Community in Conversation: Carrying African American Basket Traditions
November 6–November 7 Jepson Center & Telfair AcademyFREE & Open to the public
For generations, African American basket makers have preserved one of the Lowcountry’s oldest and most enduring artistic traditions. Rooted in West African knowledge and adapted through centuries of life along the Georgia and South Carolina coasts, coiled basketry reflects extraordinary skill, resilience, and cultural continuity. These handsewn forms have become internationally recognized works of art while remaining deeply connected to family, community, and place.
Telfair Museums will host Community in Conversation: Carrying African American Basket Traditions, with programs taking place November 6 and 7. We invite basket makers, scholars, museum professionals, educators, environmentalists, art enthusiasts, and community members to join in conversations about this significant American craft tradition. Connecting to the exhibition Roots in the Rushes: African American Basketry of the Lowcountry on view at the Telfair Academy, this convening will offer panel discussions, workshops, tours, and engagements that explore the history, techniques, innovations, knowledge, and cultural relevance of this tradition in our region. By gathering, we aim to honor the ongoing vitality of basketmaking in the Lowcountry and inspire future generations.
Seating is first-come, first-served. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended
REGISTER HERE
Friday, November 6
Jepson Center Auditorium
6:00pm ‒ Lecture with Dale Rosengarten & Nakia Wigfall
Saturday, November 7
Jepson Center Auditorium
10:00am – Welcome and Opening Remarks
10:15am – Panel I: “Threads of History, Memory, and Tradition”
11:00am – BREAK
11:15am – Panel II: “From Grass to Basket: Methods & Materials”
12:00pm – BREAK FOR LUNCH
12:00pm–1:30pm – Workshop #1 (Instructor: Yvonne Grovner | Location: Jepson Center Art Studio) (Capacity limited. Separate registration required.)
1:00pm – Panel III: “Carrying the Legacy Forward”
1:45pm – Closing Remarks
Program Resumes at the Telfair Academy
2:00pm–4:00pm – Book Signings and Meet & Greets (Location: Telfair Academy Rotunda Gallery)
2:00pm–3:30pm – Workshop #2 (Location: Telfair Academy Sculpture Gallery) (Capacity limited. Separate registration required.)
2:30pm – Curator-led tour of Roots in the Rushes: African American Basketry of the Lowcountry
4:00pm – Event Concludes
Exhibition-related programs are made possible through the generous support of the Americana Foundation.
