SKARTS Presents Creative Conversations With Patience Brewster, Moderated by Laura Austin
Artist and entrepreneur Patience Brewster will be the first guest in a new series of Creative Conversations presented by the Skaneateles Area Arts Council (SKARTS).
- Patience Brewster
The program, moderated by actress and Central New York arts leader Laura Austin, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 5 at The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles.
The two will discuss Brewster’s art and her business, and then take questions from the audience.
“SKARTS is launching this new series to feature local artists and thought leaders in our community,” says Joe Strodel Jr., the organization’s president. “Each Creative Conversation will feature a thought-leader moderator conversing with an artist, musician, performer or writer. The audience will explore how artists create, live and draw inspiration.”
Since signing her first book contract at the age of 25, Brewster has illustrated more than 34 books. Working in pencil, watercolor and gouache, she has developed a style that is immediately recognizable and highly prized. Her drawings have been featured on greeting cards, holiday ornaments and other home products.
She launched Patience Brewster Cards in 2002, and the company’s Ornaments and Gifts division in 2008. The company, of which she is the sole creative force, has sales around the world.
“Sometimes, a passion or a person has a strong hold on my consciousness and that transforms into a drawing,” Brewster says.
Austin is a founder and associate artistic director of Redhouse Arts Center. In 2003, she developed and implemented the Redhouse Capital Campaign, which raised $1.4 million. She also managed the renovations of a three-story historic building in downtown Armory Square.
At Redhouse, she has been responsible for selecting, casting, directing, acting in, promoting and commissioning works, along with fund-raising. She has served on the boards of numerous arts organizations and has a wide range of acting credits, both nationally and internationally. She is an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity.
The Loft at 42 Genesee St., Skaneateles, is owned by Dr. Robert Kiltz and has recently been renovated to include five levels of meeting and living space. The space features architectural lighting, original brick walls and a glass elevator. The event will use two levels of the structure. Hors d’oeuvres will be served on the street level and the presentation will be held on the lake level, one floor down.
Sponsors include Dr. Robert Kiltz, Group M Communications, Skaneateles Talk and Vincent McCabe Inc. Brewster and Austin have also graciously contributed their time to the event.
Tickets may be purchased for $25 at http://skarts.org/tickets/. Attendance is limited and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are requested by March 1.
SKARTS, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, works to celebrate the visual and performing arts by creating an environment where cultural activity thrives in our community. The council presents cultural programming, offers free concerts at the gazebo in Clift Park, and issues grants to artists and arts organizations in the Skaneateles area.
For more information, contact Jean Vincent at info@vincentmccabe.com.
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