... holding hands was on the cover of School Art magazine.

Ms. Hildinger received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida in printmaking in 1973. Followed by a Master of Arts in 1978 and Master of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a double major in printmaking and painting in 1979. Upon graduation, Disney Imagineering employed her as a finishing artist during the construction of EPCOT Center at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She believes this to be one of the greatest learning experiences of her life. Before moving to California in 2004, Deborah was administrator of the permanent art collection at Orlando International Airport and responsible for the works of art produced by internationally acclaimed artists such as Miriam Schapiro, Doris Leeper, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Jacob Lawrence, Duane Hanson, and Dale Chihuly. Ms. Hildinger is an award-winning artist in her own right within the printmaking, painting, pastel, digital imagery, and fine art craft mediums. She has exhibited in gallery, museum, and sidewalk art festivals throughout the southeastern United States and in California.

Ms. Hildinger retired in 2016 from the City of Santa Maria, CA where during her tenure she held the positions of Cultural Events Coordinator and Library Artist. Within these positions she managed the visual arts programs and galleries for adults and children. In addition, she retired from her position as an adjunct instructor at Allan Hancock College. From 2005 to 2016, Ms. Hildinger taught lecture and studio classes that included portraiture, drawing, digital fine art, art appreciation, and American art history.

Returning to Florida in 2016, Ms. Hildinger is now working as a full-time artist, exhibiting within The HUB on Canal in New Smyrna Beach, FL with her fine art gourds.