The South Carolina Arts Commission, in partnership with the Beaufort County Library, will present the second of three professional development workshops called “Promoting your Gullah Geechee Art Form,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the St. Helena Island Library Branch, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. This workshop is free but space is limited to the first 30 registrants. To register, artists should call 803-734-8693 or email sduplessis@arts.sc.gov and provide name, number and email.

The goal of the series of workshops is to give artists the tools to create basic support materials necessary for promotion of their art work through a variety of mediums. “It is especially designed for Gullah Geechee residents who practice or represent one or more of the cultural expressions outlined in the Gullah Geechee Corridor’s management plan,” said Ken May, South Carolina Arts Commission executive director. Those areas include music, arts, handicrafts, foodways, spirituality, language, education and economic development. The development of these workshops began after a series of community arts meetings in 2013, where the Arts Commission, in partnership with the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, heard from more than 80 artists and community residents in the corridor.

“Our ongoing goal is to make new relationships that bring new resources to people and create interest in the corridor — both in the state and beyond,” May said.
“We are also pleased to present these workshops in partnership with local libraries, which serve as essential community resources.”

The workshops will be led by Charleston native Kerri Forrest, award-winning journalist and owner of Social Creative Media Consulting.

For additional information, contact Arts Participation Program Director Susan DuPlessis, sduplessis@arts.sc.gov or 803-734-8693.
<div></div>