When you step into First Federal Savings & Loan and look past the tellers' counter to the back wall, you will see Helen Farnham’s 30- by 30-inch oil “Towards Cuckolds.” That piece, others in oil, as well as the watercolor like “My Yellow Orchids” and the needle felting, “Great Blue Heron,” are on the walls.

Farnham has been painting for most of her life. She is happiest painting in her own back yard, and her work reflects the flora and fauna of Maine as well as the sea and coast. Farnham's family has lived in the Boothbay region for six generations, but in her youth, Farnham could not wait to get out and explore the world. After 20 years of living and working elsewhere, she returned to Maine. 

“I’m here to stay,” she said. “There is no better place to live, work and raise a family than right here in Boothbay Harbor. Art is my life. It is what motivates me and inspires me each day.” 

Farnham gave tribute to Jim Taliana, past president of the Boothbay Region Art Foundation, art instructor and great friend to so many. Taliana died November 25.

“He was inspiration, encouragement, supporter and friend,” Farnham said.

Farnham began her argosy with watercolor painting, and after many’ years moved to oil. Both mediums have taught her new things about painting and each has helped her move toward new discoveries in art in general. 

Her journey now takes her to “the joy of fabric: a wonderful medium for playing with color and pattern.”

Farnham has recently moved to felting both wet and needle, with wool and silk. “All of these mediums have helped me to work intuitively to create a piece which is interesting and totally my own.”

She has completed numerous workshops and worked toward a fine arts degree from the University of Maine. Her work can be seen in numerous private collections around the country.

The exhibition is sponsored by the Boothbay Region Art Foundation and the First Federal Savings and Loan, and may be viewed during business hours at First Federal on Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor through December and January. 

To commission or purchase future work from Farnham, call her at 207-633-5254; email: hfdesigns@myfairpoint.net, or contact her through through the nonproft Boothbay Region Art Foundation at 207-633-2703.