Arlene Anderson Skutch

SKUTCH, ARLENE ANDERSON Arlene Anderson Skutch, Westport resident for 60 years, passed away suddenly on April 25th at the age of 88. A long time diabetic, Ms. Skutch maintained her health and active lifestyle despite living with a serious disease. Ms. Skutch came from a diverse artistic background. Born and raised in Fostoria Ohio, she began her adult life as a classically trained professional singer. In 1945 she moved to New York City and began her stage career in Broadway musicals such as "Finiann's Rainbow," "Bloomer Girl" and "Of Thee I Sing." She married, had two children Laura and Andrew, and moved to Westport Ct where she bought and renovated a charming saltbox colonial house built in 1876. Having spent her honeymoon in Cuba, she loved the bright colors that were used on the houses and decided to paint their new house pink. Along with the house came an artist's studio in the back yard designed by Eliot Noyes, the celebrated modern architect. After her children were in school, Arlene started to study painting locally with several well respected teachers mainly at the Silvermine School of Art. In 1972, Arlene opened her own studio to students and begin a four decade journey as an art teacher, professional artist and mentor. She soon developed a devoted following of students who call themselves "The Pink House Painters". The astonishing variety of styles displayed by The Pink House Painters is testimony to her skill as a teacher. Arlene is also featured with 35 Westport/Weston artists in the documentary film "Years in the Making: A Journey Into Late Life Creativity" directed by Martin West. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Kyle and Eric Skutch. A group show by the Pink House Painters is currently on display at the UConn Gallery in Stamford through May 19th.


This obituary was originally published in Minuteman (Fairfield, CT).