Sims’ artwork displayed at SKYPAC

Katrina England

Reporter, Hart Co. News-Herald

 

Recently, Jesse and Jennifer Sims displayed their art in an exhibit at SKYPAC, using the theme Relics and Reflections.  The show had 48 new works of art and included an artist reception on April 26.

The exhibit wrapped up on May 2, but was a first for the Sims, as it was their first joint venture publicly displaying their work together.

“SKYPAC asked us a year or so ago if we would be interested in being exhibiting artists in the Goodwin Gallery,” explained Jennifer. “We agreed and were put on the schedule for the month of April of 2025.”

The art show was perfect for the Sims since jointly, their art folded into the theme of the exhibit.

“Jesse and I were working on a title and I mentioned this title due to his work often showing landscapes with things of the past. My work has aspects of travel and past events and experiences. So the title seemed to fit both of our work(s) even though our work is very different.”

Their “Relics and Reflections” theme came to life.

For this show, Jesse’s work consisted of acrylic paintings for his realistic landscapes and abstract works. Jennifer’s works are acrylic paintings and mixed media pieces, with many of her pieces beginning with monotype printmaking, collaging, and even weaving into the image.

“This show is very special to Jesse and I,” said Jennifer.  “It is the first time that we have been featured artists together in a show. This show is just our work with over 40 pieces that have been create mainly within the last year. This show is also like a mile marker to our lives together. We met in the painting studio at WKU over 30 years ago. This May 27th marks our 30th wedding anniversary. This show is important because it is showing the community/public what our passion is…art. This is also important due to all of the volunteer work that we have done over the years with rocketry and 4H, Arts programs in schools and in Horse Cave,  and even youth soccer. It’s letting people see our talents and what we do at the core of who we are…it’s great to have the opportunity for people to see what we create and do professionally.”

The Sims have continued to work within the community despite hardships of their own, which is another reason the SKYPAC show was so special to them.

“Jesse and I have weathered a lot of life’s trials and tribulations,” explained Jennifer. “Tornados that hit our home in Cave City and our shop in Horse Cave on December of 2021, health issue that almost took Jesse’s life in March of 2023, Jesse’s mom diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer in April of 2023 and her care until she passed in February of 2024, Jennifer began having health issues in 2024. So coming through the past life events and being able to move forward and be offered a huge show and being able to do the work was a major accomplishment. We have worked in the schools and community, but many don’t know the type of professional work that we do outside of what is seen. We are proud of this show and wish more could have seen it.”

The artwork created by the Sims is available for purchase. Some of the work that was featured in the exhibit are still available. If you would like to purchase or are interested in having a piece of art commissioned, we can be reached on our FB page.

“Purchasing our art or our attending our art events helps support what we do and allows us to continue to do what we do. It’s important to support the arts and local artists”, said Sims.

Currently, the Sims are still working through repairs at the shop and home from tornado damage, but they still do custom framing, take commissions for murals and artwork, host painting parties, and art workshops and camps.

“Ace Coffee Co in Cave City has been very helpful in co-hosting painting parties and Arts in the Alley sessions,” Jennifer said. “We also have the Horse Cave Arts and Sciences Camps coming up this summer, along with the Arts for All Side by Side Program.”

The Arts for All Program will be June 9-13,  with a reception at the Thomas House on June 20.

Registration for that program can be found on the Sims Studios page or emailing Jennifer.Sims@hart.kyschools.us.