Eleanor’s Painting

Eleanor’s painting tells a story.  It shows the chair and table where her mother sat every day, and the window where she looked out, and the Block Island landscape beyond.

Eleanor Garrett was, for many years, a member of the Spring Street Gallery on Block Island.  During her time there, she grew from making and selling crafts to tole painting to watercolors and other fine art painting.  She retired from the Gallery in her early 80's.  For many years, and even after she left, she was a reliable presence.  She bustled around.  She helped at the cash register.  She said that the tree roots in the yard made a bumpy walk for an older person.  She gave her opinions freely, complained freely and just as quickly let things go.  She connected us to our history and purpose.  She enjoyed her life.  She cared about everyone.

When I think of Eleanor now, I remember her courage in the last weeks of her life and think of how her children so beautifully honored her at her service.   I remember how Eleanor told them to tell us that she would always be our friend.  I also remember the time that a woman came into the Gallery and bought every single one of Eleanor’s paintings.  Edie and Eleanor and I celebrated with champagne that night, and Eleanor said, “My mother did not raise me to put on airs.  I am still the same person I was this morning.” 

For a while she was insufferable. She constantly referred to the time, you know, before she was the most famous artist on Block Island. But all in all she was a true Block Islander. Honest, practical, independent, strong. She lived her art as a loving and much loved member of our community until the last day of her life.