Jenni Hoag Davis (1916–1996) A Life of Art, Color, and Community.

Jenni Hoag Davis: A Life in Art and Creativity

(1916 - 1996)

Born as the youngest of ten children in a musically gifted family, Jenni Hoag Davis grew up in a home that was as inspiring as it was beautiful. “Boston was my home ground,” she recalled, describing the house her father built atop a hill, surrounded by acres of green woods. “It had a sunroom, a library, and on the third floor, a tower room where we could enjoy the view of the White Mountains of New Hampshire in one direction, Boston Harbor in the other.”

While her siblings pursued music, Jenni found herself drawn to the natural world, spending time alone in the woods, captivated by wildflowers, brooks, and ancient rock formations. “I loved it with passion and still do in memory,” she wrote. Her mother nurtured her curiosity, encouraging her early experiments, even allowing her to sterilize soil in the kitchen oven—an experiment that left behind an earthy odor she never forgot.

Jenni’s path to the arts was shaped by an early love of public speaking and design. Awarded a scholarship to Curry College, she later pursued Landscape and Interior Design, as well as the art of Ikebana and Western-style floral arranging. Teaching and lecturing became a natural extension of her skills. “Lecturing came easy, for I had been standing before audiences nearly all my life,” she explained. From memorizing poetry in grade school to earning a gold medal for oratory, Jenni developed a commanding presence that would later translate into her career as an artist and educator.

Her personal life was marked by love and loss. She married Phillips Davis, the son of a pastor, and together they had a son, C. Bradshaw Davis. When Phillips passed away in 1970, Jenni faced one of her most difficult chapters. “It was months later before I could return to my empty house and find a way and a reason to go on living,” she admitted. But she did, immersing herself in art, color theory, and curatorial work.

A pivotal moment in Jenni’s artistic journey came when she met renowned painter and lithographer Ture Bengtz. Upon seeing her floral arrangements, Bengtz encouraged her to paint, insisting, “Anyone who can be this creative with flowers should be painting.” Under his mentorship, Jenni flourished, exhibiting her works and holding one-woman shows in Boston and beyond.

Her artistic career was marked by both national recognition and personal triumphs. She was a Runner-up in the National Short Story Contest (1984) and exhibited in esteemed institutions such as the Cambridge Art Association, De Cordova Museum, Tufts University, and the Copley Society. In 1976, after much reflection, she relocated to San Diego, a decision that changed her life. “My only regret is that I did not do it earlier,” she admitted. “San Diego has opened up a whole new life and new opportunities.”

Jenni was not only a talented painter but also a respected lecturer and organizer. She delivered talks on topics such as The Magical World of Color and What is Art All About?, and was instrumental in founding the Friends of the Library at Pacific Beach Branch in 1981.

Throughout her career, she received over 67 art awards, including Grand Prizes in multiple art festivals. She was named Woman of Achievement by the La Jolla Branch of the National League of American Pen Women (1980-81), where she also held leadership roles.

A life devoted to art, education, and the pursuit of beauty, Jenni Hoag Davis leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, resilience, and creativity. From her childhood surrounded by music and nature to her acclaimed career as a painter, lecturer, and mentor, she embodied the spirit of artistic exploration.

Now, her work and legacy continue to be celebrated through the Legacy Art Exhibit at SD Art Advisory, where her artistic contributions are honored as part of a dedicated exhibition. This showcase ensures that her vision, talent, and passion for the arts remain alive, inspiring future generations of artists and collectors.

Hosted Art Event

March 15 at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Free and Open To The Public

[email protected]

Host or Publisher Alexander Salazar