MY 50-YEAR AMERICANA FINE ART PASSION . . .

MY 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 had my "artistic" back!

MY DOUG • Doug recognized my unique gift of talent and was always in my corner when it came to my art. When we married 25 years ago in April 2000, we pledged in our vows we'd always support each other's passions. We did this all our lives. April 2025 would have been our Silver Wedding Anniversary.

THE GREATEST GAME• 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 the Seattle area's Overlake CC's Mens' 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 (left in white).

SALLY MOM'S SUPPORT (Left in white) • Sally Mom is still amazingly active and leading a rich full life at her home at Evergreen Fountains • at 98 no less! She's pictured here with me and my sister-in-law this Spring. Her zest for life and creativity have always inspired me. Sally Mom too has been in my art corner all my life.

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

When I moved to Seattle in 1974 to expand my career horizons, she sent historic pictorial 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 met Doug in 1997 for the first time, 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 ALL 2023 scheduled art events except one. The months after I lost him were rough. I turned down and cancelled everything, trying to gradually find my balance again.

2024 • MY FIRST YEAR AFTER DOUG • In 2024, my calendar 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 sucn a generous, upbeat helper, being without him was a huge challenge. These days, I'm much for careful about what and how much I commit to. Thank God for sis Peggy who rescued me last December when my scheduled helper didn't show for the Hayden Lake C.C. Holiday event. Later, my friend Greg Arpin stepped in with another "no show" for the Manito CC. Marketplace. HEAPS of gratitude to both Peggy and Greg • true "Angels on Earth!

2025 • So, as I move forward, I'm still feeling "learning curve" of what choices are manageable and prudent • and which ones aren't. To quote an old friend, it's ALL about the choices!

 

 

HEALING ACTIVITIES • VOLUNTEERING & PAINTING • I've embraced two things that haved really helped with my journey of healing. One was volunteering for The Friends of Manito (TheFriendsOfManito.org). I spent hours in 2024 from April through September helping with projects and learning how to care for all kinds of plants. I made great friends in the process and received an invitation to a TFM reception at the Japanese Gardens at the end of the season. I came back to Manito in 2025 for another rewarding year!

Since September 2023, I also found that creating artwork has become even more important to me with its healing and sometimes very vaidating effect. One of my favorite 2024 projects was a portrait I created for niece Isabell of her with her Gonzaga U roomies honoring 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 2025 and 2024 finished artwork plus the PAINTINGS IN PROGRESS this year.

 

 

IN-PERSON EVENT MAILINGS • In past decades, I've typically sent 2 to 3 postcards annually announcing "Meet & Greets" and NEW products to those on my VIP (Very Important Patron) list. Sometimes the 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 will probably revive these for my big event coming at the Rockwood Center this October. 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 solid presence in the future going forward as I plan on creating as long as God will let me, so please feel free to reach out to me. I'm still committed to adding to my art collection from the ever-growing list of setting and subjects I'd love to paint.

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

 

 

 

SEASONAL EVENT ON MY LIST FOR THIS YEAR, SOME I'VE PARTICIPATED IN FOR OVER A DECADE.

ROCKWOOD ART FINE AMERICANA ART EXHIBIT • This very special exhibit opens mid-Octobe r2025 and closes in February near Valentine'sDay, 2026. I 'm planning to share nine different themes and about 60 fine works of art, including six NFS originals. The themed Spokane and Inland NW pieces will celebrate the four themed seasons in several Inland NW settings. Find much more about this exhibit on this website as the year unfolds. Look for my NEW portrait, "FALLS AT THE SUMMIT, ROCKWOOD SOUTH HILL"

NOTE • ARBOR CREST VS MANITO PLANT SALE • As much as I dearly love both these event ,they fall on the exactly the same day, August 23rd. I have a tough choice to commit very soon. QUESTIONS? Please call / text me at 206.406.1409.

 

 

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 • Ace Hardware by Justin Sexton (Store Manager) • Stace and Arlene Heston (Owners)
• MY AMERICANA ART COLLECTION • 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 2026 Calendars in 2 editions ("Magical Manito Park" & "Cozy Charming Cottages"), Magnets, and Puzzles
• SEASONS FEATURED • SPRING INTO WINTER
• ABOUT THE SETTING • 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 the "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 nearly 15 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
• TEL / 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 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 2026 Calendars in 2 editions ("Magical Manito Park" & "Cozy Charming Cottages") and 4-Image Jjigsaw Puzzles
• SEASONS FEATURED • SPRING INTO WINTERR
• 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 tasks for small businesses in the Lincoln Heights neighborhoods, the team does a magnificent job of creating fine canvas reproductions. This UPS 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 much lower 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 • 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 • SPRING INTO SUMMER
• ABOUT THE SETTINGS • The sparkling carousel is one of the main and oldest functioning attractions in Spokane's Downtown District. Operating for years at Natatorium Park, it was installed and reopend 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.

 

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 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 AMERICANA ART COLLECTION • An assortment of Spokane and Inland NW card images including nearly 20 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 including proprietary calendars over the years. Plus I've donated my graphic design to the MAC group over the years on occasion to help them as needed.
• SEASONS FEATURED • All 4 Seasons
• ABOUT THE SETTINGS • A revered settings at The MAC is the restored Amasa Campbell House. The 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 was recently done in the two guest rooms to honor its 125th birthday. Visit the MAC'S website for details on activities.

 

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 • 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 the beloved MGM film, "Going My Way." 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. Highlight • Sending this magical time with Bing, however, was the thrill of a lifetime for my father!

 

 

 

 

 

QUESTIONS 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."