Pete displays one of his beautiful watercolor paintings.
Pete is an accomplished, self-taught artist. He paints stunning landscapes with colorful sunsets, birch trees, and serene blue waters. Watercolor is his favorite medium. His paintings adorn the lobby, community room, and hallways of his apartment building, providing warmth, color, and glimpses of natural beauty to these shared spaces. Pete has also showcased his admired paintings
at Simpson Housing Services’ Art 4 Shelter fundraising event.
Pete’s love of art spans decades, and earlier in his life, art was his livelihood. “I used to do graphic arts, back in the day. I hand painted colors, shapes, and landscapes on conversion vans. I used to do portraits too,” he says. Now, at age 74, Pete paints when he feels inspired: “You have to make time for it and be in the mood. My supplies are set up in my room. If I’m in the mood, I’ll get some water and start.”
Pete’s connection with Simpson Housing Services began nearly two years ago when he moved into one of the organization’s single adult housing communities. Prior to coming to Simpson, Pete experienced homelessness for nearly a year. He lost his housing after being in a relationship that ended. With a criminal record that dated 25 years prior, he was unable to secure stable housing on his own. “I was homeless during most of 2016. I lived down by the river in a tent burning propane bottles trying to stay warm in the winter,” Pete recalls. Given a suggestion from a friend, Pete went to stay at another organization’s shelter program to avoid the frigid cold.
Laura and Pete
After nine challenging months at the shelter, Pete received a Section 8 voucher and the opportunity to move into his own apartment through Simpson Housing Services’ long-term single adult housing program. He describes how he settled into his new home: “The transition was good. I got used to the place, and I knew things were going to get better. I have Section 8 housing, and I pay 30% of my income for housing. I’m still eligible for $60 for food stamps. I pay for my phone and transportation to medical appointments. I can save some money.”
Over the past eight years, Pete has struggled with medical issues which led to his use of prescription opiates. Nerve pain resulting from his prescription medications affects Pete’s right arm and the steadiness of his painting hand. A recent medical procedure impacts how he feels day to day. “I haven’t painted in the last month. I’m not feeling well. I haven’t been the same,” he says.
Pete expresses appreciation for the home that Simpson helps provide, his sense of independence, and the people who are there to help when he needs it:”lt’s really a blessing. Being here has allowed me to paint and not drop out of society. I’ve met some people here. It’s a good community:’
Simpson Advocate Laura Willodson shares that Pete has helped create a sense of community in the building. Recognizing his talent, Laura encouraged Pete to display his art in the newly remodeled community room and share his artistic talents with other residents. “Pete hosted three painting workshops, providing an opportunity for residents to learn to paint and get to know one another,” she says. Laura also prompted Pete to share his artwork at Simpson’s major fundraising event. “He’s so modest, though he was proud to be able to display his art for Art 4 Shelter.”
Pete looks forward to painting additional pieces for Simpson’s annual Art 4 Shelter fundraising event on May 15. “I don’t mind doing my share. Not at all. And if it helps Simpson, why not? They helped me.”