Meet a Mom: Artist Alison Scherr! | Greenwich Moms


This week’s Meet a Mom is artist Alison Scherr! This NJ-based mom says she has been inspired by the beauty of Greenwich, which she first experienced while visiting after college. We spoke to Alison about her career, advice she gives to parents trying to encourage a lot of art, and more. Plus, her favorite Greenwich pizza spot (below).

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you live?
Our family moved from Brooklyn to Bedminster, NJ about 12 years ago. My husband is Adam and we have 2 boys, Sam (17) & James (14). We were looking for a place close to the city that felt country. Here there are horse farms and beautiful rolling hills and forests. I also spent time visiting Greenwich just after college! I have always been inspired by the landscape and I absolutely love the old stone walls. Something about the energy there is magnetic and inspiring.

How long have you been an artist, and how would you describe your work?
I worked as a prop stylist in NYC for quite some time, and loved it. Once we moved out of the city I had mental and physical space to expand, and that’s when I started painting full time. I would describe my current work as abstract and a response to movement in the garden. Like nature, my paintings have an element of the unfinished and spontaneous.

How did you become interested in art?
When I was little, it was my main deal, always available to me, and always around when I didn’t have a friend to play with. I stopped making art at all when I worked as a stylist, and my children were younger. But almost to the day that we left the city, it came rushing back to me.

Do you have any tips for parents who want to encourage their child to do art?
Have big art books around, or get then from the library, show them the light as it changes through your window during the day, play with no agenda. Especially, let them know that, when it comes to being creative, everything they do is right.

And why is art so wonderful for kids?
It’s natural and fun and instinctual. No need for judgement.

How do you handle the life/work juggle with kids, particularly these days?
When the kids where younger, I would bring them into the studio with me and give them projects to work on. That would only last a while though, and get very messy. But it was fun. I find that when I map out my time the night before, things flow a little easier. I also can give myself scheduled break to be with the kids.

What’s the thing you hear most often from clients—or something that has stuck with you?
I LOVE when people say the paintings make them feel happy. That is my goal in this work.

Where can people buy your art?
My dear old pal from boarding school, is my representative now—Carrie Maloney.  She grew up in Greenwich!

[email protected]

Instagram @carriealisonprojects

What’s next for you in terms of your work?
I have some really fun commissions I’m working on right now. I’m looking forward to getting into new work this Fall. There’s also some home decor and jewelry ideas bubbling up too, stay connected!

Anything else you’d like to share?
Being a prop stylist trained my eyes to watch for the unexpected and sometimes hidden gems. I was able to work with furniture and interior designers which escalated my love for all things home. For fun, I like to rearrange my home, and source and decorate with unexpected pieces.

We love to support local businesses. Can you please share your favorite places to:

Get dinner with your family

Gladstone Market, Gladstone NJ or Grigg Street Pizza, Greenwich

Go on a date night

Raouls on Prince Street in soho

Have a girls night
Watching my favorite movie Practical Magic at home and eating popcorn

Have fun as a family
Natirar Park, Gladstone NJ, or Maine

 

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