Penelope Jackim

Penelope ‘Penny’ Wolcott Jackim, 91, passed away peacefully at home in Wakefield, RI on March 5. She was born in Bronxville NY, Daughter of Wallace Wolcott and Elizabeth Tyler Wolcott, of Scarsdale, NY. She lived in Pittsburgh, PA, Brooklyn, New York, and moved to RI in 1964. She also lived in Brattleborough , VT, and Boston, MA. Penny briefly attended Swarthmore College, and earned a BFA degree from Pratt Institute in 1956. She later studied Calligraphy at the University of Massachusetts, in Dartmouth, MA. She was an artist skilled in drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, and calligraphy. She was initially influenced by the innovation and energy of modern art, but in later years, she adopted a more traditional approach to watercolor painting; a medium in which both of her parents were skilled. She was a member of the RI Watercolor Society, the Wickford Art Association, and Mass Scribes. She taught painting, and calligraphy, and frequently exhibited her artwork in juried shows in RI and MA. In the 1980’s Penny started he company, Ahmisa Graphics. Her designs, printed on T-shirts, note cards, and tote bags were available in stores nationwide. She also sold her merchandise at many events and crafts fairs. The Name ‘Ahimsa’ refers to nonviolence in all aspects of life. Penny used her design talents to promote peace and non violence, the environment, women’s issues, civil rights, and respect for Native Americans, and antiracism. As a social activist, Penny worked throughout her life to champion peace, nonviolence, the environment and other causes. She was a proud member of the ‘Raging Grannies’, a group consisting mostly of women, who sing creatively adapted songs of social justice. Penny was a spiritual person. She was a Buddhist who followed the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. She was also a Quaker, and was a member of the Providence Friends Meeting for many years. At times she attended services with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County. Penny is survived by her two children, Robin and Clifford Jackim, who both live in RI, and her older brother Roger Wolcott, of Sandy Spring, MD.