Artist Statement
I have a true need for artistic self-expression and I have done so using different avenues; some with reverence and hyper focus and some with childlike playfulness and joy. Being multi-talented, I developed skills in many of the creative arts including painting and drawing, writing and illustrating poetry and books for children and in the theater arts. I also enjoy and am skilled in sharing my knowledge and expertise with others. I have taught all ages from pre-K aged children through older adults.
Biography
Marlaya Charleston grew up in New York City and was fortunate to be able to visit the many museums there at a young age and was inspired. She enjoyed the art and was, again, fortunate to be able to attend classes at The Art Students League where she learned to draw and paint the human figure. At this young age, she also took dance classes and began to write poetry. She saw many movies and plays on stage and had a yen to be “up there” as well.
As Marlaya got older, she took the risks necessary to fulfill her deep desires and callings by continuing her art education and by contacting art galleries to exhibit her work where she sold to many collectors. She took acting classes, performed stand-up comedy, was in many theater productions and performed her poetry and illustrations for children and adults both in New York and Los Angeles. She enjoys immensely offering her joy and love through these many avenues as well as imparting her skills and knowledge to others. She has taught these to children and adults of all ages. She holds a teaching credential in the Creative Arts, Fine Arts and also in Basic Educational Skills through The Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Art takes many forms...it is all the same, it just uses different channels of communication as the conduit for its expression. Marlaya is delighted to have discovered herself in these many directions.
Education
School of Visual Arts New York, N.Y. Bachelor of Fine Art Degree
Parsons School of Design New York, N.Y.
Cooper Union New York, N.Y.
Art Students League New York, N.Y.
Right Brain Drawing Whizin Center for the Arts Los Angeles, CA
William Esper Acting Studios New York, N.Y.
Doug Moston Actors Studio New York, N.Y.
E. Katherine Kerr Playwrights Horizons New York, N.Y.
Selected Art Exhibitions:
Los Angeles Art Association Los Angeles, CA
bg Gallery @ L.A. Art Show Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, CA
bg Gallery @ Bergamot Station Arts Center Santa Monica, CA
Nutra Gallery and Museum Los Angeles, CA
San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center Tarzana, CA
Watts Towers Art Center Los Angeles, CA
William Grant Still Arts Center Los Angeles, CA
Agape International Spiritual Center Los Angeles, CA
Brand Library Art Gallery Glendale, CA
Brentwood Library Brentwood, CA
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Ed Gould Plaza Los Angeles, CA
Venice Art Festival Venice, CA
Women’s Club of Hollywood Hollywood, CA
Bird Fine Art West Hollywood, CA
Hale Art Space Santa Monica, CA
Encino Terrace Center Encino, CA
Blue Music Los Angeles, CA
Blue 7 Art Gallery Los Angeles, CA
The Palmer Room Los Angeles, CA
Poetry Theater Performances & Workshops
West Hollywood Library West Hollywood, CA
Memorial Branch Library Los Angeles, CA
John C. Freemont Branch Library Los Angeles, CA
Ocean Park Library Santa Monica, CA
Palmdale City Library Palmdale, CA
Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library North Hills, CA
Clifton M. Brackensiek Library Bellflower, CA
Mar Vista Elementary School Los Angeles, CA
Barnes and Noble Book store Los Angeles, CA
Borders Bookstore Los Angeles, CA
Pacific Palisades Art Club Pacific Palisades, CA
Culver City Adult School Culver City, CA
Awards/Grants
Grant received to teach poetry to children through Los Angeles City Council - 10th district
Art Instructor
Los Angeles Unified School District
Allesandro Elementary School
Los Angeles Community Adult School
Westside Community Adult School