The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association marks with gratitude the life and art of founding member, Constance W. Armbrust. She was just over 100 years old when she passed away on March 7th 2008. Present and future generations of Beavertail Lighthouse preservationists have much to be grateful for to Connie, as her artistry conveys the beauty of the light, and her amiable support of its protection helps inspire those who continue that mission.

Connie created countless works of art, many of them scenes of the Conanicut Island community she embraced when she arrived here with her husband Henry Armbrust and their family in 1943. Her charming depictions of the island's historic sites, village scenes, shoreline views, and ferry slips delight all who possess them, near and far.

No one knows how many scenes Connie drew and painted of the Beavertail Lighthouse, as her works seemed to fly quietly off to people's homes without fanfare. Her daughter Linda Warner, who with her husband George, helps support the lighthouse museum that Connie and Henry helped initiate, says that Connie painted scenes of the lighthouse from every angle. One, circa 1950, shows the backyard of the keeper’s house - the family laundry drying on the clothesline in the seaside breeze.

Connie conveyed images that both appeal to the heart’s love of community, and stimulate us to share our experiences with the larger world. The true power of Connie’s art lies in her devotion to both, and the inspiration we put into action to sustain the best of our local experience and effort, while joining in the exchange in ideas with others beyond our shores. Our mission to protect and share the landmark buildings and rich history of Beavertail Lighthouse finds a marvelous symbol in the life and works of Connie Armbrust, our attentive artist and devoted keeper whose light will shine for us and for the world around us, through the rigors of time and change. Thank you, Connie.