North Charleston Artist Brings Color and Inclusivity to Local Art Scene
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — A vibrant new voice in the world of art is making a splash in North Charleston, and she’s here to ensure everyone feels represented. Shayn Green, a homegrown talent, is using her creativity not just to paint but to foster a more inclusive environment for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds. While talking about her journey, Green shares, “When I’m painting, it’s like I can be doing it for hours, but it doesn’t feel like that to me.”
A Creative Journey
From a young age, Shayn has had a flair for creativity. “I’ve always done art. Ever since I was younger, I would be drawing a cartoon on the TV or different characters on the cereal boxes or Bratz dolls that I would get for Christmas. And I just always loved drawing,” she reminisces. Unlike many kids who spent afternoons playing outside, Shayn preferred to stay in, honing her skills and exploring her passion.
Now, as North Charleston’s first artist-in-residence, she paints in a dedicated studio at the Park Circle Community Building, situated right across from the very park where she played as a child. “It was very important and exciting for me because I’m from North Charleston, and I went to school here and grew up here,” she expresses enthusiastically. “It’s exciting to be able to showcase my work here and be a part of the community in that way.”
Big, Bold, and Beautiful
Green has developed a unique and eye-catching style that reflects her personality and heritage. “I call it the ‘Big Nose Baddies’ because all of my characters that I make in my paintings have big noses, and that was like a feature that my family identifies with,” she laughs. This cheeky nod to family traits is a reminder of the cultural connections we cherish.
However, Green’s art isn’t just about her family; it’s about representation. She elaborates, “Growing up, I would only see Black art and music and literature in my home versus in public spaces. That was something that was very interesting to me.” With this focus, she aims to use her art as a platform to feature characters and images that reflect her community, promoting diversity in the art world.
Engagement and Community Connection
As part of an artist-in-residence program that aims to uplift local artists, Shayn gets the chance to share her creative process and work with the community. Selected every three months, the artists not only showcase their pieces but engage with the public through workshops and open studios. Green’s residency lasts from August to October and comes with a stipend of $2,000, which allows her the freedom to bring her ideas to life.
“I just want anybody who ever felt like I did, where you weren’t seeing yourself, to be able to see my art and see themselves in it,” she shares with warmth and sincerity. She is determined to be a role model, inspiring the younger generation and showing them that pursuing their passion is a valuable path.
Upcoming Events
This weekend, Shayn is hosting a free wall-hanging art workshop at the Park Circle Community Building on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. It’s an opportunity for community members to engage with her work and explore their creativity. Looking forward, she plans to hold a final art exhibit in October to conclude her residency, offering a chance for everyone to appreciate her journey and the impact of her art.
Shayn Green is not just painting pictures; she is creating a legacy of inclusivity and representation in the arts. With each brushstroke, she is reminding us all that our stories matter, and they deserve to be seen on every canvas.
