Artist finds good job fit at Woodlands Art League

Patricia Sims holds a master's degree in economics, but it is her passion for the arts that shines in her role as exhibitions director for The Woodlands Art League.

"I've been an artist for many years," Sims said. "My mom was a painter, my grandmother painted, so I've been painting on and off my entire life."

Sims and her husband recently returned to The Woodlands after spending a number of years living in various places around the country, and she soon heard that the art organization was seeking help. Because of her artistic experience and the time she spent working at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, she was a natural fit.

"They really need some help with the exhibition space," Sims said. "They had a big transition going on, and so I wanted to help out. That's how I got here."

One of the perks of working for the Art League, Sims said, is the ability to constantly be in close proximity to a wide variety of great artists, which in turn hones her own talents.

"It helps me as an artist to be more well-rounded," Sims said. "Just being a member is nice, but doing this, I'm shoulder-to-shoulder with other artists."

Since her arrival, the Art League has seen a number of changes, most notably the move from Market Street to a new, larger space at Grogan's Park Center, which held its grand opening earlier this month.

"Now we're over here, and we're paying our own way," Sims said. "The president of the Art League was telling me that they really view it as a stepping stone to a larger space."

The organization is helping promote the arts in the community in a number of ways, including offering classes, workshops and summer camps. In addition, it is trying to set up partnerships with other local arts organizations, and Sims is helping to organize a number of shows and exhibits that will be held in the upcoming months. The Woodlands Art League is a completely volunteer-run, nonprofit organization, but Sims does not let that hinder her enthusiasm for the job in any way. She does it for no other reason than that she has a passion for it, a trait that is evident when she speaks.

"I get to be around the arts," Sims said. "I get to play, and I like that."

ABOUT Patricia Sims
AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: Exhibition director of The Woodlands Art League
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Lives in The Woodlands
FAST FACTS: Holds undergraduate degree in architecture

Chris Marshall is a freelance writer. He can be contacted at neighborhoods@chron.com.