BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Sweetgrass basket sewing is a unique art form brought to South Carolina in the late 18th century by enslaved West Africans. This Gullah tradition has been passed down for generations, becoming an iconic art form throughout the coastal Southeast.
The Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center is honored to host Sweetgrass basket sewing classes on Saturday April 14, at 11 a.m., and on Saturday April 21, at 11 a.m. This two-hour hands-on class is led by Jennifaye Kimberly Singleton.
This Huger, S.C. native will lead a discussion about the history of Gullah culture, artistic techniques and the tools and materials used to sew sweetgrass baskets. Attendees will have the opportunity to make a small take home item using the same technique used to make the larger basket forms. Singleton hopes that by engaging students in this artistic activity she will enable them “…to gain a deeper understanding of the methods used to sew baskets, to have a personal connection with the art form, and to understand the materials and tools needed to create sweetgrass baskets.”
There is a $30 per participant fee with a maximum number of up to 25 participants per class. Registration and pre-payment is required, as space is limited. To reserve your spot online visit our virtual gift shop at https://www.berkeleymuseum.org, or contact the museum at 843-899-5101 or at [email protected].
Located within the Old Santee Canal Park, the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center tells the 12,000-year story of the region. Exhibits and artifacts focus on Brig. Gen. Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox), American Indians, Colonial life, the Civil War, early medicine, rural electrification, pirates, early education and the Francis Marion National Forest. Gifts, books, prints, jewelry and other items are available for purchase at the museum’s Heritage Shoppe. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed on major holidays. For more information call (843) 899-5101 or email [email protected].
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