Title: Artist Director
Company: K.O. Simms Fine Arts
Location: Wilmington, Delaware, United States
K.O. Simms, artist director at K.O. Simms Fine Arts, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements and leadership in fine arts.
An esteemed artist and art director who has dedicated four decades to the world of art, Mr. Simms has proudly established a profound legacy through his diverse talents and contributions. As the artist director of K.O. Simms Fine Arts, he has excelled in painting and creating art programs for various children’s clubs and organizations. His initiatives foster self-esteem and problem-solving skills through creativity, while also promoting the relationship between art, mathematics and science. His work additionally extends to planning and coordinating arts and crafts activities for seniors, including designing greeting cards, posters and seasonal holiday window paintings, as well as teaching basic drawing courses for both children and adults.
Mr. Simms’s wealth of expertise spans various mediums including watercolors, acrylics, pen and ink and pastels. His proficiency in impressionist palette techniques and closed palette knife work without brushes has garnered him recognition as an expert in portraitures and landscapes. His artistic journey began with inspiration from his brother’s perspective painting, which motivated him to pursue a career in art. Despite early challenges, such as being initially rejected by the Hardcastle Gallery, Mr. Simms persevered and eventually gained their attention and praise for his pen-and-ink skills.
Before embarking upon his professional path, Mr. Simms pursued a formal education at the Delcastle Vocational Technical School, where he completed undergraduate coursework in commercial art in 1975. He subsequently concluded his studies with coursework in professional illustration techniques at the University of Delaware in 1987. These academic experiences have been instrumental in shaping his artistic abilities and success over the past several decades.
Throughout his career, Mr. Simms has been involved with numerous civic-minded organizations, including working as a mentor at Kuumba Academy Charter School and a teacher for art classes at Boys & Girls Clubs and local senior centers. His dedication to community engagement is further exemplified by his recognition with the Trailblazer Award from his local chapter of the YMCA in 2024.
Mr. Simms’s artistic accomplishments are highlighted by his acceptance into the Delaware Art Museum’s permanent collection with his painting of William Judy Johnson from the Negro Baseball League. Additionally, two of his paintings are displayed at the Blue Ball Barn Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, capturing local folklore and cultural heritage.
Beyond individual accolades, Mr. Simms has organized numerous art exhibits, solo exhibits and group art shows. He is also active as the creator of various mural projects that adorn historical city murals in lobby entrances and reception areas. His involvement with the Delaware Art Museum underscores his commitment to advancing the arts within his community. Mr. Simms attributes much of his achievements to the unwavering support of his family and community.
In his personal time, Mr. Simms enjoys creating art, playing music—particularly percussion—and performing as an actor in regional plays. Outside of his primary work, he remains active as a devoted father to two wonderful children. Looking toward the future, Mr. Simms aspires to showcase his impressionist artworks on a global scale across Europe, Asia and Africa, inviting feedback from diverse audiences across the globe.
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