In the days before photography made an image of a person relatively affordable, the silhouette was a cheap alternative to a painted portrait. The outline image would serve as a remembrance of the sitter, and possibly would be the only image of that person ever made. Today, in spite of the ubiquity of the cell phone camera, the silhouette has returned as a popular medium, and the simplicity of the outline together with the emphasis on contrasting light and dark have made it an ideal method of mounting an image of a loved one for all time.
The Newtown Historical Society is offering a chance to add a silhouette of a child or any family member (including pets!) to your wall. Silhouette Artist Deborah O’Connor will once again be at the Edmund Town Hall cutting silhouettes on behalf of the Historical Society. For only $30.00, a stunning profile of a child can be done which will solve at least one of those what-to-get-for presents on your holiday list, and a second copy can be cut for only $15.00. What a great way to stay in touch with relatives far away! A complete operation will be available to finish the portrait with various sized mats, and even on-site framing will be available. The process is amazingly quick. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended and can be scheduled by calling 203-260-4737, or by emailing info@newtownhistory.org.
Deborah O’Connor is a trained artist, and has been cutting silhouettes for over thirty years, both in this country and abroad. She has resettled in Rhode Island, and the Historical Society has been lucky in talking her into traveling to Newtown to help in our fund-raising efforts. Her work has been described as drawing with scissors, and can be done using a photograph as long as it is a true profile.
At the same time, almost directly across the street at the Matthew Curtiss House, the Society will have an open house of the 1750 house museum. Costumed docents will be available for tours of the house while you wait for your silhouette appointment.
