The City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department is pleased to announce that paintings by local artists Robert Maniscalco and Keith VanZant will be on exhibit at the North Charleston City Gallery from December 3-31, 2015. A free public reception will take place at the gallery from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, December 3.

The Quench Project: Paintings Inspired by a Vision Trip to Haiti – Paintings by Robert Maniscalo
After several years as a film and stage actor, Robert Maniscalco has returned to the visual arts, creating narratives through painted portraits. In The Quench Project he presents his newest collection of paintings, created from photos, sketches, and interviews conducted during a mission trip to Haiti last November. The mission trip was carried out in collaboration with Water Missions International (WMI). Executed mostly with oil on canvas and linen, the works in the series express hope and renewal and focus on the impact of WMI’s living water message and world-wide relief efforts. “I will be exhibiting these new works to create awareness around the water crisis so many are facing in the world right now,” he explains.

Born in Detroit in 1959, Robert is the son of internationally renowned portrait artist Joseph Maniscalco, with whom he apprenticed during the early 1980's. Since that time, his exquisite commissioned portraits and fine art have become part of over 850 distinguished private and public collections throughout North America. Maniscalco is a specialist in expressive realism and a master of light, form, and expression. In addition, he is a published author, gallery owner, actor, and director. Aside from his artwork, he is probably best known for hosting a local Detroit PBS show titled Artbeat, where he aided other artists and guests in exploring the creative process. He currently resides in North Charleston, SC. To learn more about the artist, visit maniscalcogallery.com.

Paintings by Keith VanZant
Keith VanZant of Goose Creek, SC, will present a collection of oil and acrylic paintings that utilize bright colors and various shadowing techniques. His body of work showcases his ability to create realistic images of all kinds, from still life to portraits and wildlife to landscape scenes.    

Keith VanZant was born and raised in the Midwest.  After high school he joined the United States Air Force and was assigned a permanent duty station in Charleston, SC, where he worked as a jet engine mechanic for 6 years and met his wife, Verlie. Having always loved creating, his wife gave him the confidence and support he needed to start his journey towards becoming an artist.  While still in the military Keith began taking online Game Art and Design classes from Westwood College Online followed by courses with The Art Institute.  Feeling unfulfilled with online training, he and his wife packed their bags and headed west to Austin, TX.  There, he studied at The Gemini School of Visual Arts for four years under master illustrator Roger Barcilon and classical representational painter Danny Grant.  While in school he worked as a concept artist on various projects in the video game industry. Upon graduation he and his family made the move back to Charleston, SC, where he currently lives and focuses primarily on his oil paintings. To learn more, visit vanzantfineart.com.  

The North Charleston City Gallery is situated in the common areas of the Charleston Area Convention Center, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Parking and admission are free during regular Convention Center operating hours, 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.  The gallery is staffed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only.   Inquiries regarding the artists or purchase information may be directed to the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854. For information on additional exhibits, programs, and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org.