Ellen Long
1940 to 2026

Update 9/8/26:

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 on Saturday, October 24, 2026,
at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery.
The gallery she helped start as President, where she spent so much time with close friends.
A collection of her Framed Originals and Prints will be available for purchase.
Proceeds will fund and annual award in Ellen’s name.

The gallery is located at:

Beaufort Art Assocation Gallery
913 Bay St.
Beaufort, SC
(843) 521-4444
membership@beaufortartassociation.com

– o ) O ( o –

Ellen Long of Fripp Island, South Carolina, passed away on August 19, 2026. She was at home surrounded by family with the view of the Lowcountry, of the sand dunes and sky framing the Atlantic Ocean, that she loved so much.

She is survived by a sister, husband, two sons, a daughter, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

“She taught me to read before I started school, just because I wanted to learn how. Between cooking and caring for my sister and brother, she patiently helped me get through the Dick, Jane, and Sally books. I can still remember the first book I ever read all by myself. It was like she taught me a special kind of magic.”

“Mom taught me to be  observant…how to notice the subtle beauty in things…Details other people might miss.” 

“She had a horse when she was growing up in Arkansas. We have photos of them together. It was a big part of her childhood. She wanted me to have that experience, and she found a way to make it happen for me, too. I loved that horse. It changed my life. You learn freedom, independence, responsibility, and patience. You learn how to manage a big powerful animal that could easily hurt you. That gave me confidence to do things I never would have tried before. I’ve felt most at home around animals big and small ever since.”

“She was bubbly even in hot steamy summers – chatting with people in her booth on 4th of July, baiting crab pots in the back of her van wearing pastel stripes, a visor, and white sneakers. And her laughter when we caught them and ran squealing when they waved their nippers at us and got away. She took us to find alligators in lagoons and turtle nests on the beach.”

A lifelong artist since childhood in Arkansas, Ellen entered competitions as early as third grade, and painted murals on the walls of her high school. At the College of William & Mary, she furthered her study of Fine Art.

After college, she spent two decades as a professional interior designer in Atlanta. Serving as president of two interior design associations, she drafted legislation that set guidelines and minimum standards in the state of Georgia for professionals in the field.

After moving to Fripp Island, she returned to Fine Arts as a professional watercolor artist, finding lasting friendship and support in the talented arts community in Beaufort. As president of the Beaufort Art Association (BAA), with characteristic energy and optimism she led efforts to secure a consistent commercial gallery space for local artists. The gallery now has a permanent home at 913 Bay Street in Beaufort, earning the Civitas Award from the Chamber of Commerce.

Passing the baton as president, she “slowed down” by shifting her efforts to teaching as the education coordinator, encouraging and recognizing the work of many self-taught Lowcountry artists.

She was well known on Fripp Island. Every year for decades she cheerfully engaged visitors for the 4th of July celebrations at the outdoor art shows, no matter how hot the weather. The same boundless enthusiasm earned her the Spirit Award at the Kanuga Workshops in the mountains of North Carolina.

More dear to her than all the accolades were the enduring friendships she found here. For three decades, she and a handful of artists met every week for a workshop lunch, where they shared whatever challenges they faced – ostensibly artistic challenges, but as bonds deepened they supported each other through personal challenges, as well.

Her energy, enthusiasm, and spirit will be missed by all; but the legacy she left will live on for many years to come.

– ) O ( –

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Beaufort Art Association (online)

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 625
Beaufort, SC 29901-0625

Phone: (843)521-4444

Gallery Address:
913 Bay Street
Beaufort, South Carolina

– ) O ( –

Plans are underway for a celebration in Ellen’s honor at the
Beaufort Art Association Gallery
October 24, 2026
5:30 to 7:30pm

A selection of her framed original paintings and prints will be
available for purchase at the event to benefit the BAA Gallery.

Check back here for further details and updates.

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