Gullah Gift Guide: 12 Gullah Artists, Makers and Brands You Should Follow

As a Lowcountry native, I have a fond appreciation for Gullah art. Recognized for its vibrancy and distinctive colors, Gullah art explores the culture and life of the people living in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida's Lowcountry — a region located along the southern coasts that is deeply rooted in Black history.

The Gullah Geechee are descendents of enslaved people from West and Central Africa who have preserved much of their original language, culture and history over generations and make up a large percentage of the population in these areas. The passionate artists that create these works draw from Gullah Geechee culture and history, and, in turn, celebrate their beautiful way of life.

As a Black Southern Belle, I love to collect handmade artwork that reflects my culture and heritage, bringing that part of me into my home. If you are looking for artwork that tells a story or showcases a glimpse of history, I encourage you to explore Gullah art and the artists who create these dynamic pieces. I love traveling around the South to galleries, exhibits and boutiques to find new artists and artworks.

Here you will discover some of my favorite artists and artwork that exemplify Gullah art, from vibrant paintings to intricate handwoven sweetgrass baskets. These pieces of art are great for decorating in the home, gifting and collecting.

Jonathan Green

Studio artist Jonathan Green is considered one of the most influential artists to capture Southern life and traditions and revive interest in the Gullah people and the culture. Best known for his vibrant paintings and prints that document his Gullah heritage, Green’s work serves as a tribute to a people and their traditions that continue to stand the tests of time. The vibrancy of his work is lauded for lending dimension to the past and present of a unique culture found in South Carolina, coastal Georgia, and the stretch of land known as the Gullah-Geechee Corridor.

Sonja Griffin Evans

Mixed-media artist Sonja Griffin Evans was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina. Her love for the Lowcountry is expressed in the materials (including tin and wood) she uses to produce art that is Gullah in composition and texture. Sonja Griffin Evans’ work has been exhibited worldwide and can be found in corporate collections, fine art galleries and homes everywhere. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Lisa Rivers

Lisa Rivers is an artist and owner of Legacy Art Gallery in Beaufort, South Carolina. The Brooklyn native's paintings feature bright, bold colors, vividly portraying Gullah culture. When Legacy Art Gallery opened in 2019, it became the first Black woman-owned art gallery on Bay Street in downtown Beaufort.

Gullah T's N' Tings

Gullah T's N' Tings is an inspiring lifestyle brand created by Sonya Grant for those who want to literally wear their Gullah-Geechee heritage proudly. You can shop the culture collection on Etsy for T-shirts, beach towels, leggings, mugs and more, and follow them on Instagram.

Gullah Renaissance

Gullah Renaissance was established in 2018 by Andrea White to showcase Gullah-inspired gifts that are a testament to the beauty of the Lowcountry and a reflection of and dedication to the artisans, history and presence of the Gullah-Geechee culture. The brand offers colorful and fun backpacks, travel mugs, pouches, beach bags, masks and shirts for any stylish outing. You can also pick up an inspiring set of journals and cards in vibrant colors and patterns. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Diane Britton Dunham

Diane Britton Dunham draws inspiration from her Creole heritage as well as her experience as a longtime resident of the Lowcountry. Dunham can capture significant components of each culture within her creations while staying true to Gullah’s unique preservation of "undisturbed" African lineages and Creole’s blending of African, French, Spanish and Native American influences. Her artwork would make a captivating addition to anyone’s home.

Sabree's Gullah Art Gallery

Sabree's Gullah Art Gallery, located in Savannah, Georgia, is owned and operated by mixed-media studio artist and art educator Patricia Elaine Sabree. Patricia carries home goods and decor, stationery items, fine art and prints bearing her expressions of love for the Lowcountry and Gullah-Geechee culture. Follow Patricia on Instagram.

Sweetgrass Basket Makers

Woven sweetgrass baskets were tools designed by enslaved West Africans for rice production, used to separate the rice seed from its chaff. The baskets were originally made from bulrush and palm leaves, and eventually sweetgrass, palmetto and pine needles were also used to create the baskets. Over time, the sweetgrass basket has evolved into decorative and cherised art. In 2006, sweetgrass baskets were designated as South Carolina's official State Lowcountry Handcraft.

The Sweetgrass Basket Makers of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, are artisans who have learned the art of basketweaving with skills passed down from generation to generation through the Gullah community. Follow the community of makers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Sweetgrass Sews by Nicole

Nicole Williams is a fourth-generation sweetgrass basketmaker and seamstress based in Charleston, South Carolina. Her Gullah-Geechee heritage takes form in intricate sweetgrass and palmetto creations. Discover beautiful forms suitable for your home or as a gift on her Etsy shop.

Corey Alston

Corey Alston is a fifth-generation master sweetgrass basket weaver from Charleston, South Carolina. He is an active member of the Gullah community that is keeping values and traditions alive. Corey designs sweetgrass baskets, trays and Palmetto roses that make prized home decor. Follow Corey on Instagram and Facebook.

Mazie Brown

Mazie’s Sweetgrass Baskets are woven with love and passion. Mazie Brown enjoys sharing her craft and the history of basket weaving while showcasing her unique sweetgrass forms. She is helping to keep alive one of the oldest surviving African art forms in America. The artistic form and natural materials lend themselves to so many decorative and functional uses. You can follow Mazie on Facebook, and if you're in Mount Pleasant, you can stop by her booth on Highway 17N, right across from The Market on Oak.

Henrietta Snype

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, native Henrietta Snype comes from a family of sweetgrass basket makers. She is a master sweetgrass basket weaver and educator who sees her artistry as a testament to the strength and longevity of the Gullah people and her African ancestors.

If you are looking for a creative art piece to bring into your home or gift to another, I would highly recommend further exploring Gullah art and artists who share their passion and genuine love for Gullah culture. Each of these artists creates handmade artwork that reflects their childhood and pride. Did an art piece or artist speak to you through their work? Let me know which one you love or decide to bring home by sharing with me at @blacksouthernbelle_bsb or using the hashtag #blacksouthernbelle.