Life’s responsibilities and entrenched traditions are often used as excuses to suppress unique viewpoints and innovative ways of perceiving the world. But bold, raw creativity is precisely what frees our spirits from the banality of the everyday because it allows us to step outside ourselves to appreciate fantastic wonder. I seek to do this in my art by using vivid colors and eccentric patterns to create wistful parallel universes begging to be explored. Many of my pieces contain subtle details and are designed to be hung in multiple orientations so that the viewer can discover something new with each viewing. Rather than stem from a dark mindset, my artwork originates from an optimistic choice to regard the world as vibrant, detailed, and gorgeous. I want viewers to understand that despite the world's imperfections, it is also a complex labyrinth of beauty rife with inspiration!
Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, Lori Evensen has been creating art since she was under the age of two. While studying at Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Lori spent a semester studying abroad in Rome and Tunisia, an experience which significantly refined her artistic vision. She graduated with a BFA in painting in 2011 and has exhibited in numerous galleries, cafe's, nightspots, science centers, bars and restaurants in Philadelphia, Rome, and State College. Lori currently lives and works in Philadelphia PA.
2007 - 2011
Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
BFA in Painting
Dean's List
2010
Temple University, Rome, Italy
Fall Semester Study Abroad
2006 - Present
Freelance Artist, Philadelphia, Rome, Boston, State College
Created portraits, landscapes, and geometric works customized to individual specifications; sold through galleries, shows, internet sites, and private parties
2019
Assistant Artist, Painting with a Twist (Havertown, PA)
Assisted patrons both one-on-one and in groups on their painting techniques; pre-sketched designs; replenished supplies; prepped and cleaned art spaces
2007
Mural Arts Instructor, State College Area High Schools, PA
Delta Program
2024
InLiquid Toasts 25, Off the Wall Gallery at Dirty Franks, Philadelphia, PA
2023
Through the Minds Eye, Chimaera Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited four paintings in psychedelic themed show
International Juried Art Competition: Color, Teravarna International Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Talent Prize Award
Patterns and Textures, Ten Moir Gallery
Honorable Mention for Excellence
Partners in Art, 3rd Street Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited paintings in group exhibition
2022
People, Frieda’s Cafe, Philadelphia, PA
Two marker illustrations in juried group exhibition
2020
Ethos: Spirit of the Community, Fredricksburg Center for the Creative Arts, Fredricksburg, VA
Exhibited Her Majesty’s Throne
Road Trip, Blue Mountain Gallery, New York, NY
Juried Exhibition, showcased Road Trip
2017 – 2018
3rd Street Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Showcased several paintings in various shows, including one for an American Heart Association fundraiser
2017
Pancakes and Booze Art Sale, Underground Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Showcased five pieces
PSCA Art Auction, Philadelphia, PA
Auctioned a painting for the Passyunk Square Civic Association
Solo Show, Jed Williams Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Showcased over 15 paintings and sold 2
2016
Philadelphia Flower Show Design Competition, Philadelphia, PA
Painted six windows of the Holiday Inn Express to promote the Philadelphia Flower ShowWinner – City-Wide Crowd Favorite – 7,459 votes
Internal Color, Urban Gallery and Bookstore, Philadelphia, PA
Displayed “Attics of My Mind,” “Flow,” and “Twirls”
InLiquid Benefit, Philadelphia, PA
Displayed “Attics of My Mind” at art gala and benefit
2015 – 2016
Solo Exhibition, Bourse Building Penthouse Suite, Philadelphia, PA
Showcased over 15 paintings in an art show that ran for 10 months
2013 – 2016
Solo Show, Café Fulya, Philadelphia, PA
Showcased over 12 paintings including “Road Trip,” “July,” “Ascend,” and “Sailing”
Sold over 10 pieces
2015
Chasm, Frasier Street Gallery, State College, PA
Displayed “Summer,” “Destination,” “July,” and “Twirls”
2014 – 2015
Summer and What is Art?, Off The Wall Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited “Summer” in Summer
Exhibited “Chevron” and “Up and Down” in What Is Art?
2014
Group Show, Artists Unite, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited “Jungle,” “Space Spheres,” “Up and Down,” and “Labyrinth” in a group show
LGTripp Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Displayed three photographs of sculptures I made out of masking tape angled to exaggerate size and appear as different materials
2013
Art Exhibition, Le Meridien Hotel, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited “Jungle” in the lobby of the upscale hotel.
Cellular/Molecular, University of Pennsylvania Science Center, Philadelphia, PA
Displayed two photographs of I made of tape sculptures
Solo Show, Pour House Café, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited 15+ paintings and photographs
2012
Message and Medium Competition, Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited a sculpture combining text with straws, thread and tape transfer words
2011 – 2012
Prelude Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited and sold two paintings and a digital photograph
2011
Musé de Philly, Philadelphia, PA
Submitted photo to web-based Philadelphia Artists Community
Selected as Artist of the Month
Race Street Café, Philadelphia, PA
Exhibited “Moonlit Dreams”
Raw Artist Showcase, G Lounge, Philadelphia, PA
Showcased and sold “Extra-Terrestrial Flowers”
2007 – 2011
Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition, Annual Foundation Juried Exhibition, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Showed several works in each exhibition
2010
Chircolo Delgi Artisti, Rome, Italy
Displayed two pieces at a night club show
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Helped create a mural denoting all of Temple University’s Schools
2009
Juried Art Show, Baptist Temple,Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Showed “Monumental Jellies” at Baptist Temple
2007
State College Area HS (Delta Program)
Exhibited five pieces showcasing my range as an artist for the Claire Dhalia Snetsinger Annual Visual Art Competition
Won 2nd place award and scholarship
2006
State College Area School District
Designed a poster for a counseling program
Won 1st Place Prize
2017
Wedding Photographer, Josh and Lisa Shirley
Shot wedding reception photos in Palmetto, Florida
2016
Wedding Photographer, John and Julia Detwiler
Shot a wedding engagement party near Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
2014 – 2015
Portrait Photographer, Rebecca Reynolds
Shot artistic portraiture for an independent client’s website at Penn’s Landing and the Philadelphia Art Museum
2013
Burlesque Photographer, Tabu Night Club
Shot burlesque performers before and during a monthly show in September
2012
Graduation Photographer, Brittney Love
Conducted fun/edgy portrait photography in Love Park and Rittenhouse Park
