Gullah Artist Jery Bennet-Taylor presents Beaufort Bulrush Basket Weaving Demonstrations.
Jery Bennet-Taylor began learning her grandmother’s craft when she was 5 years old at Boone Hall Plantation. Today she is recognized as a master weaver in the 400-year tradition originally brought to the Lowcountry by her West African ancestors. Small bread baskets to oversized fanner baskets used in winnowing rice were the working tools of early plantation life. Today the baskets are collected as fine decorative art.
Jery Bennet-Taylor typically is weaving and sewing her baskets at Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island. Jery is the last artisan weaving the Beaufort Bulrush Basket.
Taylor also is an accomplished artist bringing her unique portrayal of Lowcountry life into folk art paintings. Bulrush weaving demonstrations will be at the Beaufort Arsenal every Wednesday and Saturday.
Join the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce at the Beaufort Visitor Center on Friday, August 31 at 10 a.m. to celebrate 400 years of talent and history passed down from generations to be enjoyed today.