MY PASSION FOR ART • For most of my married life, I went to work to PLAY. Lucky me, I chose the right guy. Doug encouraged me to embrace my passion for design and fine art, supporting my dreams in every venue in every way. Dougalways had my "artistic" back, generously helping me at many events like this (left).

THE GREATEST GAME • I gave him the same gift. He loved "The Greatest Game," and had the most beautiful golf swing I've ever seen. After his ASU golf scholarship, he went on to win Overlake CC's Mens' Club Championship (Seattle area) 11 times ~ a still unbroken record. Even during his 6-year cancer battle, he shot in the 70s. It was his gift and he'd played with anyone who loved the game, including 90-year old Sally Mom. His buddies would ask, "Besides Doug, who had the best score?" He'd win all the money and then buy all his golf pals lunch with his winnings. A WIN-WIN!

TEAM WARD • When we married 25 years ago in April 2000, in our vows we pledged to support each other's passions. We kept those promises all our lives. This April would have been our Silver Wedding Anniversary. How lucky were we to find each other and spend so manny wonderful years living happily ever after?

 

 

STARTING OUT ON MY NEW PATH • In 2023, a side-effect of losing Doug was the cancellation of all scheduled art events except one. The months after I lost him were tough and some days still take the wind out of my sails. I turned down many events, trying to gradually find some balance again.

RECENT FEW MONTHS • In 2024, my calendar had more events on it. I'd be lying, however if I said doing these was anything like when Doug was with me ~ sucn a generous, upbeat helper he was all these decades. Dealing with the challenges alone sometimes overwhelmed me. Thank God for a few kind friends and sis Peggy who were there when things were a bit beyond me. I'm grateful I finished 2024 beautifully. We'll see what 2025 brings.

 

 

HEALING ACTIVITIES • I found two things that really helped my healing journey. One was volunteering for The Friends of Manito (TheFriendsOfManito.org). I spent many Spring / Summer hours helping with projects and learning how to care for perennials ~ making many wonderful friends in the process. September brought an invitation to a TFM reception at the Japanese Gardens, a lovely way to end the 2024 season. Since September 2023, I also found that creating artwork had a blessed healing effect as well, including a portrait I did of niece Isabell and her roomies to honor their graduation from Gonzaga University. Working on my friendly little paintings has been so helpful in allowing me to move forward slowly but surely. Here's a list of recent titles I've finished since I lost Doug. On my WHAT'S NEW page, find a pdf with a complete list of titles and images of 2023-2024 works created since losing Doug.

13 NEW PAINTINGS • THE LAST 15 MONTHS

• NOVEMBER 2023 NEW "Autumn Brilliance at Arbor Crest (Gatehouse in Autumn)" & NEW "Fall at Vintage Shadle Park in the '70s"
• NOVEMBER 2023 NEW "Walking to Woodrow Wilson School in the 1950s" & NEW "Winter Magic at The Glover Mansion"
• JANUARY 2024 NEW "Heavanly Happy Golfers"
• MARCH 2024 NEW "Picnicking by the Pavilion (Riverfront Park's EXPO '74 Milestone Celebration)
• MAY 2024 NEW "Visiting Haase's in Spring" & NEW Friends Forever at Gonzaga University"
• AUGUST 2024 NEW "Picknicking at the Page-Ufford Mansion"
• SEPTEMBER 2024 NEW "Full Circle at the Simpson Ranch (Moran Prairie)"
• OCTOBER 2024 NEW "Autumn Festival at ACE"
• NOVEMBER 2024 NEW "Pretty Peonies at Mary's Place by Providence"
• DECEMBER 2024 NEW "Twinkling Lights on 21st in the -70s"

ART PLANNED FOR 2025

• "Catching Up at the Sky Way Cafe (Felts Field)"
• "Clinker Brick Cittage in Bloom"
• "Parish Picnic at Sacred Heart"
• "Peddling Perennials at the Manito Plant Sale"
• "Patriotic Birthday Party at the Braeuer's
• AND MORE!

 

IN-PERSON EVENT MAILINGS • Most years, I typically send 2 to 3 postcards announcing "Meet & Greets" and NEW products to those on my VIP(Very Important Patron) list. Postcards come via text, email or U.S.P.S. To be on the list, please contact me at 206.406.1409 (talk or text). NOTE: I only send 2 to 3 postcards per year. Also, your privacy is very important to me. I never share your personal information and your name will NOT go on a mailing list.

NEW ART ITEMS ~ I'm hoping for a solid presence in the future as I plan on creating as long as God will let me, so please feel free to reach out. In 2024, I released two NEW 4-Image jigsaw puzzles ~ one of Riverfront Park a second of Arbor Crest. I hope to add more, including another Holiday one in 2025! I'm also exploring 5th edtions of my Inland NW and Washington State Journals. Look for a decision on these soon as they're currently TBD.

Visit my ORDERING page for all the details on everything available on this website.

 

 

 

OVERVIEW OF INLAND NW "MEET & GREET" EVENTS I'VE PARTICIPATED IN FOR MANY YEARS

As NOTE: All of the information shared above is suggested ONLY based on past years' schedules. EVERYTHING is subject to change as these destinations finalize their annual event calendars and publish their schedules "in ink." That being said, the graphic above is fairly accurate based on many previous yearly events. Highlight ~ As dates are finalized, I'll share them on this and my WELCOME pages. QUESTIONS? Please feel free to reach out to me at 206.406.1409. Thanks!

 

 

ACE HARDWARE • SOUTH MONROE STREET & 9TH AVENUE

• ADDRESS • 906 South Monroe Street, The Lower South Hill, Spokane, WA 99204
• PHONE NUMBER / WEBSITE • 509.624.7711 and AceHardware.com • Visit the website for dates and times of operation
• OPERATED BY • Ace Hardware by Justin Sexton (Store Manager) ~ Stace and Arlene Heston (Owners)
• MY AMERICANA FINE ART • Card rack with 90 different art card images that revolve with the seasons (Landmarks, Historic Homes, Schools, Churches, Parks, Kids, Pets, and more), magnets, NEW 2025 Calendars in 3 editions (KK Cutter, Gardens, Parks, Nurseries, Architectural Treasures in White), and NEW collage-style jigsaw puzzles
• SEASON FEATURED • FALL INTO WINTER
• ABOUT THE SETTING • This setting (once Jones Drugs where my sis Peggy worked in the 1970s), has been the place for DIY-ers for decades on the South Hill. It has everything, including friendly, helpful associates. When Doug and I renovated our 1937 Craftsman on our return to Spokane in 2011, we were here nearly every week for our 8-month+ project. Even though we moved to Moran Prairie in 2020, ACE is still our "go-to" hardware store. Highlight ~ When the ACE team discovered I was an award-winning artist with 250+ Inland NW (Spokane) images in my collection, they've been my best customer for over 10 years, offering the largest collection of my artwork items in Spokane. Thank you, ACE!

 

THE FRIENDLY UPS STORE ON 29TH AVENUE & SE BLVD IN LINCOLN HEIGHTS

• ADDRESS • 2525 East 29th Avenue, Suite 19B, Moran Prairie, Spokane, WA 99223
• PHONE NUMBER / WEBSITE • 509.624.7711 and Store1296@theUPSStore.com ~ See the website for dates and times of operation
• OPERATED BY • The UPS Store • Jim Robinson (Owner)
• MY AMERICANA FINE ART • Card rack with 24 different art card images that revolve with the seasons (Landmarks, Historic Homes, Schools, Churches, Parks, Kids, Pets, and more), NEW 2025 Calendars in 3 editions (KK Cutter, Gardens, Parks, Nurseries, Architectural Treasures in White) and NEW collage-style jigsaw puzzles
• SEASONS FEATURED • FALL INTO WINTER
• ABOUT THE SETTING • This UPS Store does a BIG job in its small corner location by Safeway. In addition to handling dozens of tasks for small businesses in Lincoln Heights, the team does a magnificent job of creating fine canvas reproductions. This ACE is my "go to" place for high- end prints that look very much like the originals they're created from ~ perfect for clients who want the look of original art at a moderate price.

 

RIVERFRONT PARK'S CAROUSEL SHOP & THE ICE RIBBON ENTRANCE

• ADDRESS • 507 North Howard Street, Riverfront Park in Downtown Spokane, WA 99201
• PHONE NUMBER / WEBSITE • 509.625.6600 and My.SpokaneCity.org/parks ~ See the website for dates and times of operation
• OPERATED BY • Spokane Parks and Recreation ~ Vanessa Esparza (Manager of both retail areas)
• MY AMERICANA FINE ART • Two card racks ~ one at each location with dozens of images that revolve with the seasons (Landmarks, Historic homes, Schools, Churches, Parks, Kids, Pets, and more)
• SEASONS FEATURED • FALL INTO WINTER + HOLS
• ABOUT THE SETTINGS • The glittering carousel is one of the main and oldest functioning attractions in Spokane's Downtown District. Operating for years at Natatorium Park, it reopend on the end of EXPO '74 and again briefly during COVID, it's open for both locals and visitors to enjoy, especially families. Riders can still grab a brass ring! Near the carousel is the entrance to Riverfront Park's unique ice ribbon, one of only two on this side of the Mississippi. Skating is a year-round activity as roller skates replaces ice skates in the warmer months.

 

THE GIFT SHOP AT THE NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE

• ADDRESS • 2316 West First Avenue, Browne's Addition, Spokane, WA 99201
• PHONE NUMBER / WEBSITE • 509.456.3931 and Northwestmuseum.org ~ See the website for dates and times of operation
• OPERATED BY • The MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts and Cuture) ~ MAC Gift Shop Manager Jordan Crowdy
• MY FINE ART • An assortment of Inland NW (Spokane) card images including over a dozen of the Campbell House' interior and exterior ~ NOTE: Since 1997, I've had a diverse selection of fine art items in the museum's gift shop ~ 24+ years of working with the MAC group.
• SEASONS FEATURED • All 4 Seasons
• ABOUT THE SETTING • One of the most revered settings at The MAC is the restored Amasa Campbell House. The Tudor-Revival mansion was donated by daughter Helen Campbell Powell to house the Cheney-Cowles Museum after the death of her mother Grace Campbell. Although nearly finished, some final work on the guest rooms' wallpaper is in progress at this time to honor its 125th birthday. Visit the museum's website for details on this year's activities. Highlight ~ More restoration was recently accomplished in the mantion's two guest rooms.

 

FAMOUS ACTOR / CROONER BING CROSBY'S CHILDHOOD HOME, NOW A MUSEUM SHOWCASING HIS MEMORABILIA

• ADDRESS • 508 East Sharp, The Logan Neighborhood, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA 99202
• PHONE NUMBER / WEBSITES • 509.313.3064 (Questions), 509.313.3847 (Volunteer Opportunities) • Websites SearchGuidesGonzaga.edu website for dates and times of operation, BingCrosbyAdvocates.org for details about the museum and to volunteer
• ADMISSION • Free of charge to the public with complimentary parking behind the Crosby House
• CURATOR / ARCHIVIST • The Bing Crosby Advocates and Stephanie Plowman • Curator Crosby House Museum and Archivist, Foley Library
• MY AMERICANA FINE ART • "BING CROSBY CRAFTSMAN" ~ Fine art cards of a Winter portrait of the Crosby House with history on the back
• ABOUT THE SETTING • Bing's dad and his two uncles built the house on Sharp in 1911 where it's remained for over 100 years. The first floor houses 200+ items in the Bing Crosby Collection, including his Oscar for "Going My Way." This is a "must see" for folks who not only love Bing's contribution to entertainment, but also appreciate how much Gonzaga meant to him. Highlight ~ In 1937, my dad, Joe Simpson, and nine other Gonzaga Pep Band musicians were invited to visit Bing for a week in Hollywood to see if any were interested in big time entertainment. My dad chose to finish college and law school, teaching night classes at the law school after WWII, but spending this magical time with Bing was the thrill of a lifetime for him!

 

 

 

QQUESTIONS ABOUT THE FINE ART OR CONTENT ON THIS PAGE?

iPhone • 206.406.1409 (Talk, Text & Voicemail)

PittyPat Studio • "AMERICANA" FINE ART ~ QUESTIONS? Please call or text me.

On the Web • PattiSimpsonWard.com

Please Visit my Facebook Page • "PattiSimpsonWardArt."