We first came to Kent County on a bicycle trip in 1998. We bought a weekend home in 1999 because we loved the charming town of Chestertown and the Chester River. The town and the River were what initially attracted us, but we stayed because of the strong artistic community here in Kent County. In 2007 we Ieft our jobs in accounting and financing and took up being full time artists. Although less lucrative, it has been so much more rewarding. I was probably most influenced by my father who always told me to pursue what you love and you will be fine. The most important thing for ones happiness is to surround yourself with good natured people who are creative and upbeat. I have learned that you can get really good at something if you spend the time and work hard at it.
Photographed and interviewed by Bob Miller
Editor Note: The Chestertown Spy and RiverArts have partnered in 2016 to share the art organization’s community arts project “Humans of Kent County,” designed to celebrate the wonderful, unique folks who live and work in Kent County. Citizens are invited to interview and photograph from young to old from all corners of the county and to submit a photograph and brief story to be part of the project. It will be posted on the Spy each week and each quarter the most interesting photos and stories will be enlarged and produced for an exhibition at the RiverArts gallery in Chestertown.
Karen Ashley says
Patti and Dave are amazing artists and extraordinary people. We are most fortunate to have them in our community.