MY 50+ YEAR AMERICANA FINE ART PASSION . . .

TWO BEST SUPPORTERS • For much of my life and during my marriage, I went to work to PLAY. Lucky me, I chose the right guy and God chose the right mom! Both completely had my artistic back!

GENIUS "PETER PAN" AUTHOR & PLAYWRIGHT JAMES BARRIE shared, "Nothing is really work unless you'd rather be doing something else."

MY GUY • My Doug recognized my gift of talent and was always in my corner when it came to my art. When we wed 26 years ago in April 2000, we pledged in vows to support each other's passions • a promise kept forever. 2026 was our Moonstone Anniversary.

THE GREATEST GAME • He loved to golf, and had the MOST beautiful swing I've ever seen. After finishing ASU with a golf scholarship, he went on to win the Seattle area's Overlake CC Men's Club Championship 11 times • a record that has never broken. Golf was his gift. Even during his 6-year cancer battle, he shot in the 70s. He'd play with anyone who loved the game, including Sally Mom for over a decade (to my left).

SALLY MOM'S SUPPORT • Sally Mom is still active • with a rich full life at 99 at her Evergreen Fountains apartment. She's here with me and sister-in-law, Jan • Her zest for life and creativity inspires us both!

During grade school, Sally Mom volunteered many years as a Camp Fire Girl leader for my sisters and me. In High School at Holy Names, she convinced my dad to pay for one-on-one Fort Wright College workshops with art legend Sr. Paula Mary Turnbull (see more about this on my BIOGRAPHY page).

When I moved to Seattle in 1974 to expand my horizons, she sent historic Spokesman Review news clippings with notes that said, "You should paint this!" I'm so grateful her creative style rubbed off on me. When she first met Doug in 1997, She said. "He's wonderful! If you don't marry him, I will!" • Their similarities were remarkable.

 

 

 

 

 

2023 • PICKING UP THE PIECES • A side-effect of losing Doug was the cancellation of nearly ALL 2023 scheduled art events. The months after I lost him were way beyond rough. I turned down and cancelled everything, trying to find my balance again. Some days even now in 2026, I'm still doing that.

2024 • MY FIRST YEAR AFTER DOUG • In 2024, my schedule listed more events, but I'd be stretching the truth if I said participating in these was anything like when Doug was my partner. For 25 years, he was such a generous, upbeat helper • doing event's without him was much more difficult than I thought it would be. These days, I'm more careful about what and how much I commit to. Thank God for sis Peggy who rescued me in December 2024 when my helper "no showed" at Hayden Lake's C.C. Holiday event. Later, dear friend Greg Arpin stepped in when another "no show" occurred for the Manito C.C. Holiday Marketplace. HEAPS of gratitude to both Peggy and Greg • true Angels on Earth.

2025-2026 • MY HUGE 5-MONTH ART EXHIBIT (OCT. • FEB.) AT ROCKWOOD SOUTH HILL • Looking back on this stellar event, I'm still amazed that I I was able to pull off this hugely successful 50+ piece 5-month show. I owe so much to Lance Mantese and Mary Doohan who were both huge helps with this show's logistics. Thanks also goes to Molly Roberts Hannan, my lifelong friend and Rockwood cottage owner, who pulled strings to introduce me to the right folks in charge of the art event. Learn more about it on my BIOGRAPHY page in the "My Art Directing, Unveilings, Exhibits, Awards and More" section.

This year, as I keep creeping forward in my grief journey, I'm still feeling the learning curve of what choices are the best for me • and which ones aren't. Who was it that said, "It's ALL about the choices,"?

 

 

HEALING ACTIVITIES • VOLUNTEERING & PAINTING • I've embraced two things that have helped me gradually find balance. This is my third year volunteering for The Friends of Manito (TheFriendsOfManito.org) which entails helping polish and prepare hundreds of perennials for TFM's two popular fund-raising Plant Sales in June and August. Last year (and this), I'm offering my artwork at TFM's signature lime-green booth at the sale. Last year, I sold over $1,200, donating ALL my earnings back to the TFM. I made wonderful friends in the process and was featured in two different articles in TFM's "Polinator" Newsletter. Find these and more on my BIOGRAPHY page in the My Artful Presence in the Press section.

Since September 2023, I've also found that creating artwork has become even more important to me with its healing, validating effect. One of my favorite 2024 projects was a portrait I created for niece Isabell of her with her Gonzaga U roomies celebrating their graduation. See it on my SPOKANE (INLAND NW) page in the Gonzaga Group section.

Visit my WHAT'S NEW page to find the pdf sharing all the 2026 and 2025 finished artwork plus the current paintings in progress!

 

 

IN-PERSON EVENT MAILINGS • In past years, I've sent a couple postcards each year announcing "Meet & Greets" and NEW products to those on my VIP (Very Important Patron) list. Postcards are sent via text or email, and on some occasions, via U.S.P.S. as hard copies. Needless to say, this hasn't happened much since 2023, but I want to try harder to revive this in 2026 as the year unfolds. To be on my VIP list, please contact me at 206.406.1409 (talk or text). NOTE • Your privacy is VERY important to me. I never share your personal information and your name will NEVER go on a mailing list.

NEW ART ITEMS • I'm hoping for a more solid presence going forward as I plan to be creating as long as God will let me. Please feel free to reach out to me as I'm committed to adding to my art collection from the ever-growing list of potential settings and subjects!

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

 

 

 

SEASONAL EVENTS ON MY 2026 LIST • MANY I'VE PARTICIPATED IN FOR OVER A DECADE!

JUNE 6TH • MANITO PLANT SALE + MY BENEFIT ART "MEET & GREET" • Like last year's sales, I'll offer dozens of art cards, a handful of NEW 4-image Jigsaw Puzzles (including the 1st, 2nd, and NEW 3rd editions of Manito Park). Shoppers will also find a few Print / Card Gift Packets of local images. NOTE • ALL MY PROCEEDS EARNED FROM BOTH PLANT SALES WILL BE DONATED TO BENEFIT THE FRIENDS OF MANITO (TheFriendsOfManito.org).

• MY PARTICIPATION CANCELLED • JUNE 13TH • "33 ARTISTS" MANITO PARK ART • As Sally Mom's June 10th 99th birthday conflicted with the" 33 Artists Art Festival" scheduled on Saturday, June13th, even though I was to appear there, I realized it would be too much with a houseful of guests and activities to give the market the attention it needed. Family comes FIRST. I hope to see you at another of the venues above. THANK YOU for your very kind support.

 

 

 

THE GIFT SHOP AT THE NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE

• ADDRESS • 2316 West First Avenue, Browne's Addition, Spokane, WA 99201
• TEL / WEBSITE • 509.456.3931 and Northwestmuseum.org • See their website for dates and times of operation.
• OPERATED BY • The MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture) • MAC Gift Shop Manager, Jordan Redshaw
• MY AMERICANA ART COLLECTION • For years, the MAC Gift Shop featured my largest selection of Spokane and Inland NW card images, including nearly 20 of the Campbell House' interior and exterior, and dozens of other Inland NW settings. NOTE • Since 1997, I've also offered proprietary "Historic Campbell House" calendars over the years with a NEW 2027 edition this year! You'll also find print / card gift packets, a dozen 4-image collage jigsaw puzzles (3 NEW • 2 of the Campbell House plus a 3rd of Manito Park). Highlight! • Occasionally I've donated my graphic design skills to the MAC team when they needed extra graphic design assistance.
• CURRENT SEASONS FEATURED • SPRING INTO SUMMER
• ABOUT THE SETTINGS • The restored Amasa Campbell House is a jewel! This Tudor-Revival mansion was donated by daughter Helen Campbell Powell originally to house the Cheney-Cowles Museum after the death of her mother Grace. Highlight! • Additional restoration work to wallpaper was recently done in the two guest rooms to honor its 125th birthday. Visit the MAC'S website (NorthwestMuseum.org) for details on all their activities.

 

ACE HARDWARE • SOUTH MONROE STREET & 9TH AVENUE

• ADDRESS • 906 South Monroe Street, The Lower South Hill, Spokane, WA 99204
• TEL / WEBSITE • 509.624.7711 and AceHardware.com • Visit the website for dates and times of operation
• OPERATED BY • Stace and Arlene Heston (Owners)
• MY AMERICANA ART COLLECTION • My card rack with 90 different art card images that revolve with the seasons (Landmarks, Historic Homes, Schools, Churches, Parks, Kids, Pets, and more), magnets, 4-Image Collage Puzzles (3 NEW), four NEW 2027 Calendars (Landmarks, Campbell House, Spokane Valley, and Homes Sweet Homes & Gardens).
• CURRENT SEASONS FEATURED • SPRING INTO WINTER
• ABOUT ACE • Once Jones Drugs where my sis Peggy worked in the 1970s), it has been the place for DIY-ers for decades on the South Hil with 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 remained Doug and my "go-to" hardware store. Highlight! • When the ACE team discovered I was an award-winning artist with 250+ Spokane and Inland NW images in my collection, they've been a loyal customer for nearly 15 years, offering a generous group of my artwork items here.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
• TEL / WEBSITE • 509.624.7711 and Store1296@theUPSStore.com • See the website for dates and times of operation Monday through Saturday.
• OPERATED BY • The UPS Store • Jim Robinson (Owner)
• MY AMERICANA ART COLLECTION • Card rack with 24 different art card images that revolve with the seasons (Landmarks, Historic Homes, Schools, Churches, Parks, Kids, Pets, and more), NEW 2027 Calendars in 4 editions (Landmarks, Campbell House, Spokane Valley, and Homes Sweet Homes & Gardens) PLUS 4-Image selected Jigsaw Puzzles from my over a dozen of these!
• CURRENT SEASONS FEATURED • SPRING INTO SUMMER
• ABOUT THE SETTING • This UPS Store does a BIG job in its small corner location by Safeway on 29th and SE Blvd. In addition to handling dozens of small business tasks in Lincoln Heights, their team does a stellar job creating fine canvas reproductions. These look very much like the originals they're created from • perfect for clients who want the look of original art at a much more affordable price!

 

RIVERFRONT PARK'S CAROUSEL SHOP & THE ICE RIBBON ENTRANCE

• ADDRESS • 507 North Howard Street, Riverfront Park in Downtown Spokane, WA 99201
• TEL / 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 ART COLLECTION • Two card racks (Carousel Shop and Entrance to the Gondolas) with racks filled with dozens of images that revolve with the seasons • Landmarks, Historic Homes, Schools, Churches, Parks, Kids, Pets, and more PLUS 2027 Calendars & Puzzles.
• CURRENT SEASONS FEATURED • SPRING INTO SUMMER
• ABOUT THE SETTINGS • The sparkling Looff Carousel is one of the main and oldest functioning attractions in Spokane's Downtown District. Operating for decades at Natatorium Park, it was installed and re-opened at Riverfront Park at the end of EXPO '74 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 River. Skating is a year-round activity here as roller skates replace ice skates in the warmer months.

 

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
• TEL / WEBSITE • 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
• CURATORS / ACTIVISTS • The Bing Crosby Advocates and Stephanie Plowman • Curator Crosby House Museum and Archivist, Foley Library
• "BING CROSBY CRAFTSMAN" CARDS • WINTER SEASON • 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 went on to house 200+ items in the Bing Crosby Collection, including his Oscar for the beloved MGM film, "Going My Way." 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 Gonzaga's Law School after WWII. Sending this magical time with Bing, however, was the thrill of a lifetime.

 

 

 

 

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