Lorriane Alexander Shelko is a native of New York. Raised by German parents with a deep appreciation for nature, art and music, her work reflects this influence. She comes from a heritage of European artists and discovered at a young age that she had an artistic talent. She was one of four individuals selected to participate in an art program for gifted students in high school. Her first exhibit as a teen was at a community museum in Smithtown, New York

After graduation, she was to attend Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. An unfounded lack of confidence prevented further studies in art. She began to work in dentistry and was a major influence in her husband's decision to enter the profession. The commitments of marriage and raising two sons postponed her dream once again until 1995, when she lost both of her parents within six months. Finding a watercolor class with a local art instructor, her painting became a way to deal with her grief and their death was the beginning of her rebirth as an artist.

Lorraine seriously began her art career in 1996 by attending Wesleyan College. She received the best painting award at the student exhibition at Wesleyan in 1997. She is self taught in oils, which is her preferred medium. She does enjoy and is able to work in a variety of other mediums as well. Her interest in capturing the essence behind the human face led her to study portraiture with two contemporary masters. In addition to portraits, she has a passion for painting landscapes, seascapes, animals and anything from still lifes to abstract gesture drawings.

Her work has been on exhibit at various galleries in Macon, Hilton Head and New York and she has worked with many designers. Her work has been placed in private collections throughout the country, including the Georgia Heart Center in Macon. She received the special honor of being selected the Fine Artist of the 2001 Macon Cherry Blossom Festival.

In August of 2000, Lorraine opened BrushStrokes, the first studio-gallery concept in Ingleside Village, where she painted and taught classes for six years. Her vision for the possibility of transforming Ingleside into a location where people might come to both view fine art and take an active part in creating it, led to the opening of other similar businesses in the village.

The new L. Alexander-Shelko Gallery is located at 3190 Vineville Avenue, was completed in January 2007. A larger facility than the old location, art instruction for adults and older teens at all skills levels is now available in addition to periodic workshops given by visiting artists in such disciplines as clay sculpture, woodwork, jewelry making, stained glass and photographic art. She also donates her time working with talented students from the Bibb County Public Schools as part of the mentoring program, giving them an opportunity to take lessons at the studio.

Portraits and other commissioned works are available by appointment.