"God must have realized that humans need to be connected with the past, so he gave us memories." ~ Mike Huhland

Thank you so much for your interest in my artwork. It's definitely the thing that makes me "tick." I've shared the story here of how my hobby grew into a career.

During my decades as a graphic designer and artist, significant events shaped my love of the American Primitive style. It's definitely my trademark today ~ although there are some contemporary paintings floating around from earlier years.

Below I've shared events that helped shaped my dreams.

FINGERPAINTS IN FIRST GRADE

My first year of school, Sister Rita Mae (pictured here) wrote in my report card, “She loves artwork of all kinds and is a tireless worker.” I still have this mimeographed sheet tucked in with my old photos. The statement was true in grade school and it's true today!

I remember writing copy, drawing and pasting up magazines, newsletters and booklets at my bedroom desk ~ usually while my sisters and brothers were outside playing with neighborhood kids. I still have a handful of these early creations. A dear grade school classmate of mine who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, shared that she saved a few booklets given to her decades ago. When we get together next, she's going to bring them to share a walk down "Memory Lane."

My Uncle Ed Flemister flew a small plane for Standard Oil in Venezuela in the 1950s, spending off-hours painting in oils and dabbling in photography. When he and Aunt Wanda flew to Spokane for a visit, I begged for art lessons ~ thus the "Peanut People" photo to the left (nice haircut I gave my bangs, don't you think?). In January 2009, Ed exhibited his large collection in a Baker’s City, Oregon gallery ~ at age 90+!

Frequently in grade school, I was in the back of the classroom drawing murals with colored chalk on butcher paper (see below) while classmates were learning long division. Math can still be a challenge . . .

As a Camp Fire Girl for over a decade, I earned awards for all sorts of art projects. This led to a summer job in college, working as a counselor at Dart-Lo Day Camp where I taught arts, crafts and theater. I loved sharing ideas with the eager kids. Their most creative project? An elaborate mobile of fluttering Origami birds folded entirely out of chewing gum wrappers!

HNA, FWC & EWSU ~ DEVELOPING MY DREAMS

In high school at Holy Names Academy, I signed up for basic and advanced design classes and took advantage of special weekend workshops (by invitation only) at Fort Wright College ~ an honor as well as a challenge.

My parents (especially my creative mom Sally) always encouraged me. I hadn't found my niche yet as most of my artwork was very contemporary, but I recognized my calling and was hooked!

While at Eastern Washington State University, I put my graphic design skills to work on friend’s campaign for student body president. He won! During my junior year, I sketched 50 pen and ink ads for an The National Syndicate Advertising Agency, my first freelance design assignment.

SETTLING IN SEATTLE

In my twenties, I moved to Seattle after finishing the sketches for the ad campaign. Wonders! I was thrilled while driving up Seattle's Aurora Avenue to see my drawings on a billboard above the highway.

Shifting my focus slightly from graphic design (although it continued to pay the rent), I began pursuing painting in earnest when I shared a house with my sister Peggy and her classmates at the University of Washington.

Two key things happened: I received a coffee table book of Grandma Moses art for Christmas and one of my housemates had a Charles Wysocki "Americana" calendar tacked to her bedroom door. I was intrigued by Moses' use of color and Wysocki's fine attention to detail.

Wysocki excelled at creating imaginary settings, but I wanted to try my hand at painting something "real." Featured here is the home where I grew up on Spokane's South Hill, "227 West 25th," my first work in the American Primitive style (still part of my personal collection). A Bellevue, Washington art gallery also purchased a few of my very early "Primitives."

I worked on refining my style. I added a little perspective to give my paintings more depth, and I focused on the details ~ bits and pieces that would tell a personal story about a subject (a friend's home or a landmark I loved).

Early on, I designed my signature icon (my first name with a circle around it and a red heart for the dotted "i"). I still use this today.

I bought a little instamatic and always carried it with me (replaced later with a Canon digital), so that I could capture subjects "on the fly." This paid off when my sister Marilee and I traveled to Port Townsend for their Tour of Historic Homes. The trip spawned 19 paintings of unique Victorians that I've created over the years. (See my Port Townsend Collection pdf.) Digital media has made everything so quick and easy!

HONORS IN UZBEKISTAN (PART OF THE FORMER U.S.S.R.)

Another highlight was a trip to the former U.S.S.R. The visit lasted three weeks and included time spent in Moscow, St. Petersburg (then Leningrad) and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

I traveled with 25 folks from varied professions, including media consultants and motivational speakers.

While in Tashkent (then Seattle's "Sister City"), three women befriended me: a teacher, medical student and museum curator. As a result, and with the help of the wife of former Seattle Mayor Charles Royer, two of my paintings were hung in the National Art Gallery of Tashkent.

The trip changed my life. Visiting the former U.S.S.R. really impressed upon me how lucky I was to have been born in the United States. Although the country was beautiful beyond description and a culture-lover's dream, the freedom and opportunities we enjoy here are priceless.

CREATING MY CALENDARS & JOURNALS-FOR-A-YEAR

To support my exhibits (and placate family who'd received one piece of art too many over the years), I designed my first calendar in 1994.

What started out as a casual Christmas gift, burgeoned into substantial orders of multiple printings. The calendars have become collector's items among friends and clients, and I've received orders from all over the United States ~ and even a few from Europe. Folks that grow up in the Pacific Northwest have a special appreciation for this neck of the woods.

Below I've shared a brief description of the art included in each NEW 2012 calendar. Click on the bold red titles to see pdfs of each the five editions.

Although I am sold out of 2012 calendars through this site, there may still be a few available at the Kirkland Art Center Store and the MAC Gift Shop in Spokane. For details, visit my Retail page.

JOURNALS-FOR-A-YEAR (Four Editions) ~ In response to clients asking for a product with more than a dozen works, I've created four Journals-for-a-Year. Each features 40+ different paintings ~ two from all over Washington State and two with Spokane-only settings. Good for any year as they're not date-specific, they are peppered with thoughts to inspire. Visit my Calendar page for more info on these.

BROWSING AROUND SPOKANE'S BROWNE'S ADDITION

In the late 1990s, the Eastern Washington Historical Society invited me to participate in a one-day, "al fresco" art exhibit/craft fair ~ my first. It was held in Browne's Addition's Coeur d'Alene Park, Spokane's oldest, in the center of the first neighborhood settled in the late 1800s by local timber, mining and railroad barons.

I exhibited eight recent works of local landmarks. These included three mansions designed by famed architect, Kirtland K. Cutter: Patsy Clark's, the Fotheringham House and the Amasa Campbell House (the Campbell House Collection numbers 12 paintings and there are about five more "in-the-works"). Visit my What's New page to see these.

The Campbell House served as the Cheney-Cowles museum until a new facility, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC) was built to house the artifacts, and restoration work began on the mansion. A lucky find of Kirtland Cutter's sample book in the attic ensured the success of this project.

For the art fair, I designed a special calendar, "Pacific Northwest Memories: Spokane Landmarks," which patrons scooped up. I made new friends and learned a lot that weekend ~ it was a great experience.

OPPORTUNITIES IN OLYMPIA

At the same time, I was also honored by two new advocates, Lt. Governor Brad Owen and his wife Linda.

On the advice of Patricia M. Prince, an associate who recommended my work from the Coeur d'Alene Park fair, they invited me to participate in the "Children at Play in Washington State" exhibit and reception at the Legislative State Capitol Building in Olympia, Washington.

Heading up a committee of committed volunteers, the Owens worked hard to promote local Washington State artists. The halls of the ornate Legislative Building proved to be a spectacular backdrop for everyone involved.

 

Since that first invitation, I exhibited several more times, including "Landmarks of Washington."

THE HOLY NAMES SISTERS

You never know what ripple effect the smallest gesture can have . . . I painted the building that once housed my high school, Holy Names Academy, and filled it with sisters and students in uniform. It was my tribute to four happy years there.

During 1970s, local developer, Harry (Hank) A. Green redesigned and renovated the abandoned Victorian brick structure into an upscale retirement community renamed "The Academy." I visited it several years ago during a class reunion tour and was pleased with the beautiful job he did of salvaging the original flavor of the beautiful building.

I designed note cards using the painting, and sent one to our principal, Sr. Eileen Rose at the Holy Names Sisters' Retirement Facility at Fort George Wright in Spokane. (Sadly, Sr. Eileen Rose passed away in August, 2011.)

Soon, I heard from Communications Coordinator Becky Ford Sullivan and Director of Development Sr. Celine Steinberger ~ full of praise for my little painting. They ordered prints and cards, and Sr. Celine wrote a personal note, thanking and encouraging me.

Later that year, Ms. Ford Sullivan asked if they could feature me in their magazine article devoted to artistic alumnus who had graduated through the Holy Names system.

Absolutely! I thought nothing more about it until I received my issue with my work on the cover! In the article, they mentioned "The Artistree Gallery" where I was currently exhibiting. Gallery owner, Wendy James, phoned wondering what the SNJM Magazine was as she received dozens of calls about the article. For months, I heard from my classmates.

Later, my mother and I visited the sister's facility at Fort Wright and Program Administrator Sally Ewing and Sr. Celine gave us a tour of the newly landscaped grounds. Behind the convent, volunteers created a small basaltic rock grotto to house the statue of the Mary from the HNA grounds. (See the painting in the North Side Collection pdf.) We also walked the newly designed courtyard filled with sculpture designed by resident mixed media artist, Sr. Paula Mary Turnbull.

For more information on the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, please contact them at:

ADDRESS ~ Office of the Sisters of the Holy Names, Washington Province • 2911 West Fort George Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224 • Tel 509.328.7470

EMAIL ~ provadmin@snjmwa.org.

PAINTING PRESENTATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

Wade James Theater ~ In 2002, I was invited by the Wade James Theater, home of the Driftwood Players in Edmonds, Washington, to be their featured artist during their run of "Singing in the Rain."

The theater displayed 36 originals throughout its interior during September, October and November.

I received opening night tickets for my guests ~ plus a kick-off party in my honor with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

For information on the Wade-James Theater, visit their web site at DriftwoodPlayers.com.

The Bill Brown Building ~ In 2002-2003, the owners of BigTime Bar & Grill invited me twice to exhibit my Eastside settings in their historic building (one of the oldest in Redmond, Washington).

The grill closed and the space was reopened as the "The Matador" in 2007, an upscale tequila bar and restaurant, after the owners spent a substantial amount on its further restoration.

This two-story red brick structure (see the painting with patriotic bunting on the wall below) was built, owned and managed for over 30 years by Bill Brown. He was Redmond's longest running and most colorful mayor. At one time, his building housed a drug store with a soda fountain, bar, corner barber shop, upstairs dance hall (with a hidden section for patrons to linger with the "ladies" of their choice), a full-service mortuary, and a trap door to a tunnel connecting to the friendly bootlegger down the street ~ quite a backdrop for my work.

Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center ~ In the summer, Redmond, Washington's Derby Days Festival falls in mid-July. It honors the town's passion for bicycle riding and local history.

In 2005, the Redmond Historical Society, along with the Redmond Arts Commission and the Eastside Association of Fine Arts, sponsored a competition of artwork and photography honoring vintage buildings and landmarks tin Redmond.

65 pieces were displayed from June 10 through August 4 in the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (NEW art of this on the Calendar page). Cash prizes for first, second and third place were awarded, and my "Bill Brown Building" painting took second. During the summer of 2005, the Bill Brown piece was exhibited with four others I entered in the competition.

Click on the Eastside Collection pdf to see all 12 Redmond paintings.

For more information on the active Society, visit them at RedmondHistoricalSociety.org. Their slogan? "History is Happening in Redmond!"

The Kirkland Arts Center & Store ~ In August and September of 2008, I participated in the Kirkland Arts Center Members' Exhibit. This eclectic event invited all KAC members to show one piece of their work.

I chose "Springtime Comes to Simpson Street" (visit my Commission page), honoring a "neighborhood" of five homes that I've lived in and loved.

The painting tracks Spokane years, growing up in vintage homes on the South Hill and moving to the suburbs in the Spokane Valley. It pictures our current family home in Sammamish and commences with the 1937 Craftsman cottage where we will retire soon back to Spokane (but not from painting, of course). Full circle!

(FUN FACT: Monsignor Buckley, who taught religion at nearby St. Augustine's school and gave me my first Communion, bought the home for his housekeeper, Margaret Becher. He said Mass in the basement after he retired and his nameplate was on the cedar closet door when we bought it. We're guessing the closet doubled as a confessional.)

The Peter Kirk Building, for whom Kirkland is named, houses KAC. To see my portrait of this Victorian beauty and learn more about its history, visit my Puget Sound page.

In December 2009, KAC opened a store in Parkplace Mall where member artists and instructors show and sell their work. Click on my Retail page for details, or visit them at: KirklandArtsCenter.com.

MARKETING MY ART AT FESTIVALS, FAIRS & THE REDMOND SATURDAY MARKET

Selling at the Redmond Saturday Market ~ 2011 marked my fifth (and probably last) year of participation as Doug and I are downsizing away from the Seattle area. I've loved this venue and made so many wonderful friends.

1st Place in 2010! In 2010, the market board selected my painting, "Meeting at The Market" (see it on my Calendar page) as the 1st place winner in their competition for art capturing the market experience. The painting was featured on posters and other materials promoting the 35th season. See the article published in the Redmond Reporter below in the "Press" section below.

Redmond's is the oldest open-air market on the east side of Lake Washignton. Adjacent to Redmond Town Center Shopping Mall, it's very popular with both locals and visitors (there is a Marriott Hotel nearby). With over 125 vendors, there's something for everyone.

I will miss this bustling, friendly setting and the community of artists, crafters and growers who have all made me feel so welcome over the past years. It would be nice to come back for a couple of Saturdays while Doug plays in some Western Washington golf tournaments, so at this point it's "never say never." Check my web site later in the spring for a list of possible dates.

To learn more, visit RedmondSaturdayMarket.org.

2010 Co-Chair/Art Director Sammamish Art Fair ~ During nine months of 2010, I shared the job of chairing my community’s most ambitious fine arts event with fellow artist, Anna Macrae.

The fair was a well-organized, co-op endeavor, featuring 33 artists who worked as team captains and members lead by Anna and me.

Although I chaired other committees (volunteers, refreshments, clean-up, etc.) my primary responsibility was event promotion.

Acting as art director in charge of all graphics and production, I designed:

Anna had an ambitious list of duties as well, including public relations, directing the webmaster, coordinating artist booth placement at city hall and more.

The fair was an overwhelming success with attendance up dramatically from the year before. The city and local arts commission were very pleased with the results, and the artists all appreciated the hard work and long hours it took to mount such an ambitious event. Although the time commitment was extraordinary, co-chairing was a positive, valuable learning experience.

Seeing Friends at the Spokane Club ~ During autumn and the holiday season, I appear at several art and gift fairs around the state.

The Spokane Athletic Club hosts theirs in early November ~ which is one of my favorites as I get to connect with family and friends. I love that the folks who live there cherish their beautiful older homes, parks and landmarks like no others.

My dear friend (and club member) Mary Doohan sponsors my booth and lends a hand the day of the event. 2011 marked our fifth year of working together. She's the best!

NOTE: Look for my 2012 schedule of art fair and holiday event dates on the Welcome, What's New and Retail pages later on this year.

PATTI SIMPSON WARD IN THE PRESS

Redmond Reporter: August 9, 2006 Newspaper Article ~ When the Redmond Historical Society asked me to join their board, Renee DuVall-Northern approached the Society for help with historical photographs for her Stone House Cafe. I offered to help with the graphic presentation.

During our association, I shared I was an artist, and she purchased my portrait of the historic cottage housing her cafe. Originally, when it opened, the Redmond Reporter interviewed her, publishing a two-page pictorial. Renee shared my artwork with writer Mary Stevens Decker, who later interviewed me. Click on Redmond Reporter pdf to read the article, "Redmond Spotlight: Artist Sees Beauty in Old Buildings."

Later, the Stone House business was purchased by restauranteur Ryan Donaldson, who's been featured on KING TV's Evening Magazine. Chef Ryan offers fine Northwest cuisine, local wines and spirits, and has built a very devoted following. And, my artwork of the historic cottage once again hangs in the hallway.

Royal Divoteer: December 2006 Royal Oaks Country Club Newsletter ~ For many years, the Royal Oaks Country Club women's golfing membership invited to me to shared in their Holiday Luncheon and Gift Fair.

This Vancouver, Washington event was especially fun as I've painted two holes on the golf course. The members love the art ~ especially the painting of a Christmas snowman in a plaid vest and golf shoes, guarding the course's unique grass-covered stone bridge: "Snowy Sentinel at R.O.C.C."

This worthy event donates a sizeable portion of the proceeds and entry fee to a local charity, such as the battered women's shelter or a disadvantaged family.

For 30+ years, my husband and his buddies compete in an "invitational" in June. If I'm free, I tag along for this event. Over the years, golfers and staff have become good friends, and the familiar faces are always a welcome sight. In December 2006, the club manager asked if he could feature my "sentinel" artwork on the cover of their holiday membership newsletter, pictured here.

425 Magazine: 2007 Holiday Issue Article, "12 Days of Christmas Cards" ~ For the 2007 holiday issue, I was featured with 11 other talented artists in the 425 Magazine. Book stores and newsstands throughout Western Washington carry copies of this popular full-color, glossy periodical.

425 Magazine celebrates the ever-burgeoning city of Bellevue, Washington and other Eastside communities (east of Seattle and Lake Washington) in the "425" area code ~ thus the name! For more information or to subscribe, visit their web site: 425Magazine.com.

To read the article, meet the artists and see the collection of Christmas card artwork, click on the image to the left or on 425 Magazine pdf.

"The Happy Holiday House," my painting featured in the article, is the Queen Anne-style Harmon House, located in the heart of the Snohomish historic district. To read about it, click on Snohomish Collection pdf.

A short 30-minute drive north of Seattle, Snohomish is filled with beautifully restored homes built in the late 1800s. It's a great weekend getaway, with B&Bs, restaurants, gift shops and antique emporiums brimming with goods for keen-eyed shoppers.

As I've painted nearly two dozen of these, many new friends have come my way through the Snohomish Historical Society. I frequently participate in a "Meet & Greet" during their historic home tours in September and December.

To learn more, visit SnohomishHistoricalSociety.org.

Focus on Redmond: 2008 Fall Issue Article ~ The city of Redmond, Washington publishes a quarterly magazine called Focus on Redmond. It highlights upcoming civic and special events that are on the calendar season and also features human-interest stories about folks who make a difference in the community.

The "spotlight" page featured a small article on me, my artwork, and ongoing contributions to the Redmond Historical Society as their art director promoting the Society.

To read the article, click on Focus on Redmond pdf.

Redmond Reporter: 2010 April Issue Article ~ Because my painting, "Meeting at The Market" won 1st Place in the artwork competition, I shared coffee with Redmond Reporter staff writer Mary Stevens Decker for a second interview (see above for the first one).

We spent a half hour at Redmond's Soul Foods Bistro chatting and catching up as there had been lots of changes for both of us in the years since we'd met.

Ms. Decker wrote a glowing full-page piece with a photo of me at the market plus the image of the poster I designed for the RSM board to promote its 2010 season.

Click on Redmond Reporter II pdf or the poster here to read "Meeting at The Market ~ Local Artist spotlights upcoming Saturday Market in Promotional Poster."

Redmond Recorder: April 2011 Redmond Historical Society Newsletter ~ In the April 2011 issue, my NEW painting of the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center was featured in an article highlighting its historic status. Click on Redmond Recorder pdf to read it.

CARING ABOUT COMMUNITIES

I'm a passionate believer in giving back around the Washington State. My life has been so blessed. For me, giving back is essential.

I support several historical and artistic societies and museums in Washington State. I am proud of the job that I did as co-chair/art director of the Sammamish Art Fair and have enjoyed being a MAC member (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture), and serving seven years on the board of the Redmond Historical Society while I was in the area.

In 2011, I donated work to six different causes including the Spokane Ski Racing Association and Seattle Holy Names Academy auctions. I also give a portion of my annual proceeds to local non-profits.

2012 Auction Donations ~ Here are two causes I'm giving a framed print of "Flying South over Spokane Falls" to (see it in Downtown Spokane Collection pdf):

In the past, I've also donated artwork to Chamber of Commerce auctions for both Sammamish and Redmond, Spokane's Symphony, and several Spokane Catholic grade schools. Private schools often go the extra mile to supply one-on-one attention that is often hard to find in the public school system. They're chronically short of funds as they don't receive government aid, so I'm happy to help out.

A "near and dear" cause is the retirement fund for the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. (See their story above.) They did a beautiful job educating me and I'll always be grateful. Many sisters are retiring after long, selfless careers. With our current economy, the need is greater than ever.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO PLAY (AND WORK!)

In April 2000 when Doug married me, his wedding gift was two studios ~ one for digital graphics and another for painting.

I will miss these so much when we move out of the area, but I've been busy building out a new "creative space in our new home.

Graphic Design Studio ~ This space doubles as a comfortable sitting room for meeting with clients. It's joined to our master bedroom by French doors, so I often start my work day in slippers!

I have everything I need to design and digitally archive my collections. This busy place looks neat-as-a-pin in the photo here, but that's because I'm about to meet with a client.

Art Studio ~ My southern exposure studio down the hall is blessed with natural light from dawn to dusk ~ particularly important during winter when daylight's in short supply. I also archive supplies, fine art books, and my backstock of product here.

Novels on CD or movies usually play in the background while I work. (Isn't it great that computers and iPads play movies?) A pot of tea is usually brewing while a kitty or two keeps me company. Over the years our pets have found their way into much of my work. They are "family" in the truest sense of the word. After decades of spreading out on the dining room table, this is heaven. Thanks Doug! (More on him below!)

MY DARLING DOUGIE

Doug and I were married in 2000. He's a sweetheart of a guy, passionate golfer, best friend and easy-to-be-around companion. You see his face scattered throughout my site and in lots of paintings. Even though I'm a driven "worker bee," none of this would be possible without his endless love and support. I'm BLESSED!

He encourages me in a hundred little ways ~ from playing chef when I'm buried in design/production mode to driving me to exhibits, markets and fairs all over the Pacific Northwest.

There are very few vacations where he doesn't spend at least one day chauffeuring me around to shoot photos for future art projects ~ usually with no complaints. And ultimate sacrifice, when I'm really under-the-gun, he's given up golf games (his first love other than me) to help out. Once again, I'm so blessed!

Doug helps me believe that nothing is impossible and that the best is yet to come. Who know what our next chapter will bring?

 

IF YOU'D LIKE TO REACH ME ~

iPhone: 206.406.1409

Email: artist@pattisimpsonward.com

On the Web: PattiSimpsonWard.com