A watercolor retrospective of the works of Bambi Engelman (1947-2023), a longtime SCAN member and officer, will be presented at C.H. Booth Library May 4 through July 31.

Engelman expressed her artistic voice and vision through her beautiful watercolors of flowers, still lifes, and ocean- and shore-related scenes, the Madison beaches being one of her favorites.

Engelman spent part of her life along the shore in Madison.

She was born into a Navy family and spent much of her young life moving around the United States. She eventually decided on a teaching career and spent 30 years in the Monroe school system, where she was loved and admired.

Her painting friends enjoyed hearing her stories of traveling through France as a young woman on the back of a motorcycle. This was surprising since Engelman was a reserved, gentle woman. As people got to know her, however, they realized how independent she was and what a strong will she had to succeed.

Most of her works were painted from her own photographs and told a story about places and things she loved. She studied with a variety of teachers over the years.

Friends of Engelman have worked with her daughter and son-in-law to curate the presentation.

They shared the following statement:

“Bambi’s representational works reflect her passion for watercolors. Her brush gave her a great sense of quiet peace, a sanctuary, a safe place to be in her creative mind. She had a personal connection with all her works, most of which were from her own photographs.

“Her subjects reflect places dear to her. Her still lifes, botanicals, and her flower paintings display her love of detail and her love of nature.”

The presentation of Engelman’s works, “For The Love of Painting,” will be in the hall on the upper floor of the library, 25 Main Street. Booth Library is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am-8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm; and Sunday, 12-5 pm.

All works will be available for purchase, with 75% of the proceeds going to the library.