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!

Sallie Ann Robinson is a sixth-generation native of Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, and a celebrated ambassador of Gullah culture. Deeply rooted in her island heritage, Sallie Ann has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the vibrant traditions, history, and flavors of the Gullah way of life.

Born and raised on Daufuskie, Sallie Ann experienced firsthand the enduring strength and resourcefulness of the Gullah people, who lived off the land and sea with pride and ingenuity. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep respect for her ancestors' teachings, a love for her community, and a passion for storytelling, whether through history, flavors, or folklore.

A gifted writer and culinary expert, Sallie Ann is the author of two beloved cookbooks, Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way and Cooking the Gullah Way, Morning, Noon, and Night, as well as the coauthor of a historical book on Daufuskie Island. Her works are cherished for bringing authentic Gullah recipes, stories, and traditions to kitchens and readers around the world.

Sallie Ann’s dedication to cultural preservation has taken her beyond her island home to national and international stages. Her expertise and charisma have been featured in outlets such as BBC Travel, National Geographic, Southern Living, Bon Appétit, Garden & Gun, and The South Magazine. She has also appeared on the Food Network, the Travel Channel, and Georgia Public Broadcasting, earning her accolades as a cultural icon and historian.

When not writing or appearing on screen, Sallie Ann gives immersive tours on Daufuskie Island, where she shares the rich history of her family and the day-to-day realities of life on this unique Sea Island—then and now. Through her storytelling and hospitality, visitors step into a world of tradition, resilience, and timeless Gullah flavors.

Sallie Ann Robinson’s life is a testament to the power of heritage, hard work, and the enduring significance of community. Whether through her books, tours, or public appearances, she continues to honor her roots while inspiring others to appreciate and preserve the legacy of the Gullah people.

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.

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.

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.

A native of Savannah, Ga., Lavon began singing and playing piano at the age of 7. 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. 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 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.

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.