Girls Scouts’ award project brings mini art gallery to Medford
Medford now has a Free Little Art Gallery, thanks to the efforts of three of its Girl Scout cadets.
Eighth graders Amelia Finley, Giana Silcox and Anna Smith of Medford Troop 24205 identified needs in the community such as free and fun activities for kids to do on Main Street, as many shops no longer allow youth to come in unsupervised; and artistic expression opportunities for all ages, something COVID limited for three years.
So the trio decided to fulfill those needs through their Girl Scout Silver Award project, which encourages cadets to explore their community and come up with something that could lead to lasting change.
The result is a Free Little Art Gallery – opened in February – similar to the little libraries concept in other communities. The Scouts planned and worked on the project for three months, consulting with the Medford Arts Center on Main Street. It agreed to allow placement of the finished product in the rear of its property near the parking lot.
The Scouts then consulted with local contractor Jeff Boldizar, of Pinelands Repair and Design, to design the art gallery and choose what materials would be needed. He donated many of those materials.
With the help of their leaders, Becca Finley and Mark Finley, the students constructed the little museum as they learned how to take measurements and use tools. They chose stylistic designs, such as framing a window like a picture frame and adding a pink paintbrush for the door handle. The Scouts held a fundraiser in December to help cover the project’s cost.
After installation in early February, the Scouts planned a grand opening event for later in the month that was well attended and featured craft stations, live music, and a ribbon cutting, according to Finley.
To the Scouts, working on the project was an “incredible” experience.
“I had a lot of fun working on our Silver Award project,” Smith enthused. “I love both of the girls I worked with, and we became closer friends. Now that it is done, it is amazing to see everyone share their beautiful art with others.”
“I enjoyed getting closer with the girls and it’s so exciting to see new people put their art into the little art gallery,” Silcox noted.
“We got to learn more about the arts and share a love for art with the community,” Amelia Finley said.
Since its opening, items have been added to the little art gallery, such as watercolor postcards, hand-painted decoupage seashells, stitched stuffed animals and hand-painted peg dolls.
The Free Little Art Gallery is open for anyone to make, take, and place art at any time. Follow the facility on Instagram @freelittleartgallery.medford.
