Braintree Resident's Art Parties Bring Together Food, Drink and Painting

Clare Donoghue has always been creative. Her talents run to photographs, cards, ornaments and other crafts, and for years she has raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society in part by selling art.

Recently, Donoghue took her self-starter, energetic attitude, combined it with her craftiness and started a small business, The Traveling Art Party, which puts together a professional artist and excited but amateur painters at restaurants and other local venues.

Patch features questions with business owners every Monday. See The Traveling Art Party interview below.

What did you do before?

Donoghue works full-time at a local bank. Her husband Paul works for Century South. They got married 23 years ago at St. Thomas More in Braintree and bought a house here seven years ago.

Growing up, Donoghue was an Army brat, bouncing between Massachusetts and the South. She graduated from Weymouth North High School.

How did you get the idea for your business?

Donoghue was at a local art hangout in Boston and wondered, "Why can't I do that?" This was in February of 2013. Originally she thought she would open a storefront, seek a liquor license and go the more traditional route. Instead, she went for the traveling theme.

When did you open and what was the biggest challenge?

The Traveling Art Party officially launched with a party at the Granite Grill on Sept. 30. Prior to that, Donoghue spent several months getting organized and hunting down deals for art supplies The biggest challenge, she said, has been getting the word out about her business. She starts at 6 a.m. at home, goes to work and then is back at it after work, building email lists, networking and throwing parties.

What is a Traveling Art Party like?

The parties can accommodate from 15 to 40 people and range in price from $35 to $50, depending on what's included, such as food at an upcoming Hearth 'n Kettle party.

An artist and an image are the focal point of the night, with each participant using canvas and other supplies provided by Donoghue to re-create the painting in their own way. The artist gives a lot of one-on-one instruction, and so far the mood has been pretty serious, Donoghue said, mainly because of the style of the paintings.

What artists do you work with?

Donoghue works with Joseph Mahoney, an editorial cartoonist with the Patriot Ledger who has received national recognition, and Michael Petringa, a Braintree artist who graduated from New England School of Art and Design, Boston.

What are your clients like?

Many are repeat party goers – for instance, at a party last week, Donoghue said 12 of her participants were repeats. She throws both public and private events, such as a party held recently at the Furnace Brook Golf Course in Quincy.

People come to the parties with a range of skills, but everyone leaves with a piece of artwork they can hang on their wall at home, Donoghue said.

"People come in and say, 'I can't paint a straight line,'" she said.

What else do you offer at the parties?

Silowan Photography offers custom framing on the spot for $35 per painting. Peter Silowan, working out of Braintree, has more than 30 years of experience as a portrait and wedding photographer. 

Do you have any parties coming up?

The Traveling Art Party will be at Hearth 'n Kettle in Weymouth for a "Winter Wonderland" event Monday, Dec. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and Joseph Mahoney will be the artist. The cost includes a buffet.

In January, The Traveling Art Party will go to UNO Chicago Grill in Braintree for "Sunflowers." It is Jan. 7, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and Joseph Mahoney will be the artist. 

For booking info and events, go to http://www.thetravelingartparty.com

How did you get involved with the American Cancer Society?

Donoghue's sister Carol Thomas was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007, prompting Donoghue to lend her crafting talents to fundraising efforts. Her Relay for Life Team has raised $50,000 over the years, selling arts and crafts at shows and retailers and hosting fundraising events. 

"The community has always been very generous," Donoghue said.

What is your favorite part of The Traveling Art Party?

"I like seeing everybody's faces at the end," Donoghue said. Participants are proud of what they have accomplished, she added, and the social setting also fits into Donoghue's outgoing personality.

If you could change one thing in town to make it easier for small businesses, what would that be?

Running her own business, though a longtime dream, is new to her, so Donoghue said she could not think of anything in particular she would change for small businesses in Braintree. 

"Ask me in a year," she said.

As for her industry, there is competition out there in the form of both traveling and stationary art parties, but Donoghue said she believes her businesses creates the perfect atmosphere of entertainment and art. 

"It's challenging," Donoghue said. "[But] this is what I do – I go, go, go."

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