Gretchen Dow Simpson, RI artist known for New Yorker covers and highway murals, dies at 85

Gretchen Dow Simpson, a renowned artist known for her New Yorker covers and Rhode Island highway murals, passed away at the age of 85 on April 11. After studying at the Rhode Island School of Design for two years, she left to work as a secretary under family pressure, delaying her artistic career for nearly a decade. Despite facing numerous rejections, Simpson eventually found success by painting what she loved, focusing on New England architecture that showcased the beauty of forgotten places. Her work, which appeared on 58 New Yorker covers, often depicted iconic scenes such as beached dinghies and snowy farm fields. In 2012, she participated in the Gateway Beautification Project, creating murals that highlighted the region's industrial heritage.

Friends described her as a warm and approachable mentor who was generous with her time and talent. Simpson's artistic legacy continues to inspire both local artists and art lovers alike. Her contributions to the cultural landscape of Rhode Island and beyond ensure her memory will endure.