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Charleston hotel launches artist residency program

Molly Hulsey //June 24, 2022//

Charleston hotel launches artist residency program

Molly Hulsey //June 24, 2022//

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Stephanie Forbes, a native of Augusta, studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design on full tuition scholarship. (Photo/Provided)Emeline, a boutique hotel in Charleston’s historic district, will debut its Artist in Residency Program on July 29 with Savannah-based artist Stephanie Forbes and her Divine Armor Collection.

Featuring a range of work using textiles, artifacts and hand-collected oysters from the Lowcountry, Forbes’ collection will kick off with an opening reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 29 at Emeline and remain on display at the hotel through Aug. 30. The public is invited peruse this collection beginning on July 30.

“The Artist in Residency Program is intended to offer a curation of artists inspired by the worldly travels of our muse, Emeline, and will allow for a visual expression of what we think she would have added to her own personal collection,” Carly Skinner, general manager of Emeline, said in a news release. “Stephanie Forbes’ Divine Armor collection is the perfect representation of Emeline’s inspirations and her connection to Charleston’s history and surrounding landscapes. We could not be more excited to showcase her work to our guests.”

The Divine Armor collection is inspired by armor from the 3rd and 4th century worn by Roman soldiers. The collection will feature 10 “helmets of salvation” displayed on gallery pedestals and three armor busts made with papier-mâché, all of which were constructed using more than 100 oyster shells collected from marshes throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Five oyster paintings and a collection of jewelry will be part of the installation. All oysters used were selected and composed to honor the Roman uniform and provide an analogy of the spiritual battle gear during imprisonment by the Roman army, according to the release.

A native of Augusta, Forbes originally managed gallery operations and hosted monthly showcases at Gaartdensity Art Gallery in Augusta and purchased it in 2011. After selling the gallery, she moved on to gain experience in photography, graphic design and freelance work, and eventually attended the Savannah College of Art and Design on a full tuition scholarship, graduating magna cum laude in 2019. She currently resides in Savannah.