Oil painter Kyle Stuckey created a project to bring the community together using the art of portraiture, 50 Portraits of Charleston: The Heartbeat of the Holy City. This show represented 50 portraits of people that live in Charleston and call it their home, and it had two main goals: to showcase those who make a positive impact on Charleston in all their unique ways and to encourage an art culture that brings us all together.
Stuckey explained: “I want to create a show highlighting the beautiful diversity that makes a vibrant community and showcasing the people that work to make this city the best it can be. I also believe art in all forms is one of the most important aspects of life. Like most people, I grew up thinking that only two types of people did art: the wealthy who could spend lots of money or the strange starving artist who created the art. But now I realize everyone should (and can!) have art in their lives - whether as a buyer, an appreciator, a model, or an artist.”
The 50 chosen participants come from all different kinds of backgrounds and careers...artists, public servants, educators, community leaders, business owners, a news anchor, chef, doctor, fisherman. Young, old, rich, or poor. Kyle painted a 14x11 portrait of every participant in his artistic style - designed to capture the essence of each individual. A short write-up of what each Charlestonian does and who they are as a person accompanies each painting. Since this show was all about community, 25% of sold paintings has been given the to the local charity, Teachers' Supply Closet.
To commemorate this show, a 114-page book was created. Each portrait fills up an 11 by 8 1/2 page and the bio sits directly next to it. Perfect for anyone who admires the art of portraiture or the spirit of diverse American communities. Softcover.
