AUBURN — On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10:30 a.m., Maine silhouette artist Ruth Monsell of Artful Heirlooms will deliver a talk on the history of the silhouette, or cut paper portrait, followed by the cutting of as many freehand silhouettes as residents and their families, and the parents of Clover Preschool children, would like. They are done from live, five-minute sittings using just scissors and black paper.
Silhouettes represent the thriftiest form of portraiture and yet can capture an amazing likeness. Monsell’s silhouettes are priced at $30 per person for two mirror image silhouettes with a choice of mats. Duplicate copies, as many as needed, are $10 each.
Silhouettes are treasured for the uniqueness, simplicity, history and traditional look, and make wonderful keepsakes as well as gifts for friends and relatives. The artist finds them particularly popular for giving occasions.
Monsell has been creating paper profiles for more than 30 years. She regularly cuts at weddings, corporate affairs, reunions, bicentennials, fairs, museums and for events at many historical societies.
Having one’s silhouette done was all the rage in the 18th and 19th centuries, but very few professional silhouettists remain today.
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