Girl Scouts Launch Little Free Art Supplies Box in Fort Hunt

By Emma Damsky

Alexandria, VA – The first Little Free Art Supplies Box in the Alexandria area has opened in the Fort Hunt neighborhood, thanks to the efforts of Girl Scout Cadettes from Troop 791 working on their Silver Award.

The Silver Award is the second-highest award in Girl Scouts of the USA and the highest award for Cadettes. It is earned by developing and undertaking a project that creates a lasting change in the community. Girl Scouts at the Cadette level (grades 6–8) must dedicate a minimum of 50 hours each to their Silver Award project.

Three Girl Scouts—Katie Damsky, Scarlett O’Brien, and Bea Slaton—designed, built, and installed the art box at the corner of Riverside and Londonderry Roads. The grand opening was held September 7.

The concept is simple: “It’s like a little free library except with art supplies instead of books,” the Cadettes explained. Any art or craft materials—from paintbrushes to beads to wool—may be taken or donated, encouraging recycling and inspiring creativity for artists of all ages.

“There are so many programs and resources for sports activities that it’s easy to forget about the artistic members of our community,” said Katie Damsky. Bea Slaton added, “It is important for kids because they need to learn creativity,” while Scarlett O’Brien noted, “It gives an opportunity for all ages to explore new hobbies.”

The Cadettes built the box over the summer at the Hollin Hall Senior Center woodworking shop, with support from supervisor Owen Hammett. They learned new skills such as using saws and applying roofing tiles before painting and installing the finished box.

The Fairfax County Parks Department, which oversees Hollin Hall, encouraged the intergenerational project. Parent Alex Slaton said the experience gave her daughter Bea “an amazing opportunity to flex her leadership skills,” adding that she was proud to see Bea confidently present the project to the community at the grand opening.

This art supplies box will be included on the national map at FindALittleFreeArtGallery.com which features Little Free Art Galleries plus boxes containing art materials like the Fort Hunt box.

The Cadettes hope community members will contribute supplies such as paint palettes, mini canvases, and colored pencils. Katie Damsky says she is also excited to see “things that can invoke creativity in ways not thought of before.”