-maker, mother, friend, soul mate departed this world on October 31, 2024. We like to think that the founder and guiding light of Selena Glass and Metal has taken her passion and creativity to play with the goddesses.

 

For those of us left behind, we will continue to revel in the joyous and creative human that she was.

 

From humble origins as a sole artist with a stained-glass passion in the 1970s to the dedicated artistic partner in a full-time studio, Deana turned joy into a livelihood. With husband, Chuck, by her side, their work at Selena slowly moved away from the original stained glass into the current jointly-inspired glass and metal fabrications.

 

Deana loved learning. She regularly took courses at Penland in various media.

 

She volunteered her time to make altered books for a local fundraiser. She sewed quilt squares and did flamework.

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She reveled in making handcrafted greeting cards for every occasion. With her big smile, free laugh, and generous spirit, Deana not only inspired her many customers but her beloved

community of artists as well. “When I grow older, I want to be like Deana,” was not an uncommon sentiment.

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Deana died as she lived: open, curious, and mindful. When faced with her impending demise, Deana embraced the details and didn’t shy away from her future. She wanted a memorial party before her death, and she got it.

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She wanted art to be part of her passing, and so she was buried in a simple shroud covered in tiny artworks sent in from family and friends all over the globe. She loved the land surrounding her and Chuck’s home and studio and asked for a green burial at her favorite spot on the property. This way, she would become a part of the flora and fauna she deeply loved, and her laughter would mingle with the birdsong.

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On October 30, 2024, family and friends gathered on a beautiful, blue sky day to carry her shroud-wrapped body up the hill to her barrow and lay her gently in the ground. Flowers were strewn along the path. Songs were gifted to the hills. And a river of tears carried her to the ocean of stars.

 

The world will not be the same without Deana Jane Blanchard. But for those of us who knew her, we will be forever gifted with a sprinkle of stardust. Her legacy will live on in her many

creations.