Gerry “GOS” Simpson is a self-taught artist based in Elk Grove, California, known for a lifelong commitment to creativity, individuality, and self-expression. A native of New Jersey, Simpson began making art at a young age, entering drawing and painting competitions as a child. His early exposure to the arts—and to style—was shaped in part by visits to the Apollo Theater in New York City, where the bold fashion of performers left a lasting impression.

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When he couldn’t afford the clothing he admired, Simpson made the decision to create his own. His family supported his artistic instincts wholeheartedly. His mother, a central influence, taught him how to sew and even petitioned the school board to allow him to take art classes instead of woodworking, which was then mandatory for boys. That moment, he says, helped set him firmly on his creative path.

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Simpson, who has a twin, grew up determined to stand apart. He promised himself early in life that he would not look like—or create like—anyone else. That dedication to individuality became the foundation of his identity as an artist.

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His journey to California began in 1982 after he won a trip to Hollywood for a clothing design he created. Years later, he settled in Sacramento in 1999, where he immersed himself in the local arts community. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an established figure in Sacramento’s creative landscape.

 

Reflecting on more than 43 years of artistic involvement in the region, Simpson speaks often about gratitude—particularly for the opportunities he has had to show his work. He emphasizes that many artists never get the chance to publicly share their creativity, and he considers it a blessing to have been able to participate consistently in the local arts scene.