Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Some say art is the way to the soul and creates a rich tapestry of expression that has the power to bring people together. Barbara Simpson, the Cultural Arts Manager for the city of Prattville, has brought many unique individuals together through art over the years.
Her commitment and drive for art and Prattville shone bright with the plethora of personalities that came to support her retirement Thursday night.
“I think one of the biggest joys the Parks and Rec Department can say is that so many folks have come through the different programs, and you’ve been able to impact those lives to be fuller and more productive. So many folks appreciate you in Prattville and we are honored and blessed to have your impact in the community,” Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie said.
“Barbara is our liaison between the guild and the city, she does so much for us. Anytime we need anything, or an event, it’s always Barbara, Barbara, Barbara! She always has a smile on her face, she has been such a great asset and always helpful. It’s going to be tough to fill her shoes, but we wish her well and we’re excited for her,” President of the Prattauga Art Guild Gail Coccaro said.
Simpson’s art journey started when she was just five years old. “My daddy was an artist for a very short time. He gave me his drawing table, books and all the supplies, and that was when I started. He made me draw and he wouldn’t let me copy anything,” Simpson said.
However, Simpson has had an eye for opportunity since the first grade, where she first started selling her art in custom coloring books to her peers at school for a dime a piece.
“The kids were buying them from me with their milk money. If somebody wanted all cats, I did all cats. If somebody wanted all dogs, I did all dogs. If they wanted trucks, I did all trucks. It would be only 10 pages. It was a short-lived career, but it was fun,” Simpson said.
Simpson has since had her art recognized on a national and global level as a professional artist. She has had work included in many prestigious exhibits, as well as private and commercial galleries throughout Alabama and has won numerous awards. She has had work displayed in New York with the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, one of the oldest women’s art clubs in the country.
The Wolfe Art Club serves professional artist women nationwide through organizing exhibitions, lectures, scholarships, and other art related activities. Today’s members are represented in museums, galleries and prestigious art collections all over the world.
“She has worked long and hard for many years and we are super excited for her in this opportunity. I have worked with her for 16 plus years and have worked with her longer than anybody in my entire life. To say that I will miss her is an understatement. I could never put a value on the friendships and the lessons that she has taught me,” Parks and Recreation Director Kellie Cook said.
Simpson has been on countless art boards throughout Alabama, she’s the co-founder of the Alabama Wildlife Federation Flora and Fauna Annual Art Show, received Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006 and has taught art to children and adults alike for over 20 years in the River Region.
“I had no idea that so many people would come out, it just warms my heart. I know these people and worked with them every day or they’ve been involved in events. You don’t expect it and I was really humbled that these people thought about me,” Simpson said in regard to how many people showed up for her retirement party.
Simpson’s preferred medium is watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. She plans to explore more oil painting in her retirement. As she stated, she now has the time for it.
“They’re all wonderful mediums, and I really like clay. I’m hoping to be doing some clay soon, like this weekend, I hope! I’m hoping to maybe get a piece in the Art with a Heart event. If I’m not there with a recently made clay bowl, I’ll be there with a pot of soup,” Simpson said.
In attendance at her retirement party was what seemed like half the city of Prattville, coming to wish her well on her new artistic adventure. From the Mayor, members of City Council, Parks and Rec, Economic Development and more than a handful of friends from Simpsons grade school days, everyone was there on her behalf.
“Honest to God I think my mom is the sweetest person I’ve ever met in my entire life. She really loved her position. Seeing her do the things she loves to do and getting to see her be creative and put on events, I’m so proud of her,” Simpson’s daughter Gracie Simpson said.
All of us at Elmore Autauga News wish Barbara all the best in every adventure that awaits her.
