deb chase

Board member since 2017 and long time Peaks resident, Deb Chase has been a close friend to co-founders Scott Nash and Nancy Gibson-Nash. What started as a weekly visit has turned into a much greater commitment to help ii expand and thrive. 

Deb and her husband, John Funk, live Portland, Maine throughout the year and summer on Peaks Island, Maine.  They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren living all over the country. As the daughter of a member of the Foreign Service, she grew up watching her parents collect art in varying mediums from many cultures. When asked about her involvement, Chase relayed:

“l enjoy many of these pieces now and continue to grow my own collections. Joining the Illustration Institute board was a an easy decision. I realized I would be able to combine my interest in book illustration with being introduced to the art of illustration in many other forms. The programs and exhibits we’ve created have been an equally important part of our organization. It has been an exciting and rewarding time playing a part in the success of ii.”

Deb has spent a total of 36 years at schools in three different states. She also has headed multiple fundraising projects and committees, including one for major renovations of our very own Peaks Library.