A Brush with History - Cupcake Paintings

My Cupcake Paintings are the inspiration for a new event at the Museum of Old Newbury.  

It looks like a really fun event!  Check out the information below:

Museum of Old Newbury Mixes it Up with New “A Brush with History” Painting Party Series 

(Image courtesy of the Museum of Old Newbury)

Newburyport, MA – April 17, 2015 – The Museum of Old Newbury and acclaimed North Shore artist, Karen Nastuk, are mixing it up this spring with the “A Brush with History” Painting Party series set for Wednesday, May 20; Thursday, May 21; and Friday, May 22, 2015.

Women, men or children of all skill levels are welcome. Supplies (except for smocks) will be provided and all adult pricing includes one drink ticket. Tickets: Museum of Old Newbury Members $25; Non-Members $40; Kids $15. Advance reservations required; space is limited.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Bubbly & Blooms

Sip a refreshing glass of bubbly as you paint a floral still life inspired by the work of Newburyport’s own Laura Coombs Hills. The prolific 20^th century artist worked in numerous mediums including water colors, pastels and oils to name a few.

Thursday, May 21, 2015 – 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Barley & Beer

It’s guy’s night as local Newburyport brewer, Newburyport Brewing Company, helps you get into gear to create your own spin on the iconic Newbury marsh scene made famous by 19^th century artist Martin Johnson Heade. 

Friday, May 22, 2015 – 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Cupcakes & Canvas

Kids paint and eat confections from two of Newburyport’s newest institutions: Artist Tracy Meola and Confectioner Hilary Larson. These ladies take cupcakes very seriously. Tracy’s charming, yet realistic approach to painting can make the viewer’s mouth water and Hilary’s culinary skills are appealing to both the palate and the palette.

Colleen Turner Secino, chair of the events committee for the Museum explains, “Painting parties are fun, but typically geared towards women. We have put together a series of events that welcomes anyone, but each one definitely has a decidedly feminine, masculine and kid-like feel.”

Susan S. C. Edwards, executive director of the Museum of Old Newbury, concurs, “The committee has put an exciting and educational event together that has all the appeal of your typical painting party, as well as a clear connection to the Museum that will feature several artists from the area who have spanned the 19^th, 20^th and even 21^st centuries.”

Artist Tracy Meola, whose artwork inspired the Cupcakes & Canvas afternoon for children, shares, “Any event that brings history, art and children together is aces in my book. In fact, I’m quite honored to be included with such renowned artists as Laura Coombs Hills and Martin Johnson Heade. Who knows, maybe a hundred years from now a ladies night theme might be ‘Champagne & Cupcakes!’”

Guiding the paint events will be artist Karen Nastuk, an experienced leader of “art bars” for Matisse and Merlot, Boston. Karen holds a BA in Fine Arts serving as an art director, and then copywriter at various advertising firms. When she married and had children, she sharpened her illustrating skills by telling the family story through drawing notes in her personal journals. Watercolors are her favorite medium because they rely on good drawing but are spontaneous to apply. “Also fun is taking on a mural,” she says, “because they can transform a space inexpensively and outlast wallpapers.” Karen is an artist member of NSAA and Saltbox Gallery; she paints whatever people dream to see painted, whether it’s a favorite spot, a still life of precious things, an imagined home addition, or grandparents playing canasta.

Space is limited. For more information or to reserve tickets please call 978.462.2681 or visit www.NewburyHistory.org.