By Lookout Staff

August 22, 2016 -- Artist Zeal Harris -- whose work tackles "diffuclt realities" in a colorful style -- began her stint as the Camera Obscura Art Lab's new Studio Artist-in-Residence in Santa Monica this month, City officials said.

During her tenure, which ends November 12, Harris will explore "the impact of police violence on interpersonal relationships" in a series of workshops and narrative paintings she plans to create, organizers said. "My work is about revealing characters on journeys," Harris said in a statement.

Zeal Harris at an exhibit opening. Photo Courtesy   City of Santa Monica.

"Making visual art can be an isolated activity, so being here in downtown Santa Monica next to the Pier and seeing diverse people making good memories is inspiring.

"Another social break is dancing, and that’s something I want to share while I’m here," said Harris, who in addition to the workshops will offer salsa lessons. "For me, dancing grounds and enables me to be in a place where I am able to make art about love and danger and other tough subjects."

During her residency, Harris also will research for future paintings the history of the “Inkwell” section of Santa Monica Beach, the stretch of sand near the end of Pico Boulevard frequented by blacks until the 1960s.

Harris hopes to exhibit the works she plans to complete along the coast this year, officials said.

Known for her "critical, caricaturesque, narrative artworks with a whimsical, bold, urban-vernacular flavor," Harris has produced works that have been exhibited at the 2015 Ghetto Biennale in Port Au Prince Haiti, the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, the California African-American Museum, the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica and Wallspace LA Gallery.

She received a BFA from Howard University and an MFA from Otis College of Art & Design.

The Camera Obscura Studio Artist Residency "connects the public with artists and artisans working within and between the worlds of fine art and craft," City officials said.

"Resident Artists share their work with the public informally and through public workshops and events. Future calls for applications for this and other residencies are available at arts.smgov.net under Artist Opportunities.

Workshops -- which include drawing, watercolor and acrylic painting -- will be held at the Camera Obscura Art Lab at 1450 Ocean Ave most Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and cost $5. Salsa lessons will be offered on September 25 and October 29 from noon to 3 p.m. and also cost $5

Participants should bring cash to cover material fees on the first day of class. To register visit smgov.net/reserve and search for keyword "Zeal".