Historical Celebrations with Silhouettes
(Live silhouette-cutting setup at Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, AR, USA.)
Including:
The USA’s 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
In 2026, and in the years preceding the United States sesquicentennial (250th) anniversaries of events leading up to this momentous anniversary, many museums and organizations are planning public and private events!
Silhouettes = History
Silhouettes are so iconic to the end of the 18th century in America. Bringing real live silhouettes to your event, you will be reflecting a connection to the shared American heritage. We have seen so many George Washington silhouettes, as well as many other famous profiles - when we see silhouettes, we think “history”.
Public Engagement
Silhouettes are the perfect historical experience, for any historical celebration from the 1700s into to the 1900s. Have you thought of your community participating in their own portrait? People love doing activities, especially when they can connect to the theme directly!
Cut live in under 2 minutes at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold, NJ, USA (Monmouth County Park System)
Cut just with scissors - live, on the spot
With only scissors and paper, Lauren creates your guest’s portrait in under two minutes of cutting. Combined with a short interpretation (as needed) and great conversation, your guest has an experience to last a lifetime - and the silhouette to remember the day!
What types of live history-themed events might be interested in silhouettes?
Museum Programs - especially historic festivities
Donor Programs
Galas
Fundraisers
Heritage groups
Thank-you Events (staff or volunteers)
Company Parties
Museum Exhibit Openings
Private events (weddings, family reunions)
These visitors to a history-themed event given by Newport Historical Society were thrilled to have their silhouettes made! NHS partners with the National Park Service to help bring their vision to life.
Their silhouette portraits give a historical feel and remind them of their history-themed live experience.
FAQs
(Frequently asked questions!)
“How do I get a quote for my event?”
Send an email through the contact form! Give as much information as possible so your artist can give you a custom proposal based on your event description, location, date and time of your event. Your price-proposal may contain travel fees if you are outside your artist’s local area. Your proposal will include all details what your event will provide for the artist, and what your artist will provide for your event.
“Can I make a custom plan to use silhouettes?”
Of course! your artist Lauren Muney loves creating a interesting engagement for your visitors or guests. The more creative, the better! Your quote will include how your guests will be engaged.
“What historic era featured silhouettes?”
Silhouettes generally became popular in the late 1700s, and continued through the 1800s, 1900s, and are still popular in the 2000s. If you are interested in presenting silhouettes in a certain time-period, for a museum or a themed party, please do ask how your artist Lauren Muney can help you “time-travel” using silhouettes.
“How does payment and contracting happen?”
Paying your artist Lauren Muney happens through her secure online payment systems, using one or more possible payment methods including: credit card, ACH (checking account), direct payment systems like Paypal, Bill.com, and in some cases, wire transfer. Depending on how far in advance you are booking, you may be paying a deposit or the entire amount to hold your date. The arrangements are very clear and fair. The invoice becomes the contract, or we may negotiate a custom contract.
“How many silhouettes can you cut per hour?”
Depending on the event, situation, and the guests, Lauren can cut 12-18 detailed, elegant silhouettes per hour, each with amazing likeness to the guest. This is faster than other live portrait artists, and more engaging with participating guests than other party options!
“Will you do a presentation about silhouettes?”
Yes, your artist Lauren Muney has been researching silhouettes history for almost 20 years - she was even a fellow at the prestigious Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and wrote a paper about part of the material culture of silhouettes. Just ask Lauren to help plan your custom presentation to your guests.
“What is the setup for silhouettes?”
Your setup is custom to your event. Most often, you may be providing a safe dry area, away from sun and wind. You may provide table with chairs, or your artist Lauren Muney may rove through the crowd. Whatever your event, Lauren will help you customize the setup to use silhouettes well with your particular event and guests.
“How far will you travel to cut silhouettes?”
Your artist Lauren Muney has traveled around the world or around the corner to cut silhouettes! “Have scissors will travel”.