Background—Celestea Deanes

      I am the second of four children , from a middle class background in Chicago. I went to a notable high school in Chicago, Robert Lindblom High School , and graduated in 1978. An exploitation  in the military  damaged my health, and the following years of poor treatment via the VA medical system made it worse. I found solace in the arts...

 After joining a dance troupe  (associated with  the South Side Community Arts Alliance) I travelled with them . Eventually , this wanderlust brought me to Albuquerque, New Mexico. And there, I benefited from a combination of community support. One spectacular place being  the National Instituteof Flamenco (!) where for ten years,  I  immersed. The directors of that program  are the Sandoval-Encienas family, who adopted me in my  frequent debility. Another group of benefactors  included the company of artists like  Dr. Jennifer Lynn Johnson (of a local  junior college arts program).  Also  I am gratified immensely to say I recieved  private tutelage via one Leo Nufeld , a very cerebrated  professional artist  of the region. These are , plainly put, compassionate people.  I participated in shows as my varied  talents developed , and repeatedly won prizes via the VA talent events and academic venues available. This includes ballet, modern, concert piano and classical guitar. I became a sought after artists model along the way. 

      I maintained academic interests in the sciences,  here most recently  in Durango Colorado at Fort Lewis College, an institution  that is dedicated to native American youth. And just constructed a new STEM facility ! I am enrolled via  audit in Calculus and chemistry refresher courses.  I also have learned Java Script and Python online via Sal Khan Academy. And studied on line several lauguages via Pronuciator software program. Cant say enough about that! Developed my language skills and talked to people from all over the world. All from the comfort of my living room  or even hospital bed...

       Interestingly ,I  received a diploma from the NEW MEXICO  SCHOOL OF NATURAL THERAPY ,  of which I  credit my healing crisis. I am considered a “lay medical anthropologist” . Enjoyed hundreds of hours of training in gallery (Albuquerque museum of Art and History). Certified  in Africana Studies  (Museum of Art in Denver) . I was a  museum docent some six years . I am very blessed to have all this experience and outlet, especially  finding release from pain and adversity . I am very grateful indeed.