Painting Memories

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LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – For the last 84 years, one Louisville woman has been bringing her memories to life through art.

Kathleen Weeks was born in 1924, and her passion for painting was drawn out less than a decade later.

“When I was 8 years old, I was in Mrs. Velma Estes first grade class at Louisville School, and I painted an Indian Chief with crayons, and from then on, I was painting just about anything I could think of,” says Weeks.

Weeks has lived all over the country, but you can’t see that in her paintings because you only see people and places from Highpoint Community, just 7 miles north of Louisville.

“My memories always meant so much to me, and I was receiving them through my paintings, and I enjoy it more than anybody.”

She says her favorite, most meaningful memory she’s painted is of her Aunt Hatty coming down a path.

“She was a sweet lady, and she was there when I was born. She was the first one to hold me after I was born.”

The bright colors and vivid details will draw you right into Weeks’s folktale art.

“I’m thinking for a day or 2 about what I want to paint, and the memories of it, and the feelings just come to me before the pictures.”

Passion has been the driving force behind the more than 8 decades she’s been painting.

“I’ve never sold but one in my life. I have had offers, but I give them away.”

A World War II wife, a Grand Canyon Tour Guide, and bus driver are just a few traits that make up Weeks’s journey that’s led her back to her most cherished place.

“My husband and I both were from this area, and we talked about and dreamed of coming home all of our lives.”

Weeks has four daughters, and 26 grand, great-grand, and great-great grand kids.

Weeks’s art is currently being displayed this month at the Winston County Library.