THERE'S BEEN A HUGE CHANGE IN MY LIFE

Before I begin this story of my life, I want to share that the very best part of it has changed. As I noted on my WELCOME page, my sweet husband Doug, the love of my life, passed away in early Autumn this year after a six year+ courageous battle with Sarcoma cancer. He was given six months to live, but was a true warrior, blessedly winning many more years together for us. In between visits to Houston's MD Anderson and local care by physicians like Dr. Ray Lance, Doug fought the good fight with everything he had. He never gave up.

A "REGULAR GUY" ~ But, in between the challenges, we shared lots of wonderful memories with friends and family who helped us make the most of every moment, both before and after his diagnosis. Even though there were huge hurdles, Doug lived his life like these were just bumps in his road ~ never complaining, always sharing his sweet crooked grin and engaging sense of humor. His best pals loved him like crazy and treated him as though he wasn't sick at all ~ which made his life so much sweeter than it might have been through most of this journey. Doug loved being a regular guy.

INSPIRATION ~ Much of my friendly happy artwork was inspired by him. He taught by example ~ helping me to see people in their best light with leeway to be themselves. He forgave often, giving folks the benefit of the doubt, reminding me that we never know what is really going on in someone else's heart. He embraced light-heartedness and treasured his memories. His friends, kids and grandkids were everything to him. "Don't take life too seriously. It's all good," he often shared. Most importantly, he taught me what REAL love was. I'm so grateful for our 25 years together ~ and I hope I remember to use what he taught me until we see each other again.

 

 

 

WELCOME TO MY "LIFE STORY" PAGE!

This page is all about my background and events that helped me grow into an award-winning "Americana" fine artist ~ from my first grade report card to present. "She loves artwork of all kinds and is a tireless worker," shared my inspiring first grade teacher Sister Rita Mae Fischer, who sadly passed away May 2023 at 94. Remarkably, her words are still true.

This page includes press clippings, magazine articles, art festivals I've helped develop, awards received, plus many charitable causes I've supported over the years, like Spokane Symphony's "Christmas Tree Elegance." NOTE: The "Financial and Fine Art Donations" section below lists all the causes in greater detail.

During these many years as a fine artist, art director and graphic designer, several events and career choices have helped shape my development as a fine Americana artist. It's been my signature style for decades, although my brother Bob has a few early contemporary efforts hanging on his walls. When I visit, It's fun to see where my efforts have taken me. As much as they appreciate these early works, I'm happy I chose the path I did. Below I've shared some milestones.

 

 

 

 

LIFELONG INSPIRATIONS

SISTER RITA MAE FISCHER ~ As mentioned above, Sr. Rita Mae really inspired and encouraged me. What a gift to have that kind of influence at such an early age. I'm proud to share I've been in touch with her with Christmas cards and letters most of my life. I will miss her. NOTE: Find more information on this amazing woman further down on this page under the "Patti Simpson Ward in the Press" section.

Highlight ~ In Summer 2016, Spokane honored 100 years of the Franciscan Sisters service to the Inland NW. Dozens of alumni from Marycliff High School, Saint Augustine's (now Cataldo Grade School) and other parochial schools once staffed by the Franciscans filled Saint Augustine's Church for Mass and a reception afterwards. The event was "standing-room-only" ~ a true tribute to these dedicated religious educators.

GRADE SCHOOL YEARS ~ As early as 6th grade, I remember drawing, writing and pasting up my own magazines, newsletter and booklets at my bedroom desk (I had my own bedroom, my sisters shared theirs) often while my siblings were off playing with neighborhood pals. My heart's desire was to create!

MY FIRST "BESTIE" ~ From 1st grade through 6th, I shared a close friendship with Maggie McCarthy (Braeuer). We've stayed in touch these many decades since, even though she lives on the East Coast in Alexandria, VA. But, lucky me! Her cousin Molly Roberts Hannan lives nearby, so when Maggie visits Molly, I get to see her, too. A few years ago, Maggie brought some "butterfly" books I had created for her when we were in our mid-20s living not far from each other in Western Washington. Some very magical memories there!

 

FASCINATING MR. FLEMISTER ~ When the "Peanut People" photo (above left) was taken in 1957, my dad's sister, husband and son were visiting our family cabin at Hayden Lake, ID. Ed was taking time off from piloting a small plane for Bethlehem Steel in Venezuela, South America. Highlight ~ An aviator for decades, he helped start Wein Air Alaska (which later became Alaska Airlines). When not flying, Ed was an avid artist and photographer with a dark room in every home the family shared. On this visit, I begged my uncle for art lessons. My first one was the "Peanut People" exercise here.

HIS LAST TWO EXHIBITS ~ When Ed was in his mid-90s, he showed much of his art and photography in a Baker City, OR gallery to stellar reviews. Four years later after moving to Tampa to be closer to son Jim's family, the Tampa Public Library hosted his very successful ~ and final exhibit. The Tampa Tribune publish a glowing pictorial praising his considerable talent and zest for life. Ed passed away at 98 January 2015 after spending Christmas with his family. On Facebook, his grandson Todd recalled Ed as being "one of the most fascinating men" he'd ever known. The end of a wonderful life . . .

 

MURALS AND MORE AT SAINT JOHN VIANNEY GRADE SCHOOL

OUR MOVE TO THE SPOKANE VALLEY IN THE 1960S ~ In November 1962, my family moved from our South Hill Dutch Colonial to a sleek mid-century modern that Sally Mom fell in love with in suburban Spokane Valley. She had seen a pictorial of it in Sunset Magazine. When it's "For Sale" sign went upt, Dad bought if for her, we all moved to her "dream house."

At my new grade school, Saint John's, frequently I was at the back of our classroom working on murals with other kids who loved these artistic endeavours. Often, creating these "masterpieces" happened during math class. Math can still be a challenge, especially at tax time!

10+ YEARS OF CAMP FIRE GIRLS ~ I earned many arts & crafts awards when it was a girls-only orgaization. My Camp Fire years also brought Summer job in college years in 1969 as a couselor at Camp Dart-Lo on the Little Spokane River north of Spokane, where I taught drama and arts & crafts. Sharing ideas with youngsters was rewarding and I'm sure I learned more from my little campers than they did from me. Their most creative project? Origami bird mobiles made from fishing line and colored paper!

 

 

HNA, EWSC AND MY FIRST FREELANCE DESIGN PROJECT

FINE ART & GRAPHIC DESIGN CLASSES / WORKSHOPS ~ During high school at Holy Names Academy, I enrolled in basic and advanced design classes. I also took advantage of weekend creative workshops at Fort Wright College. Sally Mom encouraged me then and still does to this day. I didn't know then exactly what my artistic niche would be, but these classes helped clarify my dream for a career in art and design.

In Summer 2013, the 125th Anniversary Celebration of the arrival of Holy Names Sister to our region was held at what had once been Fort Wright College. Alumni, sisters and other educators came from all over the United State. Amazingly, I was able to reconnect with Sister Shirley Mallory (Justin Mary), my high school art instructor who taught me the fundamentals of design and the importance of be true to your creative passion.

Highlight ~ As you can see by the photo (left), this special reunion meant a great deal to both of us. I was so grateful to have this opportunity to let her know what having her as my mentor and teacher meant to me. How luck were we to re-connect?

Sadly, this very talented educator passed away just a few short months after this meeting. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Sister Celine Steinberger's for helping make our reunion for us happen (more on Sister Celine below). Find more information about the 125th Anniversary festivities further down on this page in the "Holy Names Sisters" section.

 

 

UNDER-GRADUATE YEARS AT EWSC ~ PLUS EARLY DESIGN PROJECTS

A FUN EWSC PROJECT ~ During my two-plus years as an under-graduate at Eastern Washington State College (now a University), a good friend asked me to design the graphics for his campaign to be student body president. (Yes, he won!) In later years, John Allen opened "Vino," and built his reputation as a successful wine expert and vinter. It has become the "go to" place in Downtown Spokane for exceptional wine choices.

MY FIRST PROFESSIONAL PROJECT ~ Soon after John's election campaign, a college classmate introduced me to her dad, then president of the local National Syndicate Advertising Agency. After perusing my portfolio of sketches and line drawings, he commissioned me to create a year's worth of 50 print ads ~ each to sell cars using an "All American" theme. The project was as a great fit for me.

Between my sophomore and junior year that Summer, I completed all the ad campainge images for the presentation booklt pictured (left) in the photo, "The People's Choice." 1970 was a national election year, so the timing of this ad campaign was perfect. Although the copy I have today is dog-eared and faded, it was a treat to find it again among the banker's boxes Sally Mom recently handed off to me.

In Autumn 1974, instead of continuing at EWSC, I moved to Seattle. For a couplel years, I shared homes with my sister Peggy and four others girls near the University of Washington. I began working as a designer at the Western WA Headquarters of the Bon Marche HQ (later Macy's), spending the next 16 years graphically supporting their large group of satellite stores.

Highlight ~ One afternoon, when Peggy and I were driving up Aurora Avenue in Seattle, we were amazed to see one of my "People's Choice" ads on the billboard above the highway ~ a job well done!

 

THE "PEGGY YEARS" IN SEATTLE'S UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ~ In 1974, life was in a pretty white Cape Cod near the U ofo W Husky Statium. In 1975, we moved to a Foursquare two-story off Greek Row. NOTE: Both are pictured in my painting, "The Peggy Places" (see it on my COMMISSION page) which I created for Peggy when she married her childhood sweetheart Jeff Barton in 1976.

During time with Peggy, a couple of life-changing events took place. One Christmas, I received a book of Grandma Moses American Primitive Winter -themed paintings(still in my library ). Equally importantly, I discovered the art of Charles Wysocki when housemate Dawn Tanneburg tacked an "Americana Calendar" to her door. I fell in love with the heartfelt work of both these artists ~ and especially taken with Wysocki's attention to detail. Seeds of the "Americana" style were planted.

MY "AMERICANA" DREAM ~ Originally from Detroit, most Wysocki art was of imaginary settings, some inspired by New England. "Why not paint real subjects?" I asked myself as the Northwestwas filled with inspiring places begging to be painted. Our family's brick Dutch Colonial was my favorite home growing up, (left) so in 1975, it was my first subject. Still part of my collection, it reminds me where and when I began working in this genre. As evidenced by my work on this website, I've moved far beyond the early "folk art" feel ~ adding more perspective and personal detail to each piece.

EARLY EXHIBITS ~ In 1976-1980, several Americana early works were sold at a small Bellvue art gallery, followed by others exhibited in the Kirkland Art Walk District. Find more about my later exhibits below in the "Art Directing, Unveilings, Exhibits, Awards and More" section below.

MY SIGNATURE AND MORE ~ I created a special signature ~ the word "Patti" with a circle and heart to dot the 'i." As my love of this style grew, I began carrying my camera (now my iPhone) everywhere to capture subjects that inspired me. A trip to Port Townsend in the late seventies with my sister Marilee spawned over 14 works of the beloved Victorians there (Port Townsend Collection pdf). Digital media changed the art world, as so many more creative folks can self-publish their work!

 

AN AMAZING TRIP TO THE FORMER SOVIET UNION

AN AMAZING ADVENTURE ~ In 1987, I traveled with a media group of motivational speakers, professors and civic leaders to the former Soviet Union. The trip included a week each in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Tashkent (Seattle's "Sister City" in the Reagan-Gorbachev "Perestroika" open door period). Sadly, this enilghtened way of thinking stopped when Gorbachev lost power.

FRIENDS & MY ARTWORK ~ In Tashkent, I made friends with three accomplished women ~ a professor, a medical student and an art gallery curator. We corresponded for awhile after our trip until Russia rejected Perestroika and tighted restrictions there. Meeting the curator opened a door for me, as with help from former Seattle Mayor Royer's Russian-born wife Tatiana, she arranged for two of my works honoring our "Russia Experience" to be hung in the National Art Gallery of Tashkent.

One was the parade painting (left). The second, "The Children of Tashkent," was inspired by an invitation to our group for a visit to a grade school arranged by the professor. Remarkable during our visit, the students shared a poetry reading in flawless English. At dinner that night, we wondered how many folks in the United State would have been able to speak Russian as fluently as these brilliant children spoke English. See "The Children of Tashkent" on my MORE COLLECTION web page.

SISTER CITIES ~ The Sister City relationship between Seattle and Tashkent was a natural fit in the late 1980s, as the personality of the two cities was similar. Tashkent was miles from Moscow's governmental seat, and even though it was still part of the Soviet Union then, it felt more open than Moscow. Also, pre-Microsoft Seattle's big industry was Boeing and Tashkent was home to Aeroflat.

MOSCOW & ST. PETERSBURG ~ Thanks to Perestroika, Intourist guides led us though Moscow's gilded onion-domed government buildings off Saint Peter's Square. One museum displayed items from the executed Russian royal family ~ Faberge eggs, the crown jewels and more. In Saint Petersburg, we visited the palaces of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, restored after World War II when the Germans smashed them and other magnificent structures to bits. We also visited legendary Leo Tolstoy's apartment ("War & Peace," Anna Karenina," etc.). Once in a lifetime!

Highlight ~ This trip was a culture and history-lover's dream, but it opened my eyes to how lucky I was to have been born in the U.S.A., and how priceless our freedom and opportunities are here.

 

 

HOW MY CALENDARS BEGAN 30 YEARS AGO

SIS MARILEE'S SWEET SUGGESTION ~ To dovetail with my exhibits and art fests (and to placate family members who had received one painting too many), my sister Marilee suggested I design annual calendars to showcase recently finished paintings. 1994 marked my first effort.

Highlight ~ The cover (left) shared my third portrait of the beloved Codd house ~ this one portraying our Simpson family home in the 1950s with all of us decortaing it with #9 Christmas lights. This painting is still part my collection.

2024 marks my 30th Anniversary offering these colorfu lheartfelt date-keeprs. Today, I sell hundreds of copies, often designing them in as many as four editions and shipping them all over the United States and beyond. A handful of clients have collected them since very early days. !

"Spokanites" hither and yon, seem to carry nostalgic memories of growing up here in the "city with a small town feel." Its neighborhoods, parks, schools, churches, homes, landmarks ~ and of course, people ~ make it a very special place for many.

 

 

BROWN'ES ADDITION'S VERY FIRST ARTFEST

A FORTUITOUS COLLABORATION ~ In August 1997, the Eastern Washington Historical Society in partnership with The MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture) (NorthwestMuseum.org) invited me to exhibit at a very early ArtFest. I presented 18 recently completed works picturing Coeur d'Alene park and many famous historic residences.

Browne's Addition with its "gingerbread"-style gazebo in old Coeur d'Alene Park comprises Spokane's first and oldest neighborhood. Several historic homes there were designed by renowned architect, Kirtland Kelsey Cutter for Spokane's wealthiest citizens who made their money logging Idaho's forests and mining the region. Cutter homes included the Walkefield House, the Patrick Clark Mansion, the Finch House and The MAC's Campbell House (still receiving restoration efforts). My ArtFest collection included portraits of all of these. Find them and more (especially a dozen-plus Campbell House portraits) in the "Browne's Addition" section of my SPOKANE COLLECTION web page.

Highlight ~ After World War II in the late 1940s, owners of large Browne's Addition residences were pressured to convert their homes into multi-family apartments for servicemen returning home from World War II. Currently there is a movement in the neighborhood to restore these back to single-family status ~ a blessing for this revered historically preserved area.

SPECIAL EDITION CALENDAR ~ Also at that early ArtFest, my 1997 "Paciic NW Memories" calendar did a beautiful job of introducing my Americana artwork to the Inland NW.

THE FIRST MUSEUM ~ The Campbell House served as the Cheney-Cowles Museum until The MAC complex was finished and opened to the public. Restoration work on the mansion which had been donated to Spokane by the Campbell's only daughter Helen brgan when her mother Grace died. Remarkably, architect Kirtland Cutter's sample book was found in the attic's servants' quarters that took up much of the third floor ~ a huge help to the these important efforts.

NOTE: Sadly, COVID was not friendly to the MAC's tradition of conducting docent-led tours of the Campbell House. Blessedly, this is again in place as well as additional restoration work.

THE MUSEUM STORE ~ I have a collection of art cards of Spokane / Inland NW and Campbell House scenes at the store available for purchase. In 2021, I offered a calendar of Campbell House images at art events that featured three NEW paintings ~ the small guest room with teddy bears (these toys appeared about the time the Campbells moved into their home), the men's cardroom, and a third of the back yard gazebo. Folks loved this edition and dozens sold. In 2022, I finished three NEW neighborhood works, the pink apartment house on Pacific Avenue, The 1899 B&B and Browne's Boomtown Bistro." Highlight ~ This bistro features my artwork in its dining room.

125 YEARS AT COEUR D'ALENE PARK ~ A few years ago, restoration of the Coeur d'Alene Park band pavilion was completed. I gave the park stewardship group permission to use the painting image (left) "The Pavilion at Coeur d'Alene Park" on posters for the park's 125th Birthday fund-raiser. Learn more about this in the "Art Directing, Unveilings, Exhibits, Awards and More" section below.

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES IN OLYMPIA'S LEGISLATIVE BULDING

MY PAINTINGS AT WASHINGTON'S STATE LANDMARK CAPITOL BUILDING

In 1997, just after Doug and I began dating, I was honored by Lt. Governor Brad and Mrs. Owen, avid advodates of Washington State's diverse fine artists. Patricia M. Prince met me at my first ArtFest mentioned above, and recommended my work to the Owens. She admired my portraits of the Browne's Addition homes and other settings from all over the state, and knew the Owens would find them a nice fit for their upcoming exhibt.

"CHILDREN AT PLAY IN WASHINGTON STATE" ~ The couple invited me to join other artists exhibiting originals in Olympia's State Capitol Legislative Building (left). The opening of "Children at Play in Washington State" was followed by a reception attended by state dignitaries, legislators, visiting school children, the artists' families and many more.

DINO ROSSI ~ A high point of the day-long event was when Doug and I were introduced tot Dino Ross, who we found to be a genuine, engaging man, committed to the needs of folks living in Washington State. Later when he ran for Washington State Governor, we were disappointed that he lost the election as he'd made such a good impression on both Doug and me. The art event took place only a couple of months after Doug and I met, so it was wonderful to be able to include him in the prestigious festivities that day. This event is still a fond memory these many years later.

This exhibit and reception inspired my "Happy Holidays at the Legislative Bullding" (left) portraying the majestic State Capitol building. When I fiished it, Governor Gary Locke was serving his second term. I I gave both him and Lt. Governor Brad Owen framed artwork of this festive Holiday scene.

"Children at Play" was just one of four exhibits at the Legislative Building featuring works from the collections on my SPOKANE and PUGET SOUND web pages during the 1990s and 2000s. Heading up a committee of committed volunteers, what a gift this couple was who worked so hard to promote our state's artists. The halls of the Legislative Building were a spectacular backdrop for all of us.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen retired after a long, generous career of public service. Everyone involved with both the Owens and their creataive team are still very grateful.

 

THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY NAMES OF JESUS AND MARY

A SIMPLE THANK YOU ~ You never know what ripple effect the smallest gesture can create. A simple thank you note to high school principal brought a host of unexpected gifts my way. It's been over six decades since I graduated from Holy Names Academy, but the happy memories of school days, class reunions and other celebrations are still fresh.

A LITTLE HISTORY ~ When Gonzaga Prep began accepting women students, Holy Names Academy and Marycliff (South Hill all-girls Catholic high school) just coudln't compete with Prep's co-ed platform. Declining enrollment caused the Academy to close Iin 1975. After over a decade of neglect, local deveoper Harry (Hank) A. Green created an upscale retirement center from the school, all while retaining much of its original architectural details. Recently, the Academy building was purchased by a Salt Lake City company committed to accomplishing a great deal more restoration work on the historic structure. Highlight ~ When the old Marycliff Music Hall (F. Lewis Clark House) and its South Hill campus closed, it was converted into upscale office space, adopting it old name of "Undercliff."

AN UNEXPECTED HONOR ~ In Spring 2001 as mentioned above, I sent a thank you note to retired principal Sister Eileen Rose at the Spokane convent. I heard from Communications Coordinator Becky Sullivan and the Director of Development Sister Celine Steinberger, asking if they could feature my school portrait (left) in a future publication devoted to creative alumni. My artwork of HNA was chosen as cover art the for the SNJM Washington Partners in Miission Magazine ~ a HUGE honor!

FOUR SEASONS OF HOLY NAMES ~ In Summer 2013, I donated four different portraits of Holy Names settings in the Pacific NW Province (Washington, Idaho and Oregon) to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the order's arrival to the region. These four pieces still hang on the walls of their regional offices on the South Hill ~ remarkably just two blocks from Doug and my home here on Moran Prairie.

Highlight ~ John Stockton, retired Utah Jazz basketball star, grew up across Superior Street from Holy Names Academy. His son recently headed up Spokane's famous "Hoopfest" event.

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE FOUR HOLY NAMES PAINTINGS

• SPRING ~ "Celebrating Spring at Holy Names Academy" (Revised, 2013) ~ This piece was a revision of the original 1997 portrait featured on the newsletter cover above. I reworked it to commemorate the milestone celebration, donating a larger version to the event's live auction.

• SUMMERl ~ "Little Grotto in the Woods" (2004) ~ This piece portrayed the rustic shelter created by volunteers to house the statue of the Blessed Mother at what was once their Fort Wright Convent. The beloved stature was part of the Holy Names Academy Superior Street gardens as well. Sister Eilieen Rose and Faher Lehman, S.J. who blessed Doug and my marriage were included in the scene. Sadly, both these beloved inspiring souls have passed away.

• AUTUMN ~ "Autumn at the Academy Through the Years" (2010) ~ Seattle's Holy Names Acdaemy alum Betty Chandler commissioned this portrait. Together we donated framed prints to Seattle's HNA annual auction over a four-year period. Students, parents and alums just loved this artwork featuring classmates on the sidewalk wearing school uniforms spanning several decades.

• WINTER ~ "Snow Chapel at Holy Names Academy" (2012) ~ After seeing the old Spokane school building blanketed in snow one Winter, I was inspired to paint it a second time. Learn more about the dedication of this painting in the "Art Directing, Unveilings, Exhibits, Awards and More" section below.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU ~ Doug and I owe so much gratitude to the Holy Names Sisters for their love and support during the seve- year battle with Doug's cancer. In addtion to all of their worthy projects and activities, when challenges would flare, the first person I phoned for support was Sister Celine Steinberger. She and the sisters sent prayers for patience, perseverance, and complete recovery when times were extremely tourgh. Often these made all the differents. Sadly, this "angel on earth" passed away suddenly on Christmas Day, 2017. We and others missed her terribly. NOTE: Sister Celine Steinberger is pictured below in the "Art Directing, Unveilings, Exhibits, Awards and More" section at the unveiling of the "Snow Chapel at Holy Names" painting.

 

2015 CHRISTMAS COMMISSION FROM SISTER CELINE

A HOLIDAY HONOR ~ In 2015, Sister Celine invited me to design the order's annual Christmas ornament and card. Each year, this task was always awarded to a different Holy Names province and in 2015, the honor fell to the Pacific Northwest Chapter, so Sister Celine tried something new.

Since the program began in 1994, a Holy Names Sisiter had always designed the artwork, but at Sister Celine's request, I became the first and only secular alum to contribute to this special tradition. It was a bittersweet honor as who knew she had only a couple of Christmases left to celebrate?

My Nativity image (left) was a pen & ink sketch colored with pastels, and was featured on the cards and ornaments sent to all alumni. Especially generous doners received a fine crystal ornaments with the art etched on it by Barone Crystal (BaroneCrystal.com). This ornament always found a place on our tree. I'm so honored that my design became part of this special Holy Names Christmas tradition.

For more information about the retirement connumity of theHoly Names Sisters in the local Spokane area, please contact them at:

Office of the Sisters of the Holy Names, Washington Province • Address 5919 South Regal Road, Suite 308, Spokane, WA 99223-6024 • Tel 509.328.7470 • Email ProvAdmin@SNJMuson.org.

 

 

2017 TO 2023 (PRESENT)

ART DIRECTOR • UPDATE NEWSLETTER, SPOKANE PRESERVATION ADVOCATES

POLISHING COMMUNICATION TOOLS ~ In December 2016, outgoing SPA's President Bridget Piper and I met and discussed the need for polishing some of the communication pieces SPA used to educated folks about goals and projects for preserving historic Inland NW settings. We tossed around ideas, but agreed that over time, the need for preservation has grown, expenses have expanded and grant requests have become more substantial.

Goals included growing SPA and assuring its issues get the attention and support needed to help keep developers from destroying one-of-a-king historic settings in Spokane and the Inlane NW.

UPDATE ~ My main project was a revamping of SPA's quarterly newsletter. Partnering with Executive Coordinator Dave Shockley, who organizes stories and images from contributors, we freshened up the newsletter by adding table of contents, re-creating the "Join Spokane Preservation Advocates NOW" page, and sharing images in a more compelling, graphically pleasing way.

Dave has always made this responsibility easy for me, even during past COVID challenges. We mailed our first revised issue in March 2017. Lots of positive feedback came our way about how great it looked, how easy it was to navigate, read and (most importantly) remember content.

The 2023 Holiday UPDATE issue celebrates the E.J. Loewenberg-Roberts Mansion (more below), home to my friend Molly Robert's great grandfather as the oldest single-family dwelling in Browne's Addition until Mary Morke purchased it and began an amibitious restoration. The gorgeous Queen Anne was selected to host the 2023 SPAS Annual Holiday Fundraiser. For details on this special event and to learn SPA, visit (SpokanePreservation.org).

 

2017 TO 2019 ~ PAST ART DIRECTOR • MOORE-TURNER HERITAGE GARDENS

BACKGROUND DETAILS ~ The Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens were installed in the early 1900s behind the F. Rockwood Moore mansion. George and Bertha Turner purchased it upon Moore's passing at a young age, but ultimately the structure was donated to the community. Tragically, it was demolished due to the the lack of funds for maintenancne during the Great Depression ~ a huge loss, as many believe it to be Kirtland Cutters first residential commission.

ICE STORM AND MYRTLE WOLDSON ~ The 1996 ice storm destroyed trees where the gardens had been and exposed original features created by Portland's Hugh Bryan. On a walk afterwards, then Corbin Art Center director discovered these which spawned a restoration project largely funded by philanthropist Mrytle, Woldson. Volunteers partnered with the Parks & Recreation and spent countless hours resurrecting the gardens wiith heritage plantings.

THE BEGINNING OF "FRIENDS" ~ The stewarship organization "Friends of Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens" (HeritageGardens.org) was formed to support the gardens and the Corbin Mansion. With the Corbin house on its left and the F. Lewis Clark one to the right, these remain the only heritage gardens in Washington.

In January 2017, I was invited by historian Linda Yeoman's to be art director of "Friends" with the goal of resurrecting the original graphic vision created when the organization began (left). I also created all the collateral materials for two fund-raisers, May's Mother's Day Tea and September's Art in Bloom. After just two years, I retired due to Doug's unitimely cancer diagnosis. A very hopeful board is working hard on future projects and fundraising events after the setbacks of COVID years. I wish them all the best with their efforts.

 

2014 TO PRESENT (2023) FREELANCE DESIGNER • BROWNE'S ADDITION NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL & PAST ART DIRECTOR • FRIENDS OF COEUR D'ALENE PARK

BROWNE'S ADDITION ~ Before and after COVID, I've helped the Browne's Addition Neighborhood Council and Treasurer Julie Biggerstaff whenever possible. Browne's Addition has always had a special place in my heart as one of my first apartments was in Brunot Hall, the Episcopal School for Girls converted into apartments (Helen Campbell a famous student). See my art of it in the Browne's Addition Collection pdf.

Projects included creating posters and program covers for four years of Coeur d'Alene Park's Summer Concert Series (left). 2023 has one of the biggest lineup's ever for these complimentary events.

OTHER EVENTS ~ THE FLAG & SPOOKWALK ~ I also helped Julie with the neighborhood identity flag a few years back. In October 2019, I designed the logo and first poster for Historian Mary Lou Sprou's SpookWalk. Her annual "Fun & Fright" walking tours at dusk highlight Browne's Addition's haunted mansions. Highlight ~ Patsy Clark's is believed to have its own resident ghost. A cemetary is also on the list. The two-hour tours starts at dusk several evenngs on Halloween week at the E.J. Roberts Secret Garden for apple cider and pumpkin carols. The modest tour fee benefits Friends of CDA Park.

PAST ART DIRECTOR FOR FRIENDS OF COEUR D'ALENE PARK ~ As mentioned above, Coeur d'Alene Park is Spokane's first and oldest park. In 2014 I signed on with Julie Biggerstaff and Mary Lou Sproul to be the art director for "Friends" ~ designing logos and communication pieces and more for both print / web.

"ART FOR THE PARK" ~ In 2014,"Friends" presented improvement plans to the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department to bring it more in-line with the 1890s vision of the Olmsted Bros. landscape architects. 2016 was the park's 125th birthday. A kick-off benefit dinner was held in Autumn 2015 at Patsy Clark's where Bob Scarfo's Master Plan and my vintage-themed art of the park were unveiled. See "Vintage View of Coeur d'Alene Park' in the Inland NW Parks and Gardens Collection pdf. May 2016's "Art for the Park" brought attention to the setting with a community art event. I designed all the materials promoting it which had four street intersection mural artists, kid's activities, and booths of local artists by the pavilion.

September 2016 marked the close of the birthday celebration held at The MAC. My painting went to the owners of the 1899 House B&B. Funds raised from the celebration greatly improved CDA Park.

 

j2012 ~ MY FIRST SPOKANE "FIRST FRIDAY" ART WALK

E.J. ROBERTS ART UNVEILING ~ In November 2012, a year after Doug and I moved back from Western Washington, I unveiled my portrait, "Snow Chapel at Holy Names Academy" (pictured with four Holy Names-themed paintings above) at the First Friday event held at the E.J. Loewenberg-Roberts Mansion. As mentioned above, owner Mary Moltke spent decades of restoration work on the 1889 Queen Anne when the Roberts family finally moved on.

My First Friday appearance was attended by Holy Names Academy alumns (Molly Roberts Hannan was an HNA graduate, too) and several Holy Names Sisters, including Sister Celine Steinberger and Sister Paula Mary Turnbull. NOTE: This internationally famous artist passed away in 2018.

The First Friday invitation was timely as Spokane was in the midst of hosting the National Historic Preservation Society Convention. The event also dovetailed beautifully with the nationally sponsored "Candlelight Sumner Avenue Tour of Historic Homes" on the brow of Spokane's South Hill that Winter.

Since this initial First Friday Art Walk, my work has been featured at Barrister Winery, Marketplace Winery, Grande Ronde Cellars, Arbor Crest's Tasting Room, the Kendall Yards Welcome Center, and others.

 

2011 ~ WINNER 1ST PLACE • REDMOND SATURDAY MARKET FINE ART COMPETITION

This al fresco venue took place on Saturdays from late Spring through Halloween in Downtown Redmond. Across the 520 Bridge from Seattle, it was located on a large grassy area dotted with shade-giving Ponderosa pines during hot months when the market was in full swing.

Although I retired as an active member of "The Market," (Doug and I returned to Spokane in late 2011) my swan song was winning First Place with my portrait of the Redmond Saturday Market, "Meeting at the Market," that year for the best image capturing the market experience. Filled with vendors, shoppers, families and their pets enjoying the setting, folks loved this portrait!

RSM asked me to design the event poster with my award-wining image to promote the market's milestone 35th season. Dozens of these were displayed throughout King County's Eastside neighborhoods from May 1st through October 31st. See the poster and the two articles written about me in the Redmond Reporter below in the "My Presence in The Press" section.

To learn more about this thriving Western Washington outdoor venue (second only to Seattle's Pike Place Public Market) visit their website at RedmondSaturdayMarket.org.

 

2010 ~ PAST CO-CHAIR & ART DIRECTOR OF THE SAMMAMISH ART FAIR

SAMMAMISH ANNUAL ART EVENT ~ After two years of volunteering, in 2020, The Sammamish City Council and Fine Arts Commsion invited me in 2010 to co-chair this ambitious art exhibit and event. It took six months of planning, promoting and organizing to bring this 33-artist driven co-op to complete suceessful fruition. In addition to the many logistic challenges it took to make this happens, as art director, I handled all the graphic design and production for it, including:

The City of Sammamish and its Arts Commision were generous with their apprecation of the many months of work, sharing that attendance was nearly twice as amuch as that of the previous year!

 

2008 ~ KIRKLAND ARTS CENTER MEMBERS' EXHIBIT

2008 ~ KIRKLAND ARTS CENTER EXHIBIT ~ In August 2008, my Americana neighborhood-style painting, "Springtime Comes to Simpson Street," was chosen to be part of the Kirkland Arts Center Members' Exhibit (KirklandArtsCenter.com). I finished this ambitious work just in time for the exhibit, with its final revision finished in January 2023. Visit my COMMISSION web page to see it and follow the 15-year process.

SIX HOMES AND MORE ~ Five of six homes pictured in the art were from Spokane, with one in Sammamish that Doug owned when we began dating. The top half showed the three houses where I I grew up during the '50s and '60s. The lower half showed three homes Doug and I shared during our 25 years together.

LOTS OF CHANGES ~ This was a lengthy project with lots of revisions and changes. Not only were there beloved residences, but around each, I added details like pets, bicycles and vehicles, including the red VW bus I used for my 1967 driver's license test. I grouped lots family by each house ~ including grandparents, my cousin Jim Flemister, mom, dad, siblings, spouses, our kids and grandkids. We were assured by Matt, Kevin and Leah that no more were planned, so it seemed ideal to finish the painting once and for all in 2023.

Highlight ~ The Members Exhibit was a medley of different styles from dozens of artists ~ FUN each year!

 

2008 ~ WINNER 2ND PLACE • CITY OF REDMOND, REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND EASTSIDE ASSOCIATION OF FINE ARTS

THREE REDMOND ART & HISTORY ORGANIZATIONS ~ Three prestigous entities sponsored a competition calling for fine art and photography that honored Redmond's history in conjuction with its 2008 Bicycle Derby Days festival. 65 pieces of art were exhibited (four of them mine) in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Cernter. My portrait of Redmond's Mayor Bill Brown's (30 years in office) handsome brick building won 2nd Place.

This Independence Day-themed work featured colorful bicyles ~ because after all, Derby Days was a bicycle-themed celebration. This fun art was exhibited alternately for years between Redmond's City Hall and the Downtown District's Public Llibrary until Doug and I returned to Spokane in late 2011. The Eastside Collection pdf shares a Redmond section featuring over a dozen portraits of parks, landmark structures, small businesses and more.

Highlight ~ During 2012 and 2013 after we back to Eastern Washington, I accepted Redmond's commission project to design several large format historical banners for their milestone anniversary celebration. This was an honor received through my long association with the community and the Redmond HIstorical Society. For more information on this active civic-minded RHS, visit them at RedmondHistoricalSociety.org.

 

1990 TO 2007 ~ BOTHELL'S ARTISTREE GALLERY AT COUNTRY VILLAGE

GALLERY NORTH OF SEATTLE ~ For 10+ years, I exhibited my Americana art at a cozy art gallery at Country Village. Once a small farm in Bothell, its outbuildings were converted into charming shops. Bob James and daughters Robin and Wendy invited me to join their group of artists.

TWO CREATIVE GENIUSES ~ When I worked in the creative studios in the downtown Bon Marche Flagship Store, Bob worked adjacent across the hall in the Store Planning section. He was famous for creating the signature star once used during Christmas in Seattle, and the Madona in Spokane. For decades, Bob had his fingers in lots of creative pies, but primarily Holiday Decor until the chain of departments stores was absorbed by Macy's towards the close of the mid-1980s.

Bob's equally famous Robin daughter was a published children's author and illustrator for the Serendipity series. Some of these belowed books are some still available today. Bob's other daughter Wendy created whimsical jewelry pieces that really flew out the door at Christmastime.

ARTISTREE ARTISTS ~ I was one of several exhibiting there for a decade+. The gallery featured my images of Roche Harbor, Port Townsend, Snohomish, Seattle, King County's Eastside and more!

CHRISTMAS AT THE VILLAGE ~ Country Village and The Artistree came alive at Christmas with carolers, decorations, open houses and more. The gallery requested Holiday-themed art in keeping with the seasonal theme. The highlight was Santa in his play flying down into the plaza to the delight of all the shoppers. It was a fun decade and the James family was a dream to work with.

Sadly for all of us, a developer made the owner of Country Village an offer he couldn't refuse, and the quaint collection of shops, galleries and cafes closed forever. The property went on to becme a neighborhood of expensive homes. Folks who remember will miss this destination.

A SPECIAL EXHIBIT ~ In Autumn 1999, the James family presented "An Evening of Americana Art" exhibiting my and Sonny Salsbury's work. My friendly paintings are very detailed in contrast to Sonny's paintings which echoed Grandma Moses' work, but both our styles were well received.

In Spring 2023, when Doug and I visited Hotel Del Coronado's gift shop, I saw a colorful portrait of the resort that looked like Sonny's style. Amazingly, it was ~ 23 years later! Highlight ~ My lovely neice Stephanie honeymooned at Hotel Del with her sweetheart Ryan during this famiy event.

 

I'M SO GRATEFUL TO MY FRIENDS!

When COVID cancelled festivals in 2020 and 2021, I was so grateful that Spokane retail shops like Riverfront Park's Carousel Shop, South Monroe ACE, UPS on Moran Prairie, and others continued to offer my work.

Sadly, Doug's ongoing health challenges finally took him from me in September 2023. Responsibilities surrounding that, coupled with my very sad heart, made most in-person event impossible. As I slowly, but surely find my balance, I hope to gradually start adding some appearances back. Regardless, I've been blessed with friends who have selflessy helped me these past years. Thank you to:

BLESSINGS TO MY KIND FRIENDS!

 

 

LAST 17 YEARS ~ MOST RECENT FIRST)

2023 ~ SPA UPDATE NEWSLETTER • ART TO ACCOMPANY THE CAMPBELL HOUSE 125TH ANNIVERSARY ARTICLE

AN HONOR FROM MY EDITOR, DAVE SHOCKLEY

In the recent December 2023 SPA UPDATE, Executive Coordinator Dave Shockly invited me to use my portrait of the Loewenberg-Roberts Mansion" to highlight the lead article.

DETAILS ON "THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE" ~ Part of my first ArtFest exhibit, "The Christmas House" was a Browne's Addition portrait. Remarkably, the Roberts became owners as the result of a trade between them and the Loewenbergs during the latter's financial difficulties. The art pictured me in a favorite Christmas dress about to welcome friends for Christmas cheer.

In the early 1950s, I met both Molly (neighbor on Lincoln Street / E.J.s great-grandaughter) and her cousin Maggie (my very first "bestie") as a youngster. We are all still close friends.

Highlight ~ Recently in early October 2023, I added Molly into the original helping cousin Maggie trim the Christmas tree. 2023's Holiday celebration and Molly's milestone January 2024 birthday are two big dates, so the art with all three of us will become part of Miolly's personal collection of fine art I've completed for her over the years.

 

 

ABOR CREST'S 2019-2023 ANNUAL SUMMER ART & GLASS FEST ~ PLUS A NEW 2023 "AUTUMN BRILLIANCE AT ARBOR CREST" PAINTING

2019 (AND BEYOND) ~ SUMMER ART & GLASS FEST ~ The painting in this poster pictures my "Gathering at the Gatehouse" art picturing the annual Summer festival. Robin Fontaine (Crispy Communications) used it to promote the event in 2019. This was our second artistic collaboration there.

PROMO MATERIALS FOR THREE ARBOR CREST EVENTS ~ Robin did a beautiful job with the posters, ads in The Spokane Inlander and website graphics. Over the years, she used three of my paintings, "The Cliff House at Arbor Crest," "Kris Kringle Comes to the Cliff House," and this one. Highlight ~ When Robin retired in 2019, she shared how happy she was that her last Arbor Crest project used my art, and how much she enjoyed our collaboration in earlier days when she worked for The MAC. In 2022, I was delighted to learn that Arbor Crest wanted to continue to use my images to promote future art events.

ABOUT ROYAL RIBLET ~ There are conflicting stories about Riblet, but this version seems to be authentic. In 1924, he had his Florentine mansion built to take advantage of the view from the property's cliffs. An inventor / mechanical genius, his estate was filled with his inventions like the mechanized garage door and a waterfall that recycled water backup to the top of the falls. His most famous marvel was the chair-lift ~ freeing skiiers world-wide from using T-Bars or climbing back up the slopes. He was inspired by a visit to a mine site where he watch an ore buckets go up and down a belt from the mine to freight cars below. Voile!

NEW "AUTUMN BRILLIANCE AT ARBOR CREST" ~ In 2022, I collaborated with Marcia Mielke (owner with husband Harry for decades of the Cliff House Estate) on a portrait of the stunnng gatehouse in Autumn. See its portrait in the FALL INTO WINTER "Colors of the Season" section on my What's New page.

Highlight ~ THE SIMPSON CONNECTION, When Royal was living at Cliff Hiourse, the cement factory below on the Spokane River spewed harmful dust fragment into the air, deteriorating the mansion's facade. Riblet sued, and the attorneys who won the first ever environmental case of its kind were associates James Winton and my dad, Joseph A. Simpson.

 

2019 ~ "THE LIFE AND TIMES OF PATSY CLARK • MINING PIONEER"

Author John H. Richards, the great-grandson of famous mining mogul Patsy Clark, gathered information for his definitive biography for over a decade ~ publishing his eagerly awaited book in 2019. He sorted through hundreds of family photos and prorprietary journals in addition to spending hours at the Spokane Public Library and The MAC, just to name a few resources.

The book included unique finds from the Clark family archives never previously shared, which made this a "must have" for any Inland NW history lover's library.

John and his wife Mary are not only fine art clients of mine, they also became good friends over the years. My portrait of the Patrick Clark Mansion hangs in their home. I was honored when John asked if he could include the image in his book which featured only two color plates. My portrait of his great-grandfather's mansion was one of them.

When I finished this portrait in 1997 (left) the mansion had served Spokane as the Francis Lester Restaurant, and ultimately, Patsy Clark's. Many remember these one-of-a-kind dining experiences fondly to this day.

When Patsy's closed, a group of attorneys purchased the historic property, embarking on an ambitious restoration. The second floor housed law offices and they offered the first floor to the public as a event center. After several years with much work completed on the grand mansion , the first group of attorneys sold it to another law firm who opened their offices in 2020.

 

2017 ~ THE SPOKESMAN REVIEW ~ "ART IN BLOOM • ARTISTS, FLORAL DESIGNERS IN ART IN BLOOM HELP MOORE-TURNER GARDENS, CORBIN ART CENER"

THE MOORE-TURNER HERITAGE GARDENS ~ In the "Art Directing, Unveiling, Exhibits, Awards & More" section above, I shared details about this uniquely historic setting and the stewardship group supporting it. This newspaper article was written in support of it.

TWO BENEFITS ~ This non-profit group hosted two benefits annually during the priod when I volunteered in 2017 and 2018. The Spring's traditional English tea and Autumn's floral / artrxhibitt followed several years of fine quilt displays. With Art in Bloom, in addition to the exhibit, artists donated items to a raffle and the Corbin Arts Center also hosted booths for both participating and visiting artists.

Click on 2017 The Spokesman Review Art in Bloom Article pdf to see more Art in Bloom images and to read Pat Munt's story about the that year's event ~ including the news of the sudden passing of Diane Zahner, an artist with the event for two years. This photo pictures me holding my 2017 event poster with Moore-Turner Heritage Garden's Lead Tour Docent Paula Whitcom and Gardens Historian Linda Yeomans.

Highlight ~ On that note, Linda is the "go to" gal if you are interested in having your home listed on the Spokane, Washington State, or National Historic Register of Historic Places.

2021'S NEW "ART IN THE ATTIC" FUNDRAISER ~ Sadly, COVID challenges caused both the tea and art / floral benefits to be cancelled in recent years, but in Autumn 2021, FMTG introduced a new benefit fund-raiser, "Art in the Attic." I donated framed canvas reproductions of my portraits of the "Harvest Festival at Hutton School" and "Flying South Over Spokane Falls (Monroe Street Bridge"). Both sold within the first hour.

 

2016 ~ CONTEMPLATE NEWSLETTER'S "SISTER RITA MAE: FURTHERING FSPA'S MISSION OF EDUCATIONS."

Published by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration headquartered in Wiscomsin, this article was featured in the December 2016 issue. Click on the "Contemplate" image here or on Contemplate pdf to read it. Sister Rita Mae Fischer was my much admired first grade teacher fom Spokane's Saint Augustine Grade School (now Cataldo School at Saint Augustine's). Until this May 2023, when Sister Rita Mae quitetly passed away unexpectedly at 94 in her sleep, we had been in touch frequently through letters and Christmas cards. She is pictured in the 1956 class photo (top of this page}, wearing her Franciscan habit as the sisters still did in the fifties and sixties when I was a young student. She was an inspiration and I miss her gentle wisdom and encouragement greatly.

 

2013 ~ DODSON'S PROMOTIONAL POSTCARD AT CHRISTMASTIME

This festive promotional postcard with my portrait, "The Crescent Window at Christmas" on it went to dozens of folks attending the Spokane Symphony during the 2013 Holiday Season.

Dodson's longtime owners Penn and Deborah Fix hosted Holiday and Winter-themed artwork at their fine Jewelry shop on Riverside Avenue in Spokane's Downtown District.

2013 and 2014 ~ Of the 10 originals they chose from my Spokane / Inland NW Collection, "Vista House View" and "Cavorting at Cannon Hill Pond" sold to Pat and Kathleeen Dix. They later commissioned a portrait of their cabin on Hayden Lake's Sunset Beach near our old family place my brother Bob owns. See it on my COMMISSION page. In 2014, Dodson's invited me back, featuring 13 works, including art of the Spokane County Courthouse, Christmas Eve at Saint Augustine's Church, and other Holiday works like the Crescent Window on the postcard.

DODSON'S ~ After three generations of proprietors and decades of doing business in the Inland NW, Dodson's closed its doors forever in 2018. In 2020, Johnson's Custom Jewelry opened their business in the same storefront on Riverside.

 

2013 ~ ENTERTAINMENT SPOKANE NEWSLETTER

ED CLARK'S "FIRST FRIDAY" OVERVIEW ~ In November 2013, the Arbor Crest Cellars Tasting Room at River Park Square mounted an exhibit of 35 of my Winter / Holiday paintings. The event began with a fun "Meet & Greet on Friday evening, of course.

At the time, Ed Clark was producing a weekly newsletter about "happenings" in Spokane called "Entertainment Spokane," (EntertainmentSpokane.com). His Octobr 30, 2013 issue featured a wonderful front page article about my appearance. Click on the image (left) or Entertainment Spokane pdf to read the article.

As Winter's Holiday Season was around the corner, this exhibit was similar to what I had created for Dodson's with prints of some of those same images, but with 25 additional works.

WINTER TASTING ROOM THEMEST:

During this event, I unveiled my NEW painting of Manito Park'sledding hill (left) on the corner of 18th Avenue and Grand Boulevard. It featured family and friends with kiddos in a mid-1950s scene enjoying a crisp day aftter a fresh snowfall (left). The art brought back fond memories for many locals who came to that "First Friday."

 

 

2013 ~ SNJM WASHINGTON PARTNERS IN MISSION MAGAZINE

PICTORIAL & ARTICLE ON THE SISTERS 125TH CELEBRATION

The Fall 2013 issue of the "Partners in Mission" Holy Names sisters' magazine featured a two-page pictorial and article highlighting all the events I talked about above that took place over a late Summer weekend. Celebrating the sisters' arrival to Spokane and the Inland NW, a large loyal group of Alumni came from near and far to attend.

This pictorial included photos of the hallway walls of Spokane's Mugugawa Center (once Holy Names' Fort Wright College) decorated for the event. The "Past to Present" exhibit included photos and artifacts from many classes throughout the decades, a sumptuous luncheon followed by speeches, plus a live aution on Saturday. This was followed by a Mass Sunday morning and tours of nationally famous Sister Paula Mary Turnbull's art studio. The photo of me with my commemorative painting of the high school, "Celebrating Spring at Holy Names Academy" (left & above) was part of the overview article.

As i shared above, I reworked this fine art from the original painting completed earlier to complement the event honoring the sisters' arrival to the Inland NW 125 years ago. In addition to the school, the art pictured students, graduating Seniors, and educators on the lawn in front with a streamer above enscribed with our old school song, "O, Holy Names, we sing thy praises . . ."

THE FOUR SEASONS OF HOLY NAMES (above) ~ I donated framed canvas reproductions of these for the sisters to hang in their retirement facility (years later they are still there). My dear friend and local watercolorist Jeannine Marx Fruci had just completed her own portrait of the Academy, and she gave them a framed print as well. What warm wonderful memories inspired us both. We both had cards of our Holy Names paintings on a table for guests and alumni to collect at the event.

All five donated images were displayed throughout the weekend celebration. In addtion, the art that both Jeannie and I donated to the live auction did very well and brought in much needed funds for both the Holy Names Music School (the last vestage of the sisters' presence on the once Fort Wright College campus) as well as funding for ongoing care for the retired sisters.

 

2013 ~ REDMOND REPORTER NEWSPAPER II (Second Redmond Reporter News Clipping)

THE "MEETING AT THE MARKET" ARTICLE ~ As note above, my Americana painting, "Meeting at The Market" took first place in the Redmond Saturday Market fine art competition. This colorful work (left) featured a border of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers with arts & crafts vendors and shoppers.

After winning the competiion, the market's board of directors invited me to design the promotional poster for the market's milestone 35th season. Hundreds of these were hung in Eastside King County communities like Bellevue, Kirkland, Medina, Sammamish, Woodvine, Issaquah and more. 35 Years was a big deal!

In June, I met with Redmond Reporter Staff Writer Mary Stephens Decker for an interview ~ our second in four years. We spent a couple hours at Redmond's Soul Food Bistro ~ the first hour catching up as the last couple of years which had brought lots of changes to both of our lives.

The second hour, I shared the story of how I became involved with the market several seasons before, as well as the many friends and clients I made ~ and much more. This interview included the story of the couple visiting from Scotland who wanted 250 Christmas cards (in three days!) of my art of "Decorating the Bridge on #18 at the Old Course" ~ a painting inspired by a trip to play British Open Courses with Doug and his pals, Brent Orrico and Ric (Bubba) Metzger in 2002.

Mary wrote a glowing full-page piece with my photo and the image of my poster (left). Click on Redmond Reporter II pdf or the poster (left) to read "'Meeting at the Market' ~ Local Artist Spotlight upcoming Saturday Market in Promotional Poster."

 

2007 ~ 425 MAGAZINE HOLIDAY ISSUE

DECEMBER 2017 • CHRISTMAS PICTORIAL OF LOCAL EASTSIDE ARTISTS' WORK ~ In 2007, I was invited to be featured with 11 other fine artists in the 425 Magazine's Holiday issue's colorful pictorial entitled the "12 Days of Christmas Cards."

This glossy magazine celebrated ever burgeoning Bellevue and other Eastside communities (east of Seattle and Lake Washington) in the 425 area code region. To read the article, meet the artists, and see the collection of Christmas-themed artwork, click on the image (left) or on 425 Magazine pdf.

"The Happy Holiday House" portrayed the Queen Anne--style Harmon House in the heart of the Snohomish Historic District. Read about it in the Snohomish Collection pdf.

A short 30-minute drive north of Redmond, this community is filled with restored Victorians, Foursqaures, Craftsmans, and bungalows built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This "getaway" destination includes B&Bs, cafes, and over a dozen beautifully stocked antique shops ~ especially during the Holidays.

As I've painted 27 Snohomish residences, many friends came my way through my association with the Snohomish Historical Society (SnohomishHistoricalSociety.org.) Over the years, I was invited to do several in-person "Meet & Greets" where I exhibited my Snohomish art in historic structures during their September and December Historic Home Tours. This was easy as Doug and I in lived nearby Sammamish during most of the 2000s.

 

2006 ~ REDMOND REPORTER NEWSPAPER I (First Redmond Reporter News Clipping)

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY ~ In 2006, Renee DuVal-Northern had just opened a cozy eatery in the Stone House Cottage built at the turn of the century to house the Redmond's early livery stable. Before Renee opened her cafe, the unique river-rock structure wore several hats including Carollyn Miglino's Rose Tree Cottage Gift Shop.

When Renee opened her cafe, the Redmond Reporter published a two-page pictorial about it. Renee shared my "Historic Stone House" portrait with staff writier Mary Stevens Decker, who phoned me for an interview. Click on Redmond Reporter pdf to read the article, "Redmond Spotlight ~ Artist Sees Beauty in Old Buildings."

As I had recently joined RHS as their art director and senior graphic designing, for a nominal fee, RHS had me help her outfit her cafe with photos of historic Redmond ~ giving her restaurant the vintage feel she wanted.

Highlight ~ Years later in 2010, Ryan Donaldson purchased the business from Renee. KING TV's Evening Magazine featured Chef Ryan several times. The Stone House Restaurant went on to become famous for his Northwest cuisine, local wines, and special vintage cocktails. Ryan built a very loyal, devoted clientele and kept my art of the historic cottage in his restaurant's entryway for years.

 

 

I'm passionate about giving back. It's the least I can do with all of the support I've received from friend, clients and generous patrons. In addition to these gifts of my art, I'm also support many other organizations financially.

WESTERN WASHINGTON ~ I was one of the Eastside Heritage Center founding members in Bellevue, WA. I also served for eight years on the Redmond Historical Society board of drectors. As their art director, I created their newsletter, event signage, and graphics / historical banners for the 2013 Redmond 100th Birthday Celebration.

EASTERN WASHINGTON ~ When Doug and I returned to the Inland NW, I served serveral area non-profits Currently, I'm busiest as the art director for Spokane Preservtion Advocates quarterly newsletter UPDATE (pdf shared above). It's rewarding and I love working with editor Dave Shockley. I've also been an active member of The MAC in several capacities since 1997.

DONATING ART DURING COVID ~ Normally, I give framed fine art prints (and once an original) of local settings to several Inland NW benefits and auctions. COVID stopped many of these events, but most have resumed their in-person fund-raising.

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE ~ A favorite cause of mine has always been the Spokane Symphony's Christmas Tree Elegance. 2023 marked my 9th year of involvement with this worthy group. Instead of being paired with a Christmas tree this year, I've donated a framed print of "The Crescent Window at Christmastime" to the CTS Luncheon / Marketplace.

 

INLAND NORTHWEST CAUSES FOR FINE ART AUCTION DONATIONS

NOTE: Donations and receipients for 2023 are TBD.

 

 

MY FINE ART & DESIGN STUDIO ~ When Doug and I married in 2000, his wedding gift to me was my studio ~ a huge luxury after cramped quarters in my small Seatte Capitol Hill condo. When we re-located from the Seattle area back to Spokane in 2011, this tradition continued ~ first in our Manito Park Craftsman and then at the Moran Prairie cottage. My studio was one of the first rooms to be set up after the move, and I've finished over a dozen works since we settled into our new home. Natural light floods the garden view that overlooks Doug's roses and other blossoms deep into September.

PITTYPAT GALLERY CLOSED ~ 2020 to 2022 have definitely brought changes. For reasons which include our move in July 2020, COVI, and health challenges trying to keep Doug healthier longer, I felt it was time to close my gallery. I'm focusing on fewer in-person events and more on creating in my studio thse days. Thank you SO much to all my clients, friends and patrons who came to see me at my in-events.

UNVEILING NEW FINE ART ~ Frequently when I finish new paintings, you'll find the them on my Facebook page. Facebook images are usually part of the seasonal collection, dovetailing with this website. Find more on my WHAT'S NEW and ART VENUES pages.

V.I.P. MALING LIST ~ To be added to my V.I.P. (Very Important Patron), please phone or text me at 206.406.1409 and share your contact information. This year has definitely been a very tough one, but as I gradally find more balance moving forward, look for notifications to hopefullt begin again.

 

 

THE HAPPIEST DAY OF OUR LIVES

APRIL 15TH, 2000 • ECHO FALLS COUNTRY CLUB, MONROE, WA ~ My Dad's best friend Mike Doohan walked me down the aisle (Dad passed away 10+ years before), "Course in Miracles" Robbie Fawnstock officiated, and we had 250 friends and family with us ~ more than we could ever have hoped for! Doug's mother Kay, brother Tom, pal Ric Metzger, and sons Matt and Kevin were on-hand for him. My Sally Mom, sisters Marilee and Peggy, sister-in-law Jan, and best friend Robin Westbrook were in my corner. It was a beautiful day of "dreams come true" both of us.

Geinius pal sax musician Darren Motamedy played Pachal Belle's Canon and "When a Man Loves a Woman" at the wedding ~ and others for hours at our reception. We danced for hours. Holy Names pal Kathy and her husband Budd Gould gave us a private room for our "after" party for close friends and family at their Caralon Point Anthony's. More memories, a romantic honeymoon night, and the fun group breakfast in the morning before folks took off for homes. What a wonderful way to begin our "wonderful life."

"I DO . . . IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH . . . Who knew how quick the 25 years would go by ~ and how final Doug's passing would be. I still look up a dozens times a day, expecting him to walk through the door. The challenge is to do my best to remember how much he taught me about REAL love, kindness, other-conciousness, and acceptance. He truly inspired.

"ANGELS ON EARTH" ~ They are everywhere. Many pop up in the form of kind friends on the phone or at the front door. Sometimes they're beside me at home, and sometimes at church. Often they're in nature when I'm out for walk ~ helping me get through the bad days, reminding me to be grateful for the good ones. Perhaps one is Doug. Sweet memories are plentiful and Doug is in most of them. I am lucky ~ and I was SO blessed.

"SOMETIMES MIRACLES ARE SIMPLY GOOD PEOPLE WITH KIND HEARTS."

 

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FINE ART OR CONTENT ON THIS PAGE?

iPhone • 206.406.1409 (Talk / Text / Voicemail)

On the Web • PattiSimpsonWardArt"

Find me on Facebook • "PattiSimpsonWard.com"