CHAMBLEE, Ga. — A first of its kind art show is happening in Chamblee on Sunday.
The show, called "Art From The Other Side," will feature the life's work of Aaron Simmons, a husband and father who died unexpectedly of a brain bleed in April.
His widow, Stephanie, recalled how they fell in love 13 years ago.
“It was instant, a lot of chemistry and we could always be 100% our awkward selves together," she said. "We always just had a good time, and he always made me laugh. We just didn't want to be away from each other. We wanted to breathe the same air.”
When he died on April 9, he left behind Stephanie, their 8-year-old daughter Skylar, and 169 pieces of his art.
“I do feel his presence just being around his art," Stephanie said. "I think deep down they're his emotions, you know."
She said Aaron’s full-time sales job fed their family, but his art fed his soul.
“He want wanted to be a full-time artist and sell his art, that was one of his big goals and dreams," she said. "He wanted his legacy to be his art, to put it out there for people to enjoy forever."
Amid her grief, Stephanie decided to help make her husband's dream come to fruition.
“He would envision his own art show and what it would look like, so if I can do that for him, then I will do that for him," she said.
A few months after Aaron's death, an offer came from the Distillery of Modern Art and SPS Productions to showcase Aaron’s work, and Stephanie agreed it was time.
“I feel like sometimes he's here and he's just cheering me on," she said. "I get to help his dream come true, and that gives me comfort. I think he'll definitely be there in spirit with all of us and he'll be proud."
The legacy Aaron built through art, will support the one he built through love.
Every cent from the pieces sold will go directly to Stephanie and their daughter, who has ADHD and autism.
"There are doctor's appointments, there are therapies, medications that I would like to use the donations for," Stephanie said.
"When she goes to college, if she chooses, or when those big times come, I will be able to provide that for her through Aaron. I know that this is exactly what he would agree to. Take care of our girl.”
The show is Sunday, July 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Distillery of Modern Art, located at 2197 Irvindale Way in Chamblee. The entry is free, but RSVPs are requested here.