Fostering Creativity through the Generations
Inspired by her father's work as a window display designer, June Lindland Havens, trained as a fashion illustrator straight out of high school. Once married, she dedicated her time to raising her three children in New Jersey. She and Richard shared their love of gardening with their family and enjoyed tending their vegetable, herb, and flower beds. Daughter Jill recalls her mother had a notebook by the phone and was always drawing and doodling. When the children were older, June took art lessons at the local creative arts center. Capturing the anatomy of flowers and plants became her passion.
June was a lifelong learner. When she and Richard travelled, visiting the regional botanical gardens was always on the itinerary. Once, in Oxford England to visit Jill who was a student, June learned that one of her idols, Rosemary Wise was working with the Oxford Science Department as an expedition illustrator. Never one to be intimidated, June convinced Jill to help her track down the artist. Once they found her, Jill fondly remembers her mother's excitement and long list of questions for the artist! When Jill's daughter was four, June recognized a budding artist and began art lessons. If they could not do it in person, they did it through Zoom. Increasing these lessons to a weekly basis helped them both get through the long months of isolation during Covid.
After they retired to Cape Cod, June's skills as a botanical artist continued to grow. She remained very humble, continued taking lessons and practicing. It took pushing from her friend Barbara for June to finally submit her work to the Eastham Painters Guild. She was welcomed into the guild and found her circle of friends. June was also a member of the Federated Garden Club of Massachusetts and the American Society of Botanical Artists.
June with granddaughter Julianna
Sometime after Richard passed away, June moved to the Willows in Westborough to be closer to her daughter Dawne. During this transition, Dawne encouraged her mother to continue painting which led to their collaboration on a variety of projects. Dawne, a former teacher, owns Pillows & Things in Clinton. Together they created themed paintings, tea towels, pillows, and other accessories, selling to friends and at markets. Dawne said watching her mother her whole life helped her develop her own skills working with color, texture, sewing and the art of display.
June and Dawne discovered New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and visited often to sit among the flowers. When June passed away in 2022, Dawne and Jill wanted a way to perpetuate their family's love for gardening, education, and creativity. Discussing their ideas with Garden staff led to their funding of the June Lindland Havens Endowment in Support of Education with a preference for youth art education.
"Our family has a long history of sharing creativity, and we are delighted that our mother's fund will help a younger generation find their talents and continue to create beautiful things for our world," said Dawne.
