Silhouette artist coming to Learning Express in Geneva
The Learning Express toy store along Randall Road in Geneva is hosting a silhouette artist this month, giving families a chance to capture their child's image in a centuries-old art form.
Silhouette artist Cassidy Alexander of Aurora will be at the store, 610 Commons Drive, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30.
Alexander will have several sessions throughout the day where families can get a one-of-a-kind silhouette of their children.
Learning Express of Geneva owner John Flanagan says the store has hosted Alexander in the past, and she and her talent have always been popular with customers.
In fact, he said, recently the store had to add a second session because of the high demand for the silhouettes.
The last time Alexander was in the store was in November, he said. Learning Express brought her in before Christmas in hopes of providing local shoppers with a chance to get one of the mementos for the holidays.
Flanagan thought it would be great to bring her back again before Mother's Day for anyone looking for a unique gift for moms or grandmothers this year.
He said it provides a local option for getting the personalized artwork. Silhouettes aren't very common these days, Flanagan said, and often can only be found at places such as theme parks. He said he is happy that they can be done by a professional right in his store.
Alexander does the silhouettes - which are a side view of the face - all freehand with scissors. She does not trace or use a projector, Flanagan said.
The process is like drawing with scissors and showcases Alexander's keen eye and talent.
"It's all done right as the kids are sitting there," Flanagan said. "It's a different kind of memento."
Alexander agreed that it is it something special families can do. She can do silhouettes of the entire family, just the kids, or anyone who would like one done that day.
"A person's profile in shadow is the boiled down essence of his likeness, and it resonates with the many silhouettes produced over the last four centuries of royals and paupers and everyone in between," she said. "It is charming because it is such a simplified form, and the miniature size assures it wasn't a projected-shadow craft project.
"Because it is cut with scissors only - no drawing, projecting or digital manipulation - it is also a wonderful thing to watch - almost a parlor trick," she said. " But there's no sleight-of-hand involved - just lots of hours dedicated to learning the art of drawing with scissors.
"If you haven't seen yourself or your children in silhouette, you're missing something," Alexander said.
Families can have as many likenesses captured in silhouettes as they would like, however, each child requires a separate sitting. The sittings take about 10 to 15 minutes each, Flanagan said.
Each silhouette is $29, with copies costing $15.
To make an appointment for your silhouette, call (630) 232-8697.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Batavia. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.