Library Announces Next Artist in Residence Program

Thanks to a grant from The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County, the Beaufort County Library announces local painter and fashion designer Dorneisha Batson as the newest Artist-in-Residence for January/February 2024.

“The Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County is proud to sponsor the Artist in Residence program,” says Foundation Co-Chair, Woody Rutter. “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, England. In addition to Washington, DC, New York, NY, and London, England, her pieces are currently on display locally at USCB 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 says, “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.”

Painting and Visual Art Workshops will be held as follows:

Visual Storytelling and Color Theory 101

Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 12-1pm (ages 8-12); 1:30-3pm (13-Adult)

Learn how to create art that tells a story, using different materials – and your imagination!

Intro to Visual Art

Saturday, February 3, 2024 | 12-1pm (ages 8-12); 1:30-3pm (13-Adult)

Develop drawing, painting, and composition skills as well as techniques to develop 2D figures.

Fabric Painting 101

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 12-1pm (ages 8-12); 1:30-3pm (13-Adult)

Learn how to prepare fabric for painting, choose designs, color identification, mixing, and various painting techniques.

Valentine’s Day Painting

Tuesday, February 13, 2024 | 11:30am – 1:30pm (All Ages)

Make a canvas painting for your loved one. Paints and brushes will be provided!

T-Shirt Painting

Saturday, February 17, 2024 | 12-1pm (ages 8-12); 1:30-3pm (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!

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 | 10am-1:30pm, Beaufort Branch

Meet Dorneisha during her first studio hours and learn more about her upcoming residency. No registration necessary.

Additional Studio Hours: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | 10am-1:30pm, St. Helena Branch

Additional Studio Hours: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 10am-1:30pm, Lobeco Branch

“We’re thrilled to continue the Artist in Residence program for a second year,” said Library Director, Amanda Dickman. "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.