Silhouette Artist Creates Freehand Portraits at the Custom House, 2/9

Renowned silhouette artist, Deborah O'Connor, will createindividual portraits cut entirely freehand from paper, using scissors as her only tool, at the Custom House Maritime Museum on Saturday, February 9, 2013, from 1 to 5 PM. Guests pose for instant silhouettes, which they can take home--the perfect Valentine memento. "Cutting silhouettes is basically drawing with a pair of scissors. The only difference is you can't make any mistakes, as there is no erasing," Ms. O'Connor says. Working with children, adults and even pets, finished silhouettes are mounted on white or ivory archival quality card stock.

Silhouettes also can be made from photographs bought to the event. Mats, extra copies for gift giving and frames will also be available. Pets are welcome at the museum for their sitting. Each sitting takes approximately five minutes. A silhouette cost $35, $15 for copies. Appointments for sittings are required and may be made by calling 860-447-2501 .

Miss O'Connor attended The Boston Museum School studying painting and drawing. She spent a year working at Disneyland's Silhouette Studio in Tokyo, and has since worked in Maui and New York. A silhouette artist for over 30 years, at 60, Ms. O'Connor is one of only a handful of silhouette artists still practicing the craft.