2011/12 City of North Charleston Artist-in-Residence, Lori Starnes Isom

The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is proud to announce the appointment of Lori Starnes Isom as Artist-in-Residence for 2011 - 2012.

The City’s Artist-in-Residence serves as a key resource for the department’s outreach programs, especially in the area of art instruction. The selected artist shares his/her unique skills, talents, and experiences by providing services to senior groups, public schools, orphanages, group homes, and various other groups within the city limits of North Charleston. Sheila will be available for visual art residencies of 12-15 hours at a minimum of two hour increments at North Charleston schools and is also available to host workshops for community groups of all ages.

After majoring in Fashion Illustration at Parsons School of Design in New York, artist Lori StarnesIsom furthered her adventures in the arts by working for several years as a dancer and actress in New York and Los Angeles. However, her passion for drawing and painting brought her back to the world of visual arts.

As a figurative and portrait artist, Lori has been commissioned to do hundreds of individual and family portraits, many of which include military personnel and heads of companies. She has also shared her love and knowledge of art by instructing budding young artists in both public and private art sessions.

Lori’s work has been featured in the pages of American Art Collector, and she has been interviewed for television and newspaper features regarding her work. She has participated in numerous juried exhibitions and has been awarded several fine art awards.

Art teachers and school liaisons may initiate the request for FREE services by the Artist-in-Residence by contacting the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at (843)740-5854. Community groups are also welcome to submit requests, which will be considered on a first come first served basis. All project requests should be placed at least two weeks in advance, with residences completed by the end of May, 2012.

The North Charleston City Gallery will host an exhibition of Lori’s work throughout January, 2012.  The gallery is located within the Charleston Area Convention Center at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. School liaisons, arts teachers, and the general public are invited to meet and greet the artist at a free gallery reception on Thursday, January 5, 2012, from 5:00-7:00pm.

More information about the Artist-in-Residence program, as well as the department’s other programs, exhibits, and events, can be found on the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org.