Help Gary Heal: Stroke Recovery & Rehab Fund

Help Support Gary Duquette’s Recovery

Our beloved eclectic creative, local celebrity, and incredibly talented artist Gary Duquette suffered a massive ischemic stroke on May 29th. Tragically, he was down for over 24 hours before being found.

As active and adventurous as he is, Gary often went off-grid—always chasing his next creative spark, game, or wild idea. Not checking in wasn’t unusual, but this time, everything changed.

For the past seven years, Gary has been a vibrant, driving force in the Brooksville and Hernando County arts community. He’s led countless art classes, created public murals, and played a huge role in many of the area’s most beloved public art projects—including Gallery 201, Art on Fire, the Mermaid Tale Trail, Mobile Murals, and more.

He’s inspired many with his signature style—painting with coffee, wine, and beer—often using Mountaineer Coffee, Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard, and Tidal Brewing Company as both medium and muse, paying homage to the local businesses and community he loves.

Among his softball league, he’s affectionately known as “Rembrandt.” Gary isn’t just an artist—he’s an athlete, an entertainer, a mentor, and a true original.

After spending two weeks in the hospital at Bayonet Point, Gary has been transferred to a skilled nursing facility to begin intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He is currently facing left-side paralysis as a result of a right middle cerebral artery (R MCA) stroke.

How You Can Help

We’re raising funds to help Gary in the long journey ahead. Donations will go toward:

Gary’s spirit is strong, but the road to independence will be long. Every act of generosity—no matter the size—makes a difference.

Visit Gary

If you’d like to visit, please contact his daughter, Nikki Duquette, or his “manager” as he calls her, Allisa Babor. He truly lights up when familiar faces stop by, and he’s remembered and thanked every neighbor, softball friend, and golf buddy who’s already come to see him.

If you have any questions about other ways you can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We know Gary is deeply loved, and we want him to feel that love fully during this challenging time.

With gratitude,

Allisa & Nikki