Artist Lends Talents to Girl Scouts

Inspired by her own experiences in Girl Scouts, a Granite State artist is lending her talents to boost Girl Scout programs in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Ellen Davis, an oil painter from Hopkinton, recently rendered a tranquil, lakeside scene following a visit to Camp Farnsworth in Thetford, VT. Limited-edition, signed prints of the painting will be presented to all Gold Level sponsors – or those donating $85 a month or more to Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. All donations will benefit the Campaign for Girls, which ensures that every girl can participate in Girl Scout programs, regardless of her financial situation.

Davis, who spent her childhood in Georgia- not far from the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low- said she cherishes her memories of experiences in Brownies and quickly discovered that the Camp Farnsworth waterfront easily lends itself to the canvas.

“Walking through the woods to the end of the lake, I was struck by the beautiful view,” Davis said. “I could just imagine former campers coming back here and sitting on a bench, reflecting on all their happy memories.”

Girl Scouts has played an important role in Davis’s life. Her mother served as a troop leader in Georgia: later, Davis’s own two daughters became Girl Scouts. Davis also has fond memories of camping with her local 4H Club.

“Girl Scouts has played a huge role in my life,” said Davis, who draws her artistic inspiration from time spent enjoying nature. “It inspired a lifetime love of the outdoors.” A former elementary school teacher, Davis enrolled in an adults’ painting class about a decade ago. Further classes at the New Hampshire Institute of Art would follow, and six years ago Davis began painting professionally. “You could say I’m a late bloomer. But I can’t imagine life now without making art,” she said.

Davis is represented locally by McGowan Fine Art in Concord, which is owned and operated by Sarah Chaffee, first vice president of the board of directors for Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains.