American Gullah
The Red Piano Art Gallery is honored to showcase the work of Sonja Griffin Evans, an internationally acclaimed Gullah artist whose powerful pieces bring the rich heritage and spiritual beauty of the Lowcountry to life. Born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, Evans is deeply connected to her Gullah roots, and her work celebrates the culture of the Sea Islands and African American communities. With vibrant colors and mixed media textures, she portrays her subjects in a way that both honors and preserves her heritage. Each of Evans’ pieces is a window into the Gullah experience, a culture she holds dear and represents with authenticity and grace.
Evans is known for her unique mixed media approach while incorporating her masterful use of traditional Gullah color palettes. Her paintings convey stories of resilience, spirituality, and cultural pride. With each brushstroke, she communicates a sense of purpose, believing that everything in creation is beautiful and intentional. Evans describes her role in the creative process as a vessel, stating, “I merely hold the paintbrush, and God creates the art.” Her dedication to depicting Gullah culture in its purest form has made her one of America’s leading cultural heritage artists today.
In addition to her contributions to the art world, Evans is an influential advocate for the preservation of African American history and heritage. Her work is widely featured in textbooks, documentaries, and educational materials, including those from the National Park Service. One of her renowned pieces, “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” was recently dedicated at the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park in Beaufort, where it also appears on the cover of the park’s foundational document. This piece underscores Evans’ commitment to sharing important historical narratives, particularly those of the Reconstruction period and the Freedmen’s Bureau’s efforts to support newly emancipated people after the Civil War.
We invite you to visit The Red Piano Art Gallery at 40 Calhoun St., Suite 201, in Bluffton, SC, minutes from Hilton Head Island, to experience the inspirational art of Sonja Griffin Evans. Alongside Evans’ works, our gallery presents a carefully curated selection of exceptional pieces by America’s most talented painters and sculptors. Each artwork, whether it portrays the Lowcountry or draws on universal themes of beauty and resilience, offers a unique perspective and storytelling power. Stop by and discover the vibrant cultural heritage and artistic mastery that make The Red Piano Art Gallery a must-visit destination for art lovers.