Mastering a Balancing Act: Cindy Stevens Fine Art

by RONA MANN / Photos by Stephanie Sittnick

“I’m overwhelmed,” the artist begins, leaning forward in her chair with a smile, “but it’s a happy problem.”

Looking at Cindy Stevens - fine artist, teacher, gallery owner, and lover of life, one sees absolutely no signs of someone being overwhelmed. Instead, one sees a very fulfilled woman with a schedule that would overflow any appointment book or smartphone; yet this is most definitely not a real problem. Stevens simply thrives on the activity because she’s at a place in her life where she is doing exactly

what she wants to be doing, surrounded by the colors, the rhythms, the pulse, and the people she loves.

Stevens has always had artistry in her genes as her mother was a pen and ink artist and both her siblings are professional painters as well. For more than a quarter century, Cindy has operated a frame gallery out of her home and subsequently opened Cindy Stevens Fine Art right in downtown Clinton five years ago. While she is a born Nutmegger and loves its coasts, she is constantly drawn to Monhegan Island, a beautiful plantation with less than one square mile of land, just 12 miles off the coast of Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

By the mid-19th century, Monhegan beckoned painters, quickly earning a solid reputation as an art colony. Artists were drawn to the tiny island for its cliffsstark against the landscape, bold shoreline, and endless sea views.Additionally, visitors from the New York

20

School of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and other prestigeous institutions flocked to Boothbay or Port Clyde to board the ferry for the short ride out to the remote venue. Soon, Cindy Stevens found herself among them, and thus Monhegan became a place she would return to twice a year for inspiration, relaxation, and continuation. “I recharge out there.”

Since opening the doors of her own gallery, Stevens has quickly garnered an enviable reputation as her business is comprised of her own art, painting parties, and art activities crafted for, and centered on kids. “It’s a balancing act,” Cindy says with a smile, “but one I love.”

The walls of the intimate gallery are filled with Stevens’ paintings, many of them vistas and memories of Monhegan, others recognizable by those who live in Clinton. She wishes she had more time to paint for

herself, but she’s not complaining about the way her gallery, classes, and events have taken off. “Still, my favorite thing to do is to just lock the door, put on music real loud, and paint, and forget all about time. But then I realize I have to go home and make my husband’s dinner,” she laughs.

spin on a Girls Night Out, or recently has been in demand for corporate events as a thank you or team-building exercise.Cindy Stevens Fine Art painting classes and parties have really taken off, as she carefully custom designs each event, which can be held right at her gallery or at a location chosen by the host. In addition, she provides the fun at showers (so much better than those silly games of years past), can put an interesting people excited about art, it’s what drives me.”Once a month you will find Cindy Stevens at the nearby Chips Pub for Positive Paint Night, an art experience geared for fun. “You don’t need to have any experience,”Cindy says. “You come, order food and drink if you wish, and we paint. I walk around and give advice and suggestions, but it’s meant to be just alot of fun with art, good food and drink, and other like-minded people.I like to see

Much in demand are Cindy Stevens’ Art Camps for Kids, held during July and August. Each session is a week long, geared for children ages 4 to 13, and encompassing five days of fun, learning, and growing. They are so popular that Stevens says, “I am almost full for this summer, so if you have interest, call me.” Art classes for kids are also held every week throughout most of the year and are wildly popular. All information regarding dates, times, and how to sign up may be found on Cindy’s website.

Stevens has a special knack with children since she’s the proud grandmother of six, yet she still knows how to work with adults who are a bit reticent about being able to create their own art. “Sometimes in my classes people are so into their own heads that I have to walk them off the cliff,” she laughs. “What you tell yourself is what you believe,” Stevens says. “I try to teach people to get out of their own heads, to not try to be perfect. Perfect is all in your head anyway, there really is no perfect.”

Having stated her case, Cindy Stevens now leans back in her chair and gazes at the paintings that adorn the walls, most of the work her own,but many created by her students, both young and old, as well as guest artists. “I just want to give people a positive experience with art so they want to do it again. When you come here, expect to have a good time.”

Then the slightly “overwhelmed” artist gets ready to lock her door, turn the music up loud, and slip into the reverie that is her world when she paints. Perhaps today it might be the Monhegan lighthouse, sunset over the shore in Clinton, or a faraway vista that has only existed in her own head until now. One thing is certain, however. When Cindy Stevens finally sits down at her easel, she will be relaxed, recharged, and in her own world...a world she has known since she was a child, a world she longs to share with others, a world she both needs and respects.

And when that happens, Cindy’s husband might just have to order out dinner tonight.

Cindy Stevens Fine Art is located at 30 East Main Street (Rt.1) right in the heart of downtown Clinton. www.cindystevensfineart.com (860) 304-1666