From Farm Girl to Famous Artist

Pat Ringle signs copies of the 2016 Art is Ageless® calendar.

Pat Ringle signs copies of the 2016 Art is Ageless® calendar.

If you only knew Pat Ringle from her background, you’d be shocked to learn she was recently named as one of the top artists in the Art is Ageless® competition, a juried art show for those 65 and older, hosted by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America (PMMA). Her watercolor of Emmett Kelly, “The Tramp,” will appear in the 2016 Art is Ageless calendar, which is distributed across PMMA communities in Kansas and Missouri.

As it turns out, Pat was shocked as well.

“You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was so shocked. It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this. I was thrilled to death when I first found out I got a blue ribbon. And then come to find out I was going to be in the calendar! In the first month, January! It just escalated. My, gosh, I was happy with a little ribbon! But this? I was thrilled beyond belief! It was mind blowing,” said Pat.

You see, not only had Pat only recently started art classes, but she’s had no prior experience with painting. Growing up on a farm, her career background includes 30-plus years in the cattle industry, working as a clerk at auctions.

“I signed up for an art class at Labette Community College, taught by Joan Allen. I’d never done anything like it before. Our theme for the month was clowns, so I chose Emmett Kelly. Everyone encouraged me to take my finished piece to the Manor for the Art is Ageless show,” said Pat. “The Art is Ageless program is just wonderful. It really encourages people our age to explore talents maybe they didn’t know they had.”

Perhaps Pat didn’t know she had that talent, but she certainly does now, even though her humble nature prevents her from taking too much credit.

“Joan is a wonderful art teacher. She really encourages us. And of course I have to give Emmett Kelly credit, too. Everyone loves him. My granddaughter doesn’t even like clowns, but she likes him!” said Pat. “He has kind eyes. Those are the hardest to capture.”

Pat certainly did a wonderful job of capturing them, as is evident by her success. Her family, while surprised by her hidden talent, is very proud of her accomplishments.

“It’s been a whirlwind and I loved it. You’re never too old to try something new and you never know what you can do until you try. I guarantee if Emmett Kelly and I can win, you can too!” said Pat.

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