Painting Memories

For the last 84 years, one Louisville woman has been bringing her memories to life through art. WCBI’s Jory Tally has more on the 92 year olds life, seen through paintings. Kathleen Weeks was born in 1924 and her passion for painting was drawn out less than a decade later.

Kathleen Weeks says,”When I was 8 years old, I was in Mrs. Velma Estes first grade 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.”

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.

Weeks Say,”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, she was there when I was born and she was the 1st one to hold me after I was born,”Said Weeks.

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,” Said Weeks.

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

“I’ve never sold but 1 in my life,” Weeks Says,” I have had offers but I give them away.”

A World War two wife, a Grand Canyon tour guide,  and bus driver are just a few traits that make up Week’s journey that’s led her back to her most cherished place.

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

Weeks has 4 four daughters and 26 grand, great grand, and great-great grand kids.

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