At 91 years old, Alicia is one of the OLDEST ARTISTS entered in ArtPrize! She is a self-taught, diverse artist, poet, and storyteller. She put off her dreams of pursuing art and poetry while raising 9 children with her late husband, Raymond. Her interest in poetry began when she was only 5 years old and was asked to memorize a poem to recite during a school play. Alicia created artwork for personal enjoyment, sketching a variety of images, and movie stars like Clark Gable, Victor Mature, and Bette Davis. Later, she drew her own unique Christmas cards, but only for family and friends. It wasn’t until she was 80 years old that she had her first fine arts exhibit. Since then, she has exhibited her artwork and performed poetry readings at various venues around Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, Barry County. Her poems and artwork have been printed in local papers. This is her 8th year participating in ArtPrize. She was interviewed by radio (WGVU Morning Show) and TV personalities (WOOD TV8, WZZM13, FOX17). One of her ArtPrize entries was a video-poem about her love of Michigan, and can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apsrzo-tCVM. In addition to previously having a stroke, Alicia has faced several serious health issues and hospitalizations just since January -- including emergency surgery for a rare life-threatening condition, and the ongoing need for a feeding tube. Her family encouraged her to try to enter again this year, as she may be unable to participate in ArtPrize in the future due to her worsening health. Her poems are unique in the way they connect with people’s emotions. Strangers have been known to cry when hearing particular poems and stories. She uses vivid imagery to tell a story, usually about family, faith, memories, history, and life experiences. She brings her words to life through her personality! Her faith and optimistic outlook have helped her handle medical challenges and other obstacles of life. Alicia is an inspiration, and has encouraged and nurtured the talents of others. Many of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have followed in her footsteps and pursued creative, musical, artistic endeavors. She has expressed a desire to have her poems and stories printed in a book.
Alicia Patch's ArtPrize Entries
These are Alicia Patch's official ArtPrize entries from this year and past years.
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"A Vision Of Loveliness" video by 90-yr-old Artist/Poet
2017 ArtPrize Entry Alicia Patch Oldham -
"Song of Missikamaa" -- (Ojibwa for Michigan/Michigami): Big Beautiful Blue Lake
2016 ArtPrize Entry Alicia Patch Oldham -
"Mother Teresa-The Little Nun"; Sept 26 poetry reading by 88-yr-old poet
2015 ArtPrize Entry Alicia Patch Oldham -
"Live Poetry Reading" - Childhood Memories of 87 yr old Poet/Artist
2014 ArtPrize Entry Alicia Patch Oldham -
Nature's Beauty
2012 ArtPrize Entry Alicia Patch Oldham -
Japanese Reveries
2011 ArtPrize Entry Alicia Patch Oldham
Alicia Patch's Past Work
These are images of past work that Alicia Patch has done.
