Meagan O’Brien at her mural "“Hello Allston,” Acrylic Paint, 14'x8'.
“Swan Boats at the Boston Public Gardens”, print by Meagan O’Brien.
O Hello Boston: Meet Meagan O’Brien!
Meagan is one of our first Studio Artists, and an amazing illustrator, muralist (see Medford’s own Condon Shell), and connector. She reserves her ACM studio for growing her awesome illustration business. Although she does a lot of really BIG art in mural form, she says the one tool she can’t live without is a PENCIL—which makes perfect sense given her fun, colorful, local cards, posters, and other small works.
We’re so delighted that Meagan chose ACM! In her words, “ACM is such a wonderful place to hang out! There are so many weekly events and fun happenings. I'm a big fan of the Director, Regina Parkinson. She's a delight to be around and I really believe and appreciate the vision she has for ACM, her collaborative spirit, and the joy she is bringing to the Medford community. I feel like ACM is at a really special moment where if you have any idea at all - not even necessarily art related - we're willing to welcome in all of them! It's really wonderful to be a part of the start of this community.”
Meagan is the organizer of Make and Mingle, a regularly recurring evening where creative folks can gather to sketch, crochet, read, chat, or just hang out. It’s a lovely time, and you are welcome to join in.
And we love Meagan’s upbeat spirit: “Art is everything. I make it to collect memories, bring joy, and celebrate life!”
Check out Meagan’s illustration work at https://ohelloboston.com
Allison Stroh: Painter & Mixed-Media Artist
Allison is a lovely gentle soul who is turning out an amazing number of thoughtful, deeply felt portraits in her ACM studio. Although she is focusing on painting currently, she has also made a number of stunning embroidered pieces and a large series of mosaics made from beach finds. Here’s our interview with Allison at the start of 2025.
ACM: Why do you make art?
AR: I have always made art. Creating something that did not exist before feels like magic to me. (And we feel like this statement is magic too.)
ACM: Who is one of your favorite local artists (any medium)? How come?
AR: I really enjoy the "Not Art" guy. Seeing his work around town jolts me out of the humdrum of a day and makes me laugh. I am also a big fan of the artists at Outside the Lines Studio in Medford.
ACM: If you could only have one art tool, what would it be?
AR: A paintbrush. I use acrylics, but have enjoyed oil and encaustic painting in the past.
ACM: Do you have a favorite work of art you have made? What's one thing about it you love?
AR: One summer I spent months working on doing embroidery over a painting. It is based on a painting by Egon Schiele, and I am proud of sticking with it and finishing it, despite the over 100 hours it took. (photo below)
ACM: Describe your dream creative project!
AR: I have been into making portraits for a long time. I am interested in collaborating with an artist in a different media to make a portrait from non-traditional material, like mosaic.
ACM: What's something fun that people might not know about you?
AR: I have a twin, I love pugs, and I am from Evanston, Illinois.
ACM: What is one of the things you most like about ACM?
AR: There is a quote about how inspiration can come at any time, but it needs to find you working. I love coming in to the studio and seeing other artists busy at work.
You can see Allison’s embroidery is featured in ACM’s exhibition The Threads That Tie Us, through March 28, 2025.
“Lucia,” by Allison Stroh. Acrylic on canvas,
16"x 20", not for sale.
“After Egon Schiele's Hafen von Triest”, by Allison Stroh. Acrylic on canvas, 16"x 20", not for sale.