Saundra “Renee” Smith is a visionary Gullah Folk Artist whose work vividly encapsulates the rich tapestry of Gullah culture through an authentic and spirited lens. As the owner of Gullah Art By Renee, LLC, she has established herself as a profound voice in the realm of self-taught artistry, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and stories of a culture shaped by both isolation and resilience. Her membership in the National Association of Women Artists and her recognition in the prestigious Guide to American Artist's "Self-Taught, Outsider and Folk Art" by Betty-Carol Sellen underscore her esteemed place in the art community.

Smith's masterpieces are a tribute to the Gullah Geechee Corridor—a historical bastion of the Guale Indians and West African descendants on the southeastern coast of the United States. Through her use of acrylic and oil on diverse canvases, from wood and tin to glass, she captures the daily life and spiritual essence of the Gullah people. Her art, which features women adorned in brightly colored dresses and head rags, alongside evocative depictions of baskets, flowers, water, and sky, serves as a window into the world of "de luk pon we island."

Her profound contributions to the art world are permanently celebrated at Brook Green Gardens in Myrtle Beach, SC, where her works grace the entrance of the "Gullah Geechee Garden." Beyond her artistic endeavors, Smith's academic achievements include a PhD in Spiritual Christian Counseling from Cathedral Bible College and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University. Her dedication to service is further evidenced by her enduring career in nursing, culminating in her retirement from the US Naval Hospital in Beaufort, SC.

Saundra “Renee” Smith’s journey is one of transformation and influence, where the canvas becomes a narrative of cultural heritage and spiritual insight, inviting viewers to partake in the vivid journey of the Gullah experience.

Deas-Guyz is a dynamic jazz band renowned for delivering an electrifying blend of Old Motown, R&B, Pop, Rock, Reggae, and Dance beats. With a repertoire that spans the timeless sounds of The Temptations and Marvin Gaye to the vibrant beats of Bob Marley and Pharrell Williams, Deas-Guyz captivates audiences of all ages. Formed in 2000, this talented ensemble brings together seasoned musicians with rich backgrounds in professional performance, creating unforgettable experiences at every event.

Known for their high-energy presence and ability to keep any party lively, Deas-Guyz has a proven track record of entertaining crowds at weddings, corporate functions, festivals, and more across the United States. Regularly delighting patrons at the Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, they also travel to venues from Las Vegas to New York, ensuring each performance is uniquely tailored to fit the occasion.

Whether you're planning a wedding reception or a corporate gala, Deas-Guyz promises to deliver hours of quality entertainment with their complete sound and light setup. Let Deas-Guyz turn your special event into a memorable celebration of music and joy. Get ready to dance the night away with their captivating and versatile musical fare!

Born and raised on Hilton Head into one of the oldest native families in the Spanish Wells community, Omolola “Lola” Campbell is of Gullah descent. Growing up in the Lowcountry, and born into the rich Gullah culture, one where community and heritage are key, Lola has learned many life gems from her elders. She has always considered finding her life purpose and following her dreams as very important for survival and personal success. A formally trained lawyer, Lola works, by day, as a senior derivatives counsel in the demanding financial industry. However, her passion has always been to help others find the magic that makes their souls soar, through helping them to find their own divine purpose. Lola is a graduate of The University of Georgia and Howard University School of Law. If she isn’t spending time with her friends and family, you can almost always find her doing community work, journaling or exploring the local area with her adventurous eleven year old son, Jaylen. Writings On The Wall is Lola’s first book.

A native of Savannah, Ga., Lavon began singing and playing piano at the age of 7. He began performing in local groups across the Southeast at the age of thirteen. His first instrument was the violin (1969). He later studied voice and piano at Dekalb College in Atlanta, Ga. from 1979 to 1981. Lavon Stevens is one of the most versatile and talented artists in the music business. Simply put Lavon works from this philosophy; “The greatest power in the world is Love, the second greatest power in the world is Music, I use the power of the Music to translate Love all over the world! Lavon has traveled and performed all over the country including Aspen, Co. (‘92 and ‘93). Other performances’ locations have included Atlanta, Ga. and Orlando, Fla. And New York. The resort vacation destination of Hilton Head Island, SC has been his home since 1982. He is one of the premier entertainers in Hilton Head Island, SC performing at The Legendary Jazz Corner since 2004. Lavon has been a licensed Realtor since 2003. He has served as the vice chair for The Historic Mitchelville Preservation Project, he also serves on the Town of Hilton Head’s Planning Commission as Vice Chair, where he is also the chair of The Gullah Geechee Land and Cultural Preservation Task Force. He is a member of the board of directors for Junior Jazz Foundation. He served as minister of music at The Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Hilton Head for 16 years and is currently serving on staff at The First Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head as the music director for “The CrossRoads” a contemporary worship service since 2006. In 2017 He performed with The First Presbyterian Choir at Carnegie Hall in New York city. Lavon has participated in various missions here and abroad, he traveled to Nairobi, Kenya in 2018. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the Orchestra. He is one of the inaugural music event producers for The Native Island Gullah Celebration Festival. Lavon also serves as the chairman of The Native Island Leaders Association. Lavon is affiliated with BMI as a Publisher and a Songwriter and he has several recordings to his credit including “Traveling Music” a collection of jazz standards and rhythm and blues recorded live at The Jazz Corner and released in 2008; “I See (1996), and a gospel CD titled “The Last Mile Of The Way” with the popular Low Country Gospel Group “The Voices Of El Shaddai.” He loves working artists and producing a variety of shows and recording projects including Marlena Smalls (The Hallelujah Singers) and other R and B, Jazz, and Gospel artists.

Amiri Geuka Farris is a renaissance man. A mutli-hyphenate artist, he has worked in almost every medium imaginable. His art is bold, expressive, and completely different - inspired by his own life experiences and the materials at hand. Featured in over 50 solo exhibitions and juried museum shows nationally and internationally, Amiri is a true trailblazer whose work explores topics such as diaspora, culture, memory, and perception.

Since moving to Hilton Head in 1977, Pastor Hay has become an integral part of the Gullah community. He joined Central Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in 1978 and served as a deacon from 1980 to 1997. His pursuit of further education led him to study at the SC Baptist Seminary and fulfill the licensing requirements for Pastoral Leadership. In September 1997, Pastor Hay received his license as a Baptist minister and delivered his inaugural sermon titled "What is Man That thou art mindful of Him?". He served as an associate minister at Central Oak Grove until 2006 and then took on the role of pastor at Zion Fair Missionary Baptist Church in Varnville, SC from October 2006 to September 2014. Following his tenure at Zion Fair, Pastor Hay served as a visiting pastor at Daufuskie Island's First Union African.

Driven by a deep sense of spiritual calling, Pastor Hay continued his educational journey, honing his understanding and application of Biblical teachings. This pursuit led him to earn his Doctorate of Divinity degree with honors from the Partners to the Promise Christian College in June 2022. Engaged in daily study and reflection on scripture, Pastor Hay exemplifies a devout commitment to his faith. In addition to his spiritual endeavors, he finds joy in travel, reading, and sports.

African drum and dance company from Charleston South Carolina whose mission is to Up Lift Spirits one dance at a time. Performing February 17, 2024 at our Gullah Celebration and Market.

Valentine Dexter Provost has been in ministry for 23 years. He has been serving as an Associate Minister at the St James Baptist Church for the last 5 years. Minister Provost is a native of the island of Jamaica. He is married to Pastor Sandra Provost, and they have been married for 22 years. Minister Provost is the father of three (3) children and one adopted child. Minister Provost joined the St. James Baptist Church in August 2017. While at St James, Provost became a licentiate minister in September 2018. In February 2022, he was ordained at The Calvary Evangelistic COG in Kingston, Jamaica.

Minister Valentine Dexter Provost is a committed messenger of the Lord God Almighty and a servant to his people.

Born and raised in Charleston, SC, personal chef and caterer Benjamin “BJ” Dennis infuses the flavors and culture of the Lowcountry into his Gullah Geechee cuisine, bringing a new taste to an ever expanding culinary palate of the south.What differentiates Chef BJ’s food from his contemporaries in “southern” cooking is the homage he pays to the Gullah Geechee culture, brought to the Americas by West Africans, and disseminated along the West Indies and the American South. Dennis infuses the techniques of his ancestors, learned from four years of study in St. Thomas, as well as the lessons of his grandparents about eating from the land, to create fresh interpretations of local dishes focusing on in-season, locally sourced vegetables and seafood. Recent trips to Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, U.S. Virgin Islands, Angola, Bahamas and Benin has brought his work full circle. Connecting the people and cultures of the African diaspora through food. Bringing back a true taste of Gullah Geechee culture.

Felton Eaddy, poet, singer, arts educator and professor, lives in Dillon, South Carolina. He Studied English at Claflin University, and creative writing at Johns Hopkins University. His poems have appeared in African American Review, Catalyst Magazine, Out of the Rough and Crux. Author of Bending Over to Pick up a Snake and Living by the Sword, Eaddy is a poet and teaching artist who contracts with Georgia, South Carolina, Atlanta, Fulton County, GA and Young Audiences of Atlanta as a literary artist. Professor emeritus at Clark Atlanta University, the poet founded and hosts Felton Eaddy’s Poetry Kitchen, a long-term project which features poets in performance.

Susan River Madison is a poetic activist, visual artist and workshop facilitator whose work focuses on feminine divinity, racial equity and spirituality. Madison is the author of two chapbooks, if i can’t sing the blues and Gullah Paths. Her short stories and poetry have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, UKWELI Searching for Healing Truths, South Carolina Writers and Poets Explore American Racism and other publications. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from Antioch University and lives in St. Helena Island.