community liaison

The Sibyls Shrine Community Liaison Residency is not just an artist residency program; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of socially engaged art.

Conceived by acclaimed artist Alisha B Wormsley, this groundbreaking initiative redefines the traditional artist residency model, shifting the focus from projects to individual people, community empowerment and sustainability.

At its core, the Community Liaison Residency is a response to pressing ethical and moral questions within the art world. Wormsley's vision centers on equitable compensation, livable wages for artists, and genuine community support, rather than relying on traditional philanthropy models. In a landscape where the duration of artist support often falls short, the Community Liaison Residency stands as a beacon of long-term commitment.

The Community Liaison Resident Artist remains in residence in perpetuity, or until they’ve decided that they no longer require the assistance and support.

The Community Liaison Residency is a transformative experience that transcends traditional notions of artistic production and audience engagement. As Tom Finkelpearl, author and director of the Queens Museum, aptly puts it, “social practice is about art that's socially engaged, where the interaction itself becomes the art.” This is not just an artist residency, its— community building, mutual aid and deep care for each other— a movement towards a more equitable, inclusive, and socially conscious art world.

Scroll down to check out current Community Liaison resident, Naomi Chambers!

The Community Liaison Resident leads outreach and develops projects for the Network. The Community Liaison Residency Artist receives radical care, rest and support, in perpetuity, including:

  • an unrestricted monthly honorarium

  • a stipend towards materials, studio space, fabrication

  • exhibition and speaking opportunities

  • support for self care

  • childcare and other daily needs

Naomi Chambers

Naomi Chambers, born in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh in 1987, creates paintings, sculptures, and assemblage art. A visionary deeply rooted in her community, Chambers cultivates spaces for artistic expression, empowerment, and communal growth.

Her journey as an artist began with a revelation during her senior year at Pittsburgh Perry Traditional Academy. Encouraged by her art teacher's words, she realized that her boundless creativity held the potential to shape worlds. Fuelled by this epiphany, Chambers embarked on her artistic odyssey, graduating in 2009 with a dual degree in Studio Arts and Marketing from the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2012, Chambers took a courageous leap, transitioning into a full-time artist. This pivotal moment marked the genesis of her artistic exploration, culminating in her inaugural solo exhibition, 'The Heist,' in January 2013. However, her artistic vision transcended personal endeavors as she and her husband joined forces with fellow artists to establish FlowerHouse in 2017. Situated in Wilkinsburg, FlowerHouse emerged as a beacon of creativity, offering workshops and classes to enrich the predominantly Black community.

Chambers' commitment to her craft and community garnered recognition when she received the prestigious Investing In Professional Artist grant from The Heinz Endowment and Pittsburgh Foundation in 2017. The following year witnessed a milestone in her artistic journey with her debut solo exhibition, 'Communal Futures,' at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center. This exhibition served as a testament to her unwavering dedication to fostering dialogue, connection, and possibility through art. Since then, Chambers’ has participated in numerous exhibitions across the region including SHRINE at The Mattress Factory, Progeny of Change at Brew House Arts, Women of Visions at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University, Chambers continues to expand her artistic horizons. As the Community Liaison resident for Alisha Wormsley’s Sibyls Shrine, Chambers' artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in love, hope, and wonder. Inspired by the resilience of figures like Harriet Tubman and the communal ethos of the Black Panther Party, she channels the spirit of everyday Black life into her vibrant creations. Through her use of reusable materials and vibrant colors, Chambers infuses her art with narratives of abundance, nurturing, and adoration for Black communities.

Photo credit: Njaimeh Njie