About

My name is Tara Connolly and I own and run The Modern Patina through which I create custom faux finishes, plaster work, and murals for clients throughout the Twin Cities.

I graduated with a degree in Studio Art from the University of Minnesota Morris.  My areas of emphasis were photography, graphic design, and printmaking.  My time at Morris really moulded my artistic mind and pushed me to grow in many ways.  Among these key areas of study, other classes and activities that really are working for me today are Scene Painting Class, working with the University’s painting crew, working with the University as a student graphic designer, and of course those cherished studio hours working with my fellow students.  This great base of study  has brought me with a strong footing to where I am today as a business owner.

The Modern Patina is a business I created in the summer of 2010 although I have been doing side work for family friends for many years.  The opening of The Modern Patina has truly been a blessing and a daily adventure for me.  I realized that there was a great interest from family, friends, current clients, and potential new clients in the projects that I was doing.

This blog will feature my projects from start to finish as well as some featured “how-to” videos for those of you who don’t live in the area or would like to attempt some of the simpler techniques in your own home.  Join me in my projects, comment and ask questions, learn more about me and The Modern Patina.