Charmel Lester 

Fabric Artist 

Charmel Lester is a nationally recognized fabric artist, known for her commitment to community. As founder of the Yarning for Hope art initiative, she works to boost the morale of the community-at-large by creating and installing original works of fabric art in public spaces. She has created nearly 20 pieces of public art since 2020.

A native of Shreveport, Charmel is a proud graduate of Caddo Magnet High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Hampton University. 

Her passion to create started nearly twenty years ago, while making cards and small gifts for her friends and family. When she saw the happiness on their faces, she realized that it was time to embrace her talents. Her work has been featured in galleries and markets in Louisiana and Washington, DC. In January of 2022, she was featured in the biennial edition of U.K. based publication, ARTiculAction Art Review.