Embracing Creativity, Community, and Canine Companions: The Balestreri Family

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

Debra, Aaron, and their three beloved canine companions, Loki, Brisby, and Ripley, have created a home in Aquia Harbor, but they've also created their own community of artists. 

Their story began in the digital realm, where a mere "wink" on Match.com sparked the beginning of a lifelong journey. Debra, a spirited bartender navigating her college years in Fredericksburg, thought, "He had a nice smile, and I liked his glasses."

"We chatted, and he came up to Fredericksburg to meet me at work one night," Debra explained. "We had a date that weekend and hit it off. The rest is history!"

Aaron, then residing in VA Beach, was drawn to Debra's adventurous spirit, and they've certainly enjoyed numerous adventures together since that meeting. Nearly two decades of partnership later, theirs is a love story etched with laughter, resilience, and boundless affection.

Professional Prowess and Artistic Passion

While Aaron thrives in IT security, finding fulfillment in his role within a close-knit government contracting firm, Debra's journey is adorned with creative zeal and academic prowess. Armed with a degree in studio arts from UMW and a teaching certification, she honed her craft in ceramic sculpture, eventually earning her MFA from UARTS in Philadelphia. Her tenure at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton saw her ascend to Director of Education, where she nurtured budding talents and kindled a passion for the arts within her community.

For Debra, turning her passion into her profession was a natural evolution. Today, she dedicates her days to sculpting and crafting functional pottery, a labor of love that seamlessly intertwines with her teaching endeavors. Her deep-seated respect for the military, stemming from her upbringing as a Marine BRAT, fuels her commitment to fostering connections between art and service, a mission she continues to pursue fervently through establishing Corgi Clay Art Center, a local artist's haven in Stafford.

Motivated by a lack of creative spaces in Stafford, Debra's vision for Corgi Clay Art Center was rooted in community-building and wellness, aiming to fill a void in the county's cultural landscape. By offering classes, firing services, and teaching opportunities, Corgi Clay Art Center provides individuals a platform to explore the art of ceramics and foster connections through shared experiences.

Driven by a desire to create a sense of belonging and connection, Debra's mission at Corgi Clay Art Center goes beyond teaching pottery techniques. Through education and engagement, she aims to dispel misconceptions about ceramics and cultivate an appreciation for its artistic potential. With a focus on functional pottery and sculpture, Debra offers a space for individuals to explore their creativity and find their tribe within the vibrant community of ceramic artists in Stafford. The name also encapsulates the Balestreri family’s love for their fur children.

Beyond being a proud dog mom, Debra is also proud to wear the title of business owner in Stafford, and she and Aaron enjoy frequenting the local businesses as much as possible. 

"We love the smaller businesses here like Barley Naked Brewing [Deb's awesome neighboring business], Paddy's Restaurant, and Robiolino," Debra explained. "I would love to see more small businesses in the area."

Debra also sells her own pottery through another business with a similar name: Corgi Clay, LLC.

A Home Amidst Tranquility

The decision to relocate to Aquia Harbour in 2016 was born from a desire to streamline their commutes and embrace a lifestyle of tranquility and convenience. The allure of the community's idyllic homes, scenic surroundings, and proximity to amenities and nature trails proved irresistible to the adventurous couple. 

"We really like our neighborhood and neighbors. We love to walk the trails and being close to Government Island," said Debra. "We have great neighbors, too. Everyone has dogs and are dog-people." Surrounded by like-minded neighbors and fellow dog enthusiasts, they found solace in the camaraderie of their new community.

While they don't get to participate in the neighborhood activities as much as they'd like due to their busy work schedules, they have participated in the fall and spring craft fairs, which are "always fun." The best part of their neighborhood community might be the treats, though— for Debra, Aaron, and their dogs. 

"We get treats from our neighbors all the time— tamales, cupcakes, cookies— and we LOVE the families around us."

Avid Adventurers

When they aren't working or enjoying a get-together with neighbors, they're likely on a travel adventure together. The couple often take their adventurous spirits to Mexico and Jamaica, and they were even wed in the Dominican Republic. From coastal retreats to ancient wonders, each voyage reaffirms their bond and fuels their dreams of retiring amidst the sun-kissed shores of Mexico.

“We love Mexico!” Debra explained. “Everything about it. The people, the culture, the food, all of it. We have been to Mexico so many times and seen beautiful wonders like Chichen Itza and Tulum. Our goal is to retire there one day.”

Both Aaron and Debra are children of Marines, so travel is just in their blood. Deb also had the opportunity to study in Urbino, Italy as a college senior, and Aaron was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. 

For the Balestreri family, life is an adventure full of love, creativity, and exploration. From their serendipitous beginnings to their shared aspirations for the future, theirs is a journey of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to embracing life's adventures, one clay sculpture, canine companion, and travel escapade at a time. In Aquia Harbour, amidst the nature trails and the welcoming embrace of neighbors turned friends, they've found a place to reside and a canvas upon which to paint the vibrant chapters of their lives.