Featuring Saundra Renee Smith and other local Gullah artists
By Saundra Renee Smith
Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale is a display of original work by emerging and leading artists that represents the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surrounding community. This annual arts and crafts exhibition features the work of local artists’ interpretation of the people, food, dancing, and daily living of the Gullah people.
Saundra Renee Smith is the 2025 featured artist of this annual Gullah Celebration. “My work is inspired by the bright hues born from a culture tempered in isolation. This makes my work authentically Gullah and is a tribute to the people who hold a unique place in American history.” Smith uses paints primarily with acrylic and oil on canvas, wood, tin, or glass. Says Smith, “ I strive to capture the daily lifestyle of the Gullah people through visual art. Baskets, and flowers, water and sky. Women and families with brightly colored dresses, and colorful head rags and hats to cover unique nappy hair and secrets of the land are what inspire me to paint. My work is spiritual and transformative as I seek to provide a glimpse of Gullah life, and ‘de luk pon we island.’”
The exhibit runs February 4-28, 2025. An artists’ reception, free and open to the public, will take place on February 5, from 5-7pm. All artworks will be on display and for sale.
The Art League Gallery is located mid-island inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, 843.681.5060.
ABOUT ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD:
Art League of Hilton Head is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit visual arts organization on Hilton Head Island with a synergistic art gallery and teaching Academy.
Art League Gallery features local artwork in all media created by more than 200 member artists. All artwork on display is for sale and exhibits change every month. Located mid-island at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, inside Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, next to the box office, Art League Gallery is open every day, Monday through Saturday from 10am – 4pm and Sunday from 12 – 4pm, plus 90 minutes prior to all Arts Center Performances.
Art League Academy welcomes artists and students in all media at all skill levels, including true beginners. Taught by professional art educators, students can choose from many art classes and workshops in most media. Art League Academy is located at 106 Cordillo Parkway. The Academy Manager’s office hours are Monday & Friday, 10am – 2pm.
“Inspiring visual arts for our community and its visitors through exhibitions, education and partnerships” is Art League of Hilton Head’s mission.
For more information, call 843.681.5060 or visit www.ArtLeagueHHI.org, follow Art League of Hilton Head on Facebook, Instagram, or connect on LinkedIn.
