CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - Coastal Community Foundation will host a free reception on Wednesday, October 23, at 6 p.m. at City Gallery to celebrate the unveiling of new work by the 2024 Griffith-Reyburn Lowcountry Artist of the Year. Established in 2003 by Mike Griffith and Donna Reyburn, the Lowcountry Artist of the Year award supports the creation of artwork that reflects the South Carolina Lowcountry’s unique lifestyle, culture, or environment. The $6,000 grant is intended to help the artist cover living expenses while producing their new work. “We are fond of art in general, particularly Lowcountry art. It’s very special,” said Mike Griffith, co-founder of the award. “There was really no mechanism for Lowcountry artists to be recognized and given awards and opportunities like there were in other fields.” Since its inception, the award has granted more than $100,000 to local artists, helping to create dozens of new pieces and giving artists more career opportunities. This year’s recipient, Jennifer York, creates art from Tyvek house wrap, folding and cutting the material into intricate designs that she builds into vintage suitcases and mirrors. York, who moved to Charleston in 2020, draws inspiration from the Lowcountry’s landscape and history. “I reconfigure local landmarks, natural phenomena, and historical remnants with personal stories into new compositions,” York said. “I play with multiple layers, repeat patterns, and cut-and-fold symmetry so the viewer can get a little lost as they meander through each piece. Winning this award feels like major encouragement to keep up the good work, push my artistic vision and mastery even farther, to stay this creative course.” York holds a BFA in Sculpture from Pratt Institute and an MFA in Fibers from Savannah College of Art and Design. She previously ran Jennythreads Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, producing artistic apparel and accessories. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions at the Gibbes Museum of Art, Myrtle Beach Art Museum, Park Circle Gallery, and the Museum of Art-Deland in Florida. The community is invited to attend the October 23 reception, where York’s newest piece will be unveiled. While the event is free, attendees are asked to RSVP in advance.