This painting starts with a visual arts scholarship fundraiser.
In the town of Windham New Hampshire, a wonderful organization raises scholarship money for their high school seniors. The organization is called “The Windham Endowment for Community Advancement” and in 2025, the endowment gave out 18 scholarships totaling $25,000!
One of the scholarships is given to a high school senior, who in some way, is going to continue studies in the visual arts. There was a desire to fully endow this scholarship so that its yearly proceeds could fund this particular scholarship permanently.
To help raise money for this goal, the director of visual arts at Windham High School at the time, Hannah Cole Dahar, had a wonderful idea related to her mom’s artwork. Hannah’s mom, Sally Ladd Cole, is a very accomplished artist https://sallyladdcole.com. Sally was looking to move along a number of her earlier paintings and graciously donated her artwork for the cause. The idea developed to have a live auction within the community to purchase the paintings.
In addition to auctioning Cole’s paintings, there was another portion of the fundraiser where members of the community could create small 6” x 6” pieces of artwork and have them offered for a fixed price.
MANY high school students participated in this effort by creating wonderful pieces of art to support the scholarship. Below is a pic from the auction night – apologies for the low resolution.
I wanted to participate in the event as well!
My goal for the fundraiser’s painting was to pick a scene that represented a specific time and place in Windham that we all enjoy - that is how I selected this scene from Johnson’s Farm.
Johnson’s Farm is part of the fabric of Windham, New Hampshire
Johnson’s Farm is a multi-generational farm in Windham, NH. It is truly beloved by everyone in the community. It was most active in the summer and fall months. We would all eagerly await to see the “Fresh Corn” sign out on the road signifying that we could get our fill of that sweet deliciousness! There were other veggies available too, and we all loved getting that fresh farm produce knowing it was all supporting us by providing fresh delicious food as well as supporting local farms.
And let's not forget the ice cream... The scene below shows the side window where folks stood in line to get a cone of their favorite flavor. And if you just walk down along the stone fence a bit, you will come across some of Johnson's farm animals like their pony, goats and chickens. So many great memories!
Johnson’s flower baskets were another favorite offering they would have. I loved how they brought beauty to our home all season long.
Johnson’s wouldn’t be Johnson's without the families that have lovingly taken care of it over time. People in the community truly value the commitment, love and hard work the Johnson’s have poured into the land and their families over time. We are all truly blessed."Johnson's in June" was a joy to paint, and so fun to capture that special moment of patriotic pride and summer’s beauty.
I hope you enjoy this painting and it reminds you of a summer memory that is dear.
Oh, and the fundraiser was a huge success. People were so excited to contribute to the fundraiser with many going home with beautiful paintings that I know they still treasure today. ...and the high school senior scholarship recipients are most grateful as well!
Oh, and then... the town also picked the painting to be on the cover of one of their yearly annual reports. I was very thrilled and grateful about that! Annual reports come out in March and are available during town elections - thus the snow...
Enjoy!
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