A Trip to the Brick Store, by E. F. "Tina" Ambrose (1943 - 2009), pastel on paper, 2007, 35" x 28".
Brick Store Museum Collection, 2009.017.0001.
Gift of Harry G. "Skip" Ambrose in memory of Tina Ambrose, 2009.

E. F. "Tina" (Welch) Ambrose created this original work specifically for inclusion in the Brick Store Museum's 2007 exhibition, A Brush with History, in which regional artists found inspiration among the Museum's vast archival collections, interpreting vintage photographs to create new works of art. Ambrose based the painting upon the glass plate negative depicted at right and titled her work, A Trip to the Brick Store, because the buildings now part of the Museum are just visible at the end of the elm-lined street. Ambrose had fond memories of the Museum and recalled one of her first artistic attempts as a child--a drawing of a cat--being displayed in a student art show at the Museum. Largely self-taught, Ambrose would become an accomplished pastel painter and a staunch promoter of the arts. A Kennebunk native, Ambrose was a 1962 Kennebunk High School graduate and attended Nasson College. She spent most of her adult life in Norway, Maine, with her husband and two sons. She and her husband returned to Kennebunk in 1999 and opened The Oak…An Art Gallery in what had been the cow barn on Tina's grandparents' farm, originally settled in the 1920s.

Ambrose quickly immersed herself in the community. She was at the forefront in planning numerous area arts initiatives that exist to this day, including Arts in the Inns, Kennebunk's "Norman Rockwell Weekend" event, the annual Chocolate Extravaganza, and the summer "Breakfast with an Artist" series at Kennebunkport's Nonantum Resort. She became a conduit for local artists and was particularly proud of her work organizing small and large shows featuring Maine artists. Through these efforts she was able to donate to local charitable causes, including the Kennebunk Special Fuel Account--for residents who are in financial need for heating fuel--and Community Harvest. She also opened an adjunct business, Artists Promotions, for planning and coordinating art events throughout the region.

Sadly, Tina Ambrose died on May 8, 2009, after a brief illness. With her passing, the community lost a true friend. Tina's husband of 39 years, Skip Ambrose, and their young granddaughter Regan Ambrose presented the Museum with the Trip to the Brick Store painting in Tina's memory in May 2009. The Brick Store Museum is honored to have Ambrose's work represented in its permanent collections as a lasting tribute to her artistic skill and tireless efforts on behalf of artists in the Kennebunks.

Regan Ambrose and Skip Ambrose present the painting in memory of Tina.