From staff reports
Thanks to a grant from The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County, local painter and fashion designer Dorneisha Batson is the newest Artist-in-Residence for the Beaufort County Library for January/February 2024.
“The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County is proud to sponsor the Artist in Residence program,” Foundation Co-Chair, Woody Rutter said in a release. “Our libraries are not just about books; they provide many services to the public that make our lives richer. The Artist in Residence program helps us to see and appreciate an artist’s creativity and interpretation of their subject matter.”
Born in Maryland, Batson relocated with her family to Beaufort in 1988. Having foundational roots from two distinct regions has played a part in molding her creativity. She is predominantly an abstract artist in painting and drawing. Her pieces are bold, colorful abstract expressionist designs that connect the viewer with the world around them.
Batson completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Park University in 2006 and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010. She held her first solo art show at Green Herring Art and Framing in Beaufort in July 2013 and showcased her work in numerous cities in the United States as well as London.
In addition to Washington D.C., New York, and London, her pieces are currently on display locally at USC Beaufort’s Bluffton Campus Library and Lowcountry Dance Center.
During her residency, Batson will provide nine public workshops at the Beaufort Branch for children, teens, and adults, as well as scheduled studio hours each week on select days at the Beaufort, Lobeco, and St. Helena branches, where library customers will be able to see her painting skills in action. Batson’s workshops will include visual storytelling, color theory, basic visual art skills, fabric painting, and wearable art. A special workshop will be held right before Valentine’s Day. Space is limited for the workshops, please register early.
To register for the workshops, contact the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458.
Batson said, “This residency means so much to me, it allows me a chance to introduce myself and my work to an audience I may never have had the chance to encounter. I am looking forward to sharing with people of all ages and backgrounds the tricks I’ve learned along the way to create art and tell my story.”
Schedule
Painting and Visual Art Workshops will be held as follows:
Visual Storytelling and Color Theory 101
Saturday, Jan. 27, Noon to 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 p.m. (13-Adult)
Learn how to create art that tells a story, using different materials – and your imagination!
Intro to Visual Art
Saturday, Feb. 3, Noon to 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 p.m. (13-Adult)
Develop drawing, painting, and composition skills as well as techniques to develop 2D figures.
Fabric Painting 101
Saturday, Feb. 10, Noon to 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 p.m. (13-Adult)
Learn how to prepare fabric for painting, choose designs, color identification, mixing, and various painting techniques.
Valentine’s Day Painting
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (All Ages)
Make a canvas painting for your loved one. Paints and brushes will be provided!
T-Shirt Painting
Saturday, Feb. 17, Noon to 1 p.m. (ages 8-12); 1:30 to 3 p.m. (13-Adult)
Bring your own t-shirt or garment and you will be guided in customizing your design.
To see Dorneisha Batson in action, her studio hours will be held the following days and times:
Meet the Artist!
Wed., January 24, 2024, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Beaufort Branch
Meet Batson during her first studio hours and learn more about her upcoming residency. No registration necessary.
Additional Studio Hours
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., St. Helena Branch
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Lobeco Branch
“We’re thrilled to continue the Artist in Residence program for a second year,” Library Director, Amanda Dickman said. “During this residency, visitors to the library will see art come to life in real-time and have the opportunity to inspire their own inner artist in new ways.”
For updates on future Artist in Residence programs, stay tuned to https://www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/artist-in-residence.
