I met Donnie in 1996 in Pontiac (Anne Jantz). Several of my friends and I had just opened The Art Experience, an Art Therapy Studio on Lawrence Street. We had our first art show soon after we opened, and Donnie came to see the art. Donnie stayed on with our group for many years, painting, teaching, and learning with the rest of us. He loved Art and he loved people. He  used Art to help in his recovery from substance abuse, and he was always ready to vouch for the healing power of Art.

All of us still remember Donnie, his gentle spirit, and his quick wit. He was and is an inspiration for people who love art. He was definitely gone too soon.