Ellen Kennelly is a rower and artist; Ellen walked on to the rowing team at Radcliffe, and subsequently had a long career as a rower, winning the Charles ten times in the single, four Silverskiffs, one CRASH-B, and many other head races and national and international masters races. She has been an artist since a very young age, working in various mediums including glass, clay, stone, wood, paint, pencil, and more for both interior and exterior installations.

Kennelly was encouraged to create a sculpture of Harry Parker, which is installed at various locations, including Newell Boathouse, CRI’s Harry Parker Boathouse, and some private collections. She created a limited edition of 10 sculptures, three of which remain available for purchase.

Ellen shared the following on the inspiration for and creation of the sculpture.

I was inspired to attempt the daunting prospect of portraying Harry Parker in relief sculpture, a technique I had not tried before, to honor the legacy of a legend with immeasurable impact on countless rowers. As a Radcliffe rower in the early ’80s and a sculler on the Charles ever since, I knew Harry but mostly in passing when he would graciously cut his wake for just the right time window, with perhaps an added nod. It was the experience of those closest to me who were coached by him (my brother, Richard Kennelly ’87, and my late husband, Charlie Hamlin ’70) and many dear friends whose lives he changed that fueled my creative determination.

The original clay sculpture was done entirely by hand and eye, using photographs supplied by Kathy, David and George to supplement those I already gathered. Kathy and a couple of close mutual friends provided essential guidance and feedback along the way until its completion to everyone’s satisfaction. It was then cast in bronze using the classic lost wax process, in a single limited edition of ten. Three remain available for purchase ($7,750). The portrait is life-size (32″ x 19″) and mounts on any wall. For inquiries, please contact the artist, Ellen Kennelly, at https://www.ellenkennelly.com/contact.html

See our 2009 interview with Ellen here, and you can see more of Kennelly’s work at her Web site https://www.ellenkennelly.com/

Trophy commissioned for USRowing Masters Nat’ls in honor of Ted Anderson (life-size portrait of his hands)

Trophy commissioned for USRowing Masters Nat’ls in honor of Ted Anderson (life-size portrait of his hands)



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