The People Project:
Kim Zabbia
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | December 22, 2021
Meet Kim Zabbia!
Kim was born and raised in Ponchatoula, and was the middle child. She has an older sister and a younger brother. She is a proud alumni of Ponchatoula High School, class of 1970. She was voted most likely to leave Ponchatoula, and stayed! She then graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s in English and Journalism and also earned her bachelor’s in Art, then a Masters of Fine Arts and Studio Art from Louisiana State University.
Kim met her husband, Bob, on the front steps of Ponchatoula High School when he was a senior and she was a sophomore, but they didn't date until college. She has been Ponchatoula's first lady since Bob was elected mayor in 2004. Together, they have one daughter, Kate, and 3 grandchildren who live in Nashville.
After her mother developed Alzheimer's, she wrote a book: Painted Diaries: a Mother and Daughter's Experience through Alzheimer’s. She went on a speaking and book tour throughout the country for about 4 years, all while still teaching. She also wrote Just Paint, It Ain't: Demystifying the Complex Marriage of Artists and their Viewers in 2020.
Kim has been involved with her community every step of her life. She taught at Ponchatoula High School, she owns and operates The Art Station, an art school for adults. Over the years, she has designed more than 23 festival posters. She continues to create original art in her home studio, where her pieces are for sale. Commissioned pieces are available, as well. She is also President of the Twin Steeples which is a creative art center in Ponchatoula. It is the only place in the United States where two churches face each other.
We want to thank Kim for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about her life and her love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I always wanted to be a teacher, so after I graduated, I started teaching at Ponchatoula High School. I taught there for 47 years. I taught English 1, 2 and 3, Yearbook and Art. I knew I didn't want to stop teaching, so once I retired from school, I opened up my own studio. In 2007, the Art Station opened and we have evolved to semi-private lessons. The adult student tells us what they would like to learn to do, and we tailor the lessons for them.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: We have so many great spots! At Pappy’s Stowaway Cafe, the mocha coffee. At Roux & Brew, the grilled shrimp. At Twisted Tomato, the sweet potato fries. At Paul's Cafe, the shrimp salad. At Asian Fusion Cuisine, the egg rolls. At Hookie’s, the shrimp wrap. Can you tell I love shrimp?
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Playing in Memorial Park with neighborhood friends. We would play under the azalea bushes, and once we heard the whistle, we knew it was time to go home. I was about 8 years old. Also, my mom and sister sang and listened to music. I remember us listening to songs and we would write down what instrument we heard. My mom taught us to really listen.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
A: London
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I also love movies with Hugh Jackman, Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. I love movies. The first movie I remember seeing in a theater was Frankenstein. It was the first time I felt fear.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I would like to travel more. I want to go to the New England area and be immersed in the history.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see?
A: I like classical and instrumental music. I also like Ed Sheeran and Barbra Streisand's music. I would like to see a comedy show.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: Gene's Bakery! It was on Pine Street, and they had the best yellow donuts.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with, who is it and where would you go?
A: Diana Gabaldon, the author of The Outlander series. I would love to pick her brain and learn about how she did her research.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The mayor! And the people in Ponchatoula. I love how everyone in Ponchatoula gives and volunteers and never asks what it is in for them. Very selfless.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Still teaching at The Art Station. Maybe working on a new project. I like to live each day like it is my last, but I have lots of days left!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: That I think I am lazy! It is engrained from childhood. I was raised to think a nap or relaxing isn't necessary, so when I relax, I think I am lazy!
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Zab (my husband).
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: Not quite an assistant, but a logistics expert. Someone to keep up with my calendar and help me reorganize spaces in my home.
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: I love romaine lettuce and crab! I like French food, so maybe French food with more lettuce!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Sometimes I just think in silence. Sometimes I listen to podcasts like NPR, art marketing, Myths and Legends, and Funny Things about Parenting.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was a painting for the Ponchatoula High boosters club to Paul's Cafe. The last gift I received was flowers from Zab just because.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Art
Q: What is your favorite jam?
A: Sunday in the Park with George musical is my favorite.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Time travel. I would want to go back in time and meet people like Georgia O'Keeffe, and other artists and writers. I would like to see castles and the Medieval Times.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Movies. I love the movie industry. The creative process of screenplay writing, producing all of it. I like learning about it.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Thumbs up.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My daughter, Kate.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: Zab and gorilla glue.
Q: What is the funniest thing that happened to you recently?
A: My grandson, Sam, was talking to his dad who has Type 1 diabetes. He was checking is pump, and Sam asked him if he was checking his diarrhea!
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 3 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: I would like to convert Ballard's Corner area into galleries and retail shops. Having an art district here. I would also like more debris pick up trucks for the city. I want a train shuttle with a guide that takes people around the city for them to learn the history of our city.
Kim was nominated by Matthew Barattini
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
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