MUSCATINE, Iowa — Phyllis Thompson put a lifetime of hard work behind her when she retired from Muscatine General Hospital in August of 1989.

The closing of that chapter in her life gave her more time to devote to creativity.

“They had a senior citizens’ art class at the Muscatine Art Center several years ago,” said Thompson. “I went to that and finally figured out that’s where my talent lies.”

Since then, Thompson’s  oils and watercolors have garnered her more than than 100 ribbons, many of them first-place blues, at the Muscatine County Fair.

On Saturday, area residents can view Thompson’s work in the lobby of the Welch Apartments, 220 Iowa Ave. where she will display many of her award-winning works, along with other paintings, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at a public reception.

The display is part of Muscatine’s annual Great River Days event in downtown Muscatine, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 2.

Her paintings include portraits, still life, wildlife, pets and landscapes.

In her work, Thompson uses water color, oil, oil pastel, colored pencil, and her favorite:  acrylic oil.

Her personal collection also includes many celebrity likenesses including Phil Donahue, a younger Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Bush.

“I was always good at faces and people,” said Thompson, who would not reveal her age. “I began by looking at movie magazines when I was younger and penciling them in with colored pencils just for the fun of it. I’ve increased my skills since then.”

Thompson sells her work, but cannot accept credit cards.

Thompson, who was a salutatorian for the Muscatine High School Class of 1937, said she didn’t attend college, but was employed by several different businesses.

Before spending more time behind the brush, she was a proof reader at the Muscatine Journal, worked for a Davenport insurance agency, was a staff member at Cohn’s News Agency in Muscatine and was last employed in environmental services at Muscatine General Hospital.

She’s also done a lot of babysitting.

Thompson said she’s having fun with this new phase in her life.

“This is a very fascinating hobby,” said Thompson. “I’ll never outgrow it.”