THE INLAND NW ONE OF THE LOVELIEST REGIONS IN THE PACIFIC NW

TWO ICONIC SPOKANE NATURAL WONDERS MANITO PARK AND SPOKANE FALLS

MANITO PARK ~ On Spokane's South Grand Boulevard, folks love to visit this several-acre park with Spring's legendary Lilac Garden, the Davenport Fountain in Summer, and Autumn's brilliant Japanese Garden. Doug and my favorite attractionwas the magical interior of the Gaiser Conservatory (left) when thousands of lights were wound around branches in Winter by dozens of volunteers (TheFriendsOfManito.org). See Doug and me pictured inside in the photo at the top of my Welcome page. Sadly, COVID was this tradition's demise, and many of us still miss it.

"JUST THE BRIDGE" ~ Spokane's thundering falls slice through the center of the Downtown District, drawing visitors to them annually from all over the Pacific NW. In 2016, with several other acclaimed local artists, my portrait of "Flying South Over Spokane Falls (Monroe Street Bridge)" was part of William Grant Gallery's "Just the Bridge" exhibit that Summer.

See both portraits of these iconic Inland NW setting below in the "Legendary Landmarks" and "Inland NW Parks and Gardens" sections.

 

 

 

PENDING PRIVATE SPOKANE "MEET & GREET" Currently, I'm on the schedule for the annual Holiday Ladies' Luncheon / Marketplace at Manito Country Club. Doors open at 10:00. I'm so hoping to appear at this "Meet & Greet" as all others for 2023 were cancelled due to Dougie's difficult health challenges. For members and guests only, local artists and crafters will be offering one-of-a-kind items of all kinds to revelers there. The event celebrates the season in a heart-warming way. Find all the details on my ART VENUES page. NOTE: This page also notes possible CANCELLATIONS, as well.

 

 

BEGINNING ~ In 1871, the first white settler to stake a claim in Spokan Falls ("Falls" later dropped and an "e" added to Spokane) was Seth Scranton. However, James N. Glover became known as the "Father of Spokane" as he shaped the area by the falls into a town. The railroad, timber and rich orethe brought great wealth ~ making many millionaires, although a huge fire burned most of Spokane in 1889, slowing the city's growth.

KEY PLAYERS ~ Kirtland K. Cutter, Amasa Campbell, Patsy Clark, Daniel C. Corbin, F. Rockwood Moore, James N. Glover, Louis B. Davenport, Francis Cook, Aubrey White, J.J. Browne, A.M. Cannon, J.P. Graves, William Cowles, and others gave the Inland NW its complexion. Highly successful men built mansions for their families and imposing downtown structures to proclaim their wealth. Many are still in immaculate shape.

PRESERVATION & THE TOP 10 ~ After World War II, when other cities were demolishing buildings, an economic slump had folks in Spokane restoring properties. The South Hill in particular is filled with homes built in the '20s, '30s and '40s ~ many as handsome as when they were originally constructed. Add to that, the school system, manicured golf courses, bike trails, beautiful parks and gardens. Manito Park's Mirror Lake (above) with its path around its perimeter is one of Doug and my favorite places ~ beautiful in all seasons, but especially now.

Our community's very active Spokane Preservation Advocates (SpokanePreservation.org) respects what a jewel Spokane is, and works diligently to keep it that way. See their recent newlsetter on my WELCOME and BIOGRAPHY pages. Also, from the 1950s into the late 1990s, property at nearby lakes was still affordable, so families were able to purchase vacation lots in which to spend Spokane's hot dry Summers.

Highlight ~ NBC'S TODAY SHOW ~ Right after Thanksgiving this year, a new travel segment aired on The Today Show that highlighed outstanding Holiday Destinations around the United States. The initial segment featured Spokane & The Inland NW! Highlighted were Riverfront Park, The vintage Davenport Hotel, and the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

CONGRATULATIONS, SPOKANE & INLAND NW!

 

 

SEVEN REGIONAL GROUPS ~ AND MORE

I've divided this collection into seven groups, some with sub-catgories. Each has two works highlighting neighborhoods, communities, and familiar regions. I've finished 250+ INLAND NW (SPOKANE) paintings in my 400+ total collection ~ enough to rotate my artwork throughout the seasons and Holidays on this website. NOTE: I've also completed dozens of sketches for clients, some found on my COMMISSION page.

THE SEVEN GROUPS ON THIS PAGE INCLUDE:

 

NEW FINE ART, MY CREATIVE PROCESS, PHOTOS / STORIES, ORDERING AND ENTIRE COLLECTION PDFS

NOTE: Find ENTIRE COLLECTION pdfs after each of the 7 GROUPS throughout this page.

 

LANDMARKS THE PRESTIGIOUS ONES

"DALLYING AT THE DAVENPORT" (THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

I gave this artwork a late 1940s time-frame, painting Louis M. Davenport's legendary hotel in the heart of Spokane’s Downtown District as it looked decades ago. To the right is the Pennington Hotel and at the forefront, Davenport’s luxurious restaurant. Designed by famed architect, Kirtland Kelsey Cutter, the Davenport Hotel (TheDavenportHotel.com) opened in 1914 to become an iconic part on Spokane’s skyline for decades. With Davenport’s death in 1951, his hotel was sold to the company that owned Seattle's grand Olympic Hotel, but the new owners allowed it to gradually decline and The Davenport finally closed 1985.After years of neglect with demolition looming, Walt and Karen Worthy purchased the Vintage Davenport in 2000. Spending countless hours of renovation, restoration and careful attention to detail, they reopened the grand “lady” in 2002, giving Spokane back this remarkable local treasure. In December 2021 however, after years of a very fine presence in the Pacific Northwest, the Worthys sold their properties to the K.S.L. Corporation.

 

"FLYING SOUTH OVER SPOKANE FALLS" (THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED SEPTEMBER 2004 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Not only did Kirkland Kelsey Cutter create dozens of homes and landmarks in Spokane, he also lent his design flair to other projects. This artwork portrayed the Monroe Street Bridge, spanning the Spokane river at the west end of Spokane’s Downtown District. In 1910, City Engineer John Ralston invited Cutter to design his bridge’s handrails and lookout stations, which featured life-size reliefs of bison skulls. I placed another Cutter landmark in the background of this work, the 1909 red brick and basaltic rock Washington Water Power Post Street Substation. Recently, Huntington Park on the south side of the falls was renovated. Lawn, a picnic area and rock gardens filled with decorative plantings were installed, creating an inviting space for folks to not only view the falls, but stay and picnic. Highlight ~ Washington Water Power’s first CEO, F. Rockwood Moore, gave Cutter one of his earliest residential commissions ~ a stunning Tudor-Revival positioned between the D.C. Corbin House and the F. Lewis Clark Mansion on Seventh Avenue. Demolished during the Great Depression, this property ultimately served as the parking lot for the restored Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens.

 

LANDMARKS THE FUN ONES

"THE CRESCENT WINDOW AT CHRISTMASTIME" (THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED JULY 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Crescent Department Store was THE place to shop when I was a youngster growing up in Spokane, Washington. It opened in 1889, the year of the big Spokane fire that destroyed a large portion of Spokane’s Downtown District. The store served faithfully for nearly a century until 1988 when it was sold to the F&N (Frederick & Nelson) Acquisition Corporation. A tradition with many Spokane families was the annual visit to the Crescent Department Store for pictures with Santa Claus. I was six when this photo was taken with my sisters ~ all dressed in red plaid taffetas sewed by my mother Sally. After photos, we stopped by the signature animated store window with its lights, baubles and figures ~ Santa, his elves and more that moved in time to Christmas carols.Highlight ~ At the 2014 Arbor Crest Art & Glass Festival, one of the employees responsible for the animated window stopped by to see my painting. He recognized the elves and colorful candy confections as those he created decades ago, sharing stories at my booth about his 30+ years at the beloved department store.

 

"MERRY MEETING AT THE FLOUR MILL" (THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT / NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA• PAINTED JULY 2018 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This piece celebrates songwriter Mel Torme's "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" at Spokane's Flour Mill, a unique refurbished retail destination since 1974 and Spokane’s Expo 74 Environment World’s Fair. The setting was built out that year to accommodate boutique-style shops, Clinkerdagger’s Restaurant, event center spaces on its grounds and interior. Recently, the Flour Mill opened an enclosed rooftop space on the top of the building, offering a small space for intimate gatherings the breathtaking view of Spokane’s Riverfront Park and the Downtown District. Built in 1895, this was one a several mills on the Spokane River that took advantage of the power they produced in the late 1800s before F. Rockwood Moore developed Washington Water Power (later Avista). It was initially involved in one of the most difficult, hard fought lawsuits in Spokane’s history that delayed its operation for five years. Highlight ~ I pictured Doug and me with friends Tom and Kathie Kellogg by their trailer in front of the historic Floor Mill, offering their roasted chestnuts on a Winter afternoon.

 

 

The Legendary Landmarks Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 11 paintings in this collection.

 

 

INLAND NW PARKS & GARDENS SPOKANE'S MANITO PARK

"LIGHT A-GLOW AT THE GAISER CONSERVATORY" (MANITO PARK, SPOKANE, WA • OCTOBER 2019 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10 -INCH)

Manito Park was huge part of my life growing up in Spokane. My first 12 years as a youngster were spent in a small cottage across from Cannon Hill Park on Lincoln Street and then a Dutch Colonial in the Manito neighborhood off Bernard. The park was within walking distance. In the 1950s and 1960s, kids could take off most anytime they wanted and play very safely at the much loved park with or without chums. After moving back from the Seattle area, my husband and I bought a brick bungalow a half block from Manito Park, and found it to be the gift that keeps on giving. As wonderful as old memories were, we found many new ones. A favorite was for a time “Holiday Lights” ~ a magical display of thousands of colored lights decorating the interior of the Gaiser Conservatory. Sadly, the rise of COVID killed this magical tradition. I pictured folks I love gathering to tour the interior with cups of steaming cocoa. Highlight ~ Created by volunteers from the Friends of Manito (TheFriendsOfManito.org), when I painted this piece, it’s was open during the Holiday Season for all to enjoy at no charge, although visitors donated generously to the folks minding the entrance.

 

"FUN & FROLIC AT THE MANITO FIREPLACE" (MANITO PARK, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2006 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10 -INCH)

At the west end of the Manito Park’s (TheFriendsOfManito.org) Duck Pond (also known as Mirror Lake), a massive basaltic rock fireplace was built in 1955 as a memorial to Lt. Lawrence Rist, an Air Force officer who was killed in action in the Korean War. For decades growing up in Spokane, my parents took our family ice-skating during the winter months on Manito Pond. At that time the city and local fire department took pains to keep the surface smoothly groomed for skaters. There was nearly always a fire blazing for folks who were chilled and in need of warming up and a hot beverage. I filled this scene with family and friends enjoying the day. Highlight ~ The Friends of Manito stewardship organization recently paved the long-time gravel pathway that bordered the pond, creating a much more user-friendly walkway for folks to enjoy in all seasons. A swan sculpture was also placed on the east end of the pond to honor the gracefull birds that used to call Mirror Lake their home years ago.

 

 

INLAND NW PARKS & GARDENS OTHER SPOKANE COUNTY AND STATE PARK SETTINGS

"ICE RIBBON AT RIVERFRONT PARK" (RIVERFRONT PARK,DOWNTOWN, SPOKANE, WA •JULY 2019 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

In early December 2017, Spokane opened the first ice ribbon on the West Coast ~ a fun addition to Riverfront Park which was part of the updating plans happening on what was once the site of Spokane’s Expo 74 environmental fair. The ice ribbon promised a wonderful urban experience with its 16-foot wide 700-foot trail curling around the west end of the park. Fire pits, an ice lounge and more promised a great experience for skaters young and old. Summer offered roller-skating instead and other activities, so the ribbon could be enjoyed year round. An extra attraction was the gondola fixture that took folks over thundering Spokane Falls. Highlight ~ I filled this artwork with skaters enjoying the crisp winter day and pictured Riverfront’s pavilion and iconic clock tower in the background of this piece honoring the ice ribbon’s memorable opening day.

 

"HISTORIC FRANCES COOK CABIN" (MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK, WA • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2014 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This piece portrayed Francis Cook’s Cabin, built in 1904 on the west side of Mount Spokane (MountSpokane.com) overlooking the Spokane Valley. Francis Cook was known as the “Father of Mount Spokane State Park.” When he died in 1920, he transferred his considerable property there to the Spokane County with the understanding that it would be a park for everyone to enjoy.   In 1933, the State Parks & Recreation Commission oversaw the enlargement of his original cabin. They replaced the collapsed roof, built a deck and lunch counter for skiers and added living quarters for the park’s superintendent. In 1940, Federal funds built a handsome new ski lodge near the cabin, but a horrific fire destroyed it completely in 1952. A decision was made to move the facilities to the less windy east side of the mountain and the Cook Cabin public ski area closed for good in 1955. Highlight ~ Decades later, this area that overlooked Spokane from the south side of the mountain eventually had more runs added here to expand choices at Mount Spokane. It became a popular hiking and biking recreational area in Summertime.

 

The Inland NW Parks and Gardens Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 30 paintings in this collection.

 

 

BROWNE'S ADDITION HISTORIC HOME SWEET HOMES

"WINTER AT THE WAKEFIELD HOUSE (BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED MAY 1997 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The historic Wakefield Mansion, once the family residence of lawyer and capitalist, W.J.C. Wakefield, was designed and built in Browne’s Addition in 1897 by famed Spokane architect Kirtland K. Cutter. Created in the classic Mission Revival style, it was located on the lot west of Amasa Campbell’s Tudor four-story. This was just one of several elegant residences near Coeur D’Alene Park commissioned by the community’s new wealthy businessmen who wished to proclaim their financial success in the form of spectacular family homes. This painting celebrated the theme of holiday gatherings. Note the turkey in the dining room window and folks arriving with hot dishes to contribute to the feast. Highlight ~ In the late 1940s, thousands of servicemen were returning from fighting in World War II, so large structures such as the one in this painting were divided into several apartments.

 

REVISED "THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE (LOEWENBERG-ROBERTS)" (BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2023 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Loewenberg-Roberts House on First Avenue was designed by English architect W.J. Carpenter for Berhard and Harriet Loewenberg in 1889. Loewenberg owned a dry goods store nearby on Riverside Avenue, which floundered financially to the point that Loewenber was compelled to trade his home for another in the neighborhood owned by E.J. Roberts and his wife, Mary. Built in the Queen Anne Victorian style, Carpenter designed the house using a unique decorative blend of granite, wood and brick ~ resulting in an unusually beautiful home. In Browne’s Addition where many of the larger mansions had been converted into apartment houses after World War II to accommodate returning soldiers, remarkably, the E.J. Roberts House remained home to this family well into the 20th Century. Mary Moltke purchased it in the late 1990s and began an ambitious restoration project, re-opening it as a beautiful upscale special event center loved by many. Highlight ~ I pictured Great-granddaughter Molly Roberts Hannon (who recently received this original as a milestone birthday gift) and her cousin Maggie McCarthy Braeuer (my best pal at Saint Augustine’s Grade School) trimming the tree on the second floor) while I waved to arriving guests from the first floor bay window.

 

 

BROWNE'S ADDITION MAC'S AMASA CAMPBELL HOUSE

"COOKIES IN THE KITCHEN (CAMPBELL HOUSE" (BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTING JUNE 2011 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 8X10-INCH)

The red and white kitchen at the historic Campbell House (NorthwestMuseum.org) with its white octagonal tile floor must have been a hub of activity when the Campbell family lived in their grand residence. It was conveniently located across the hall from the servants’ dining room on one side and next to the butler’s pantry, which served the formal dining room on the other. All of the meals for the Campbell family as well as the staff of servants were prepared here. The focal point was the huge, ornate Majestic wood stove with ovens for baking, roasting and keeping things warm and a cook-top large enough to accommodate several skillets and saucepans at the same time. To the left of the range was a large walk-in pantry equipped with a glass-windowed oak ice-box storage unit. I gave this piece a cookie-baking theme, as I’m certain plenty of that was going on between during the holiday season. Highlight ~ During past Holiday Open Houses, this space was open for guests to explore, including the rarely seen butler’s pantry ~ all while munching on a freshly baked warn cookies!

 

"CHRISTMAS AT THE CAMPBELL HOUSE" (BROWNE'S ADDITION, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED AUGUST 2011 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 8X10-INCH)

At the Campbell House (NorthwestMuseum.org) the family’s focal point was the library on the main floor of their grand residence. Located left of the entryway, it was finished in rich dark oak echoing the woodwork in the hallway. Dark beams set off the ceiling in the library and the handsome carved Gothic arch over the fireplace. This room provided the family with a warm and inviting place for casual relaxation like listening to music, reading and playing board games. The Campbells also hosted parties and dances here, as well as more formal events like weddings and funerals. On June 27th, 1917, the library was festooned with blossoms to host the wedding celebration of the Campbell’s only daughter Helen to William Powell. In past years, the second floor linens room of the house occasionally displayed Helen's gown. Highlight ~ For years, this inviting room was open to the MAC members and guests at Christmastme for their Annual Open House.

 

• The Entire Browne's Addition Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 34 paintings in this collection.

 

 

THE SOUTH HILL NEIGHBORHOOD SOUTH HILL PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES

NEW "WINTER MAGIC AT THE GLOVER MANSION" (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2023 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Known historically as the “Father of Spokane,” when James Glover built his grand mansion on Spokane’s South Hill, he chose fledgling architect Kirtland K. Cutter who had just begun his career there. In 1889, Cutter also designed the F. Rockwood Moore residence (demolished) near Glover’s, amid criticism by the local wealthy that these two new homes looked too “old and established” ~ which was actually Cutter’s goal. Accolades for the Glover Mansion by Dr. Seward Webb (son-in-law of W.H. Vanderbilt) gradually won Spokane over, guaranteeing Cutter a firm place in its architectural history. Although similar in many respects to F. Rockwood Moore’s house, it is unusual as the first two floors were constructed of granite instead of the prolific basaltic rock on the South Hill. Banker and partner to Moore, Glover wanted to make a statement with his home, and the interior is filled with imposing, yet comfortable details. Highlight ~ This painting pictured the setting at Winter with fresh snow blanketing the beautiful setting and its three welcoming snowmen.

 

"SNOWMEN ON THE SOUTH HILL (ROCKWOOD BAKERY)" (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED JANUARY 2016 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 8X10-INCH)

Three friendly festive snowmen welcomed patrons to this beloved bakery a half block east of Grand Boulevard and Manito Park on Spokane’s South Hill. Whether the weather was chilly, as pictured in this piece, or warm for al fresco dining on the deck of the historic 18th Avenue setting, the Rockwood Bakery has always been a favorite of loyal patrons. For folks with a sweet tooth and discerning love of rich coffee and flavorful tea, from the day that the Rockwood Bakery opened, people have gathered there every morning to start their day. When my sister’s husband Ron was working on the hardwood floors in our bungalow near Bernard Street on 18th, he breakfasted every morning there. Highlight ~ In the early 1900s, this historic structure served the neighborhood as the Rockwood Market. It was the first to offer its customers meat lockers to freeze their large quantity purchases ~ perfect during hunting season in the Inland NW.

 

 

THE SOUTH HILL HOME SWEET HOMES

NEW "SNOW ANGELS ON THE SOUTH HILL" (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED DECEMBER 2022 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 8X10-INCH)

In December 2018, I finished a portrait of Greg and Lori Arpin’s New England reproduction farmhouse near Latah Creek. After 28 years there, the couple downsized to this charming Colonial-Revival cottage built in 1921 (garage in 1922) a block from Cannon Hill Park. From its kitchen, the home enjoyed a view of Cataldo Catholic School where Lori taught for decades. In 2018, I painted this cottage to welcome the couple back to their old neighborhood. In 2022, I created this new Winter treatment of it as a thank-you gift to Lori for her generous help with my artwork projects and festivals in recent years. The friendly scene pictured the cottage after a fresh snowfall with Greg and Lori putting finishing touches on an angel snow statue while grandkiddo twins Charlie and Jack and granddaughter Aoife created their own snow angels on the lawn. Highlight ~ Phil Brooke, Sr., founding member of Paine, Hamblen, Coffin and Brooke, built this place in the early 1920s, but soon moved across the back alley to a larger Dutch Colonial overlooking the pond. That Colonial stayed in the Brooke family as grandson Doug was living in it when I finished this art. Remarkably, Greg Arpin practiced law with Phil Brooke III for many years at the Paine Hamblen.

 

NEW "SNOWY SOUTH HILL" (THE SOUTH HILL, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED FEBRUARY 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)

In July 2020, Doug and I chose this cottage as our new home on Moran Prairie, an area much further south on Spokane’s South Hill ~ named for an early settler who ran a huge ranch at the foot of Browne’s  Mountain. This art was altered from an earlier portrait, this time showing the cozy setting with a blanket of snow and ice as Winters in Spokane are often famous for this. Miles south of our vintage Craftsman by Manito Park, the gated community offered amenities that assured us a more carefree life ~ except in Winter, of course. The main floor’s great room was built around a fireplace and opened on to a deck sheltered in warmer months from sunshine by a huge maple tree. On the lower level, my art studio, the media room, and the guest suite enjoyed a view of snow-covered trees, particularly pretty at Christmas. Highlight ~ Remarkably, an intersection near us was once home to my grandparents, Charles and Jessie Simpson. When sorting through family archives, I found a photo of my dad in his Navy uniform at a farewell family dinner on the Moran Prairie in the gardem before leaving to begin his commission as an officer in the Pacific on the “Wasp” Aircraft Carrier during World War ll.

 

• The Entire South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 91 paintings in this collection.


 

THE NORTH SIDE GONZAGA COLLECTION

"BING CROSBY'S CRAFTSMAN" (GONZAGA UNIVERSITY, THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • AUGUST 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This handsome two-story Craftsman on Sharp Avenue was the childhood home of famous crooner and one of Holllywood’s most memorable actors, Bing Crosby. The Bing Crosby House Museum became part of the Gonzaga University campus in the 1980s. Though Bing dropped out of Gonzaga a few months before graduation, he stayed in touch with and raised money for his old college throughout his life. When Gonzaga needed a new library in 1957, Crosby recruited best friends Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney to put on a nationwide television special. They donated their work so all profits went to building the library. Bing helped the careers of Spokane musicians when he could. In 1937, Bing invited nine musicians from Gonzaga’s Pep band to visit him in Hollywood. My dad Joe, who played trumpet, was one of them. Bing hoped that some of them might be interested in big time show business. Although my dad chose to finish college and law school at Gonzaga, for the rest of his life he recalled his magical week-long look at the big time and his visit with Bing. Highlight ~ Every year in December, the stewardship group, Bing Crosby Advocates (BingCrosbyAdvocates.org) has hosted a Holiday Film Festival at The Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane's Downtown District ~ a not to be missed event culminating with a special showing of Bing's iconic "White Christmas."

' "WINTER AT THE HUETTER HOUSE" (GONZAGA UNIVERSITY, THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • MAY 20070 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

John Huetter started work on this stately mansion in 1889. In the construction business, and a fine stone mason and brick layeher, was also responsible for Gonzaga University’s DeSmet Hall and the Administration Building (College Hall). The great fire of 1889 provided other opportunities, such as the construction of the original St. Joseph’s Orphanage. Huetter’s family of nine children were active in St. Aloysius parish. Several Catholic organizations used this house until 1956 when Bishop Bernard J. Topel dedicated it to the memory of Bishop Charles D. White (second bishop of the Spokane Diocese) and commissioned it as a Preparatory Seminary. This painting was completed to honor its 50th year of preparing men for the priesthood. When a new and larger seminary was built to replace it, a decision made to move the historic structure to its location near Bing Crosby’s residence where it began serving Gonzaga University as the alumni center. Highlight ~ I pictured my brothers John, Bill and Bob Simpson as young altar boys in the foreground of this piece.

 

 

THE NORTH SIDE PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES

NEW "VINTAGE SHADLE PARK HIGH IN SEPTEMBER ('60S * '70S)" (THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

As the North Side was a growing baby-boomer neighborhood after World War II, in 1954 the widow of Eugene Shadle donated a large parcel of land for a park, a small part of which was set aside for Shadle Park High School. The first new high school since 1932, the modern structure was finished in 1957 for  $2,787, 475 (expensive for its time) by Culler, Gale, Martell and Norrie. The new student body of over 1,300 chose green and gold for the school colors and Highlanders as their name. Eugene Shadle descended from the Scottish Henderson, and the colors echoed his Henderson tartan. Shadle’s signature crest was presented to the school by the class of 1964. It contained a crescent moon and star for the Shadle clan, a Scottish thistle for Highlanders, a grouse foot (game bird from the Highlands), and the Henderson clan with Spokane Falls across the top. This piece portrayed the entrance to the original school building, which was later significantly updated from 2007 to 2009. Highlight ~ The students pictured in this scene were friends I’ve made who attended Shadle Park High, graduating in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

 

 

"THE SPOKANE COUNTY COURTHOUSE" (THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED AUGUST 2014 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

29-year-old W.A. Ritchie won the design competition sponsored by the Board of County Commissioner in 1893 for the new Spokane County Courthouse. Construction in the French Renaissance style began in 1894 on property located just across the Spokane River from the heart of Spokane's Downtown District. At the time, It was regarded as a masterpiece with its romantic statuesque towers, handsome masonry and intricate wrought-iron metalwork. The center tower and roof were freshened up in 2012. It has been an important part of Spokane’s skyline forwell over a hundred years. A dubious honor, the courtyard held Spokan's first public hanging on its grounds in 1897, executing a man who had murdered a woman. Highlight ~ I dedicated this painting to my father, Joseph A. Simpson, a successful Spokane attorney who spent a great deal of time practicing law in this building.

 

 

THE NORTH SIDE HOME SWEET HOMES

"FLOWERFIELD AT SAINT GEORGE'S (DAVENPORT HOUSE)" (THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTEDJUNE 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Located on the banks of the Little Spokane River on Spokane’s North Side, Flowerfield was once the 440-acre Summer estate of Louis Davenport, his wife and son. Davenport had once commissioned Kirtland Cutter to design and construct a huge mansion in the Rockwood neighborhood on the South Hill, but was forced to sell it prematurely after only two years to the Porter family due to investors' demands for early repayment for his grand Davenport Hotel. He relocated his wife and child into a sumptuous suite at his Davenport Hotel. This Summer home must have been a welcome countryside escape from Spokane's busy city life in Summer. Highlight ~ The property was sold in 1955 and 120 acres of it became Saint George’s School (SGS.org), one of the finest private schools in Eastern Washington. The Davenport’s lovely two-story residence was preserved as part of the Saint George’s campus ~ and went on to serve as an event center.

 

 

"THE OLD MAXWELL-PETTET PLACE" (THE NORTH SIDE, SPOKANE, WA • PAINTED AUGUST 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This snowy scene portrayed the old Maxwell-Pettet place located on picturesque West Point Road. This sprawling North Side residence was reputed to be the oldest home in Spokane, according to community public records. The original small cottage was built by the Pettet family who sold it a short time later to the Maxwells ~ which is how the home got its name. The Maxwells lived in this residence for several decades. Eventually, the property was sold to the Powell family. Over the years, the original wood cottage was encased and added on to, resulting in this remarkably pretty rambling cottage in the woods on cliffs overlooking the Spokane River and old Fort George Wright. Highlight ~ William Powell married Helen Campbell, the only daughter of Amasa and Grace who raised their daughter in the historic Tudor Revival Campbell House, part of the MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture).

 

 

• The Entire North Side Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see and learn about all 32 paintings in this collection.

 

 

THE SPOKANE VALLEY PRETTY PUBLIC PLACES AND HOME SWEET HOMES

NEW "AUTUMN BRILLIANCE AT ARBOR CREST" (SPOKANE VALLEY, WA • PAINTED NOVEMBER 2023 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Particularly breathtaking during Autumn, brilliant foliage and colorful turning leaves have decorated the basaltic rock historic gatehouse every year. Located south of the stunning Cliff House on what was once the Royal Riblet Estate, I was told that this quaint structure served as the servants’ quarters when Riblet made his home there. This painting was created looking north at the back of the gatehouse draped in ivy. Purchased by Harry and Marcia Mielke years ago (Marcia helped me create this art by sharing stunning photos), the property stayed in their extended family, housing beloved Arbor Crest Cellars (ArborCrest.com). In addition to its premium wines and craft beers, this Spokane Valley has hosted its Summer Art & Glass Fest for over a decade, and more recently, November’s Holiday Marketplace. Pictured in the foreground were Doug and me with dear friends the Capryes and Frucis who’ve joined me at nearly every art event here since I began appearing in them over 10 years ago. Highlight ~ To the right, see a glimpse of the Mielke’s beloved black and scarlet 1931 Model 452 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton Cadillac.

 

"KRIS KRINGLE COMES TO THE CLIFF HOUSE (ARBOR CREST)" (SPOKANE VALLEY, WA • PAINTED OCTOBER 2018 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

I painted this portrait of the Cliff House at Arbor Crest Cellars to honor al tradition from the early 2000s in the Spokane Valley. An avid aviator who flew his plane out of Felts Field decorated it for several years to look like Santa In his sleigh. On ChristmasEve (weather permitting) he would criss-cross the skies above the neighborhoods in the Valley for about 15 minutes. Folks of all ages watched and waved to Saint Nicholas as he made his annual Christmas Eve visit. It was magical, thus the theme for this piece. Royal Newton Riblet built his Florentine-style mansion to take advantage of the view overlooking the Spokane River. The grounds included a waterfall that continually recycled from bottom to top, a tram that went down his cliff to the river below, a life-size chess game and other marvels. When I completed this piece, the MIlke family owned the estate, home of Arbor Crest Cellars. The property withmansion, basaltic rock out-buildings and marvelous gardens later became the HQ of Arbor Crest Cellars (ArborCrest.com). This art was created to promote the 2018 Cliff House Estate Holiday Art Show. Highlight ~ When Royal Riblet was living there, the cement factory far below on the riverside spewed harmful dust into the air, deteriorating his mansion’s facade. He sued ~ and the attorneys who won the first ever case of its kind were associates James Winton and my father Joseph A. Simpson.

 

• The Entire Spokane Valley Collection pdf ~ Click on the pdf to see and learn about all 18 pages in this collection.

 

 

 

THE GREATER INLAND NW & SURROUNDING TWO-STATE AREA

"RICH & LINDA'S LAKESIDE LODGE" (PRIEST LAKE, IDAHO • SEPTEMBER 1998 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

When my parents downsized from their mid-century modern in the Spokane Valley suburbs, they chose a view condominium at Mountain View Estates above Millwood on Argonne Lane in 1986. Their next door neighbor was a friendly high school teacher named Rich who was approaching retirement from a Spokane Valley's Central High School. When that day finally arrived, Rich sold his condominium and moved to a scenic spot on Priest Lake to share life with his longtime love Linda. They married and together built a large new log home to replace the small one-room cottage that had served them for decades as their Summer place on Priest Lake's shoreline. Many, many years old and riddled with dry rot, the cabin was deemed uninhabitable, ultimately unsalvageable, and went on their scheduled for demolition. Highlight ~ To surprise his bride, Rich took several photos of the place before it was demolished, and commissioned this portrait. I pictured the newlyweds on the front deck overlooking a brilliant Autumn scene dotted with wildlife.



"SEPTEMBER AT SETTLER'S CREEK" (COEUR D'ALENE, IDANO • PAINTED DECEMBER 2018 • ACRYLIC-ON-CANVAS • 5X7-INCH)

I painted this portrait of the rural special event destination that my niece Kelly and her fiancé David chose for their early September wedding. Located a short drive west of downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the sprawling hillside farm had a picturesque hilltop gazebo, large barn and several other outbuildings including this charming little cottage surrounded by willow trees. The couple’s ceremony took place beneath it. Hors d’oeuvres and wedding toasts looked out over the pastoral scene from a hilltop gazebo and a grassy plateau served as the dining area for their formal al-fresco dinner. Mother Nature cooperated beautifully for the celebration without one drop of rain! Pictured in this piece were newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. David Barker with beautiful bride Kelly’s new step-daughters Danielle and Sophia ~ darling in their sweet periwinkle blue wedding frocks. Highlight ~ I finished this special portrait as a post wedding gift for Kelly, David and his daughters at Christmastime.

 

 

• The Entire Greater Inland NW / North Idaho Collection pdf ~ Click on this pdf to see all 19 paintings in this collection.

 

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