Skip to main content

Savannah State University Showcases “From Slave to Soldier to Freedom” Art Exhibition

 

A new art exhibition is available for viewing at Savannah State University, featuring the 3D sculptural work of local blacksmith Gilbert Walker.

UPDATE 4/29/2022: A closing reception will be held on Thurs. May 12th from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Kennedy Fine Arts Gallery, located in the Kennedy Fine Arts Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Savannah State University’s Visual and Performing Arts Program is now featuring “From Slave to Solider to Freedom,” a solo exhibition by local blacksmith and 3D sculptural artist, Gilbert Walker. The exhibition is available for viewing Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 9. The art gallery is located in the Kennedy Fine Arts Center, 3219 College St.

A native of Savannah, Walker tells a story through his drawings, carvings, and metalwork which showcases the living history in the Lowcountry. As a young adult he spent most of his time in the marshes and creeks near his home, where he found inspiration for his art. Compelled by his Gullah-Geechee roots, Walker views his work as an avenue to bridge his interest in history and his passion for creating. In this exhibition, which centers around art as both expression and education, Walker explores the ways his ancestors live alongside him and how we all carry forward pieces of the past. This is his first solo exhibition as an artist.

“Walker’s work offers our students and the wider community the opportunity to learn more about Gullah-Geechee history and culture, from an artist who is reviving the African blacksmithing tradition,” said Christen Clougherty, Ph.D., Savannah State University Director of Galleries. “As we walk the streets of the Landmark Historic District in Savannah, we see an abundance of metal work, crafted by captured Africans. We are left with a powerful reminder of the tremendous skill, artistry, and ingenuity of these individuals who helped to build the United States.”

For more information, contact Dr. Clougherty by calling 912-220-4652 or emailing cloughertyc@savannahstate.edu.

Mr. Walker's collection features 3D sculptural pieces such as above, and will be on display through May 9. 

Popular posts from this blog

SSU Mourns the Passing of Former Athletics Director

  Savannah State University is deeply saddened by the passing of former Director of Athletics, Mr. Sterling Steward. A proud native of New Orleans, Mr. Steward served as SSU’s Director of Athletics from 2011 to 2018. Throughout his tenure, his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the success of student-athletes made a profound and lasting impact on the entire SSU community. Savannah State University will forever be grateful for Mr. Steward’s numerous contributions to SSU Athletics and the University as a whole. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, athletes, and staff. Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the Steward family, his friends, loved ones, and all who are affected by this loss.
Post a Comment
Read more

SSU Announces 2025 Scholarship Gala

Savannah State University (SSU) is pleased to announce the 26th Anniversary Scholarship Gala will be held on Saturday, Apr. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Savannah Convention Center. The annual community event celebrates local leaders while raising funds to provide financial assistance to SSU students, 90% of whom receive some sort of financial assistance for college. Last year, the Gala was a sold out event, raising a record-breaking $412,000. “Our generous past donors are paving a brighter future for our current students,” said SSU Interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander. “We are so grateful for the faithful community members who continue to support our historic institution and the promising young students who need their assistance to achieve their dreams.” This year’s theme is “An Evening of Elegance: An Orange Carpet Affair.” The event will feature an Awards of Excellence presentation, honoring a select group of distinguished individuals (alumni and friends of the university) for thei...
1 comment
Read more

Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named SSU President

Dr. Jermaine Whirl   The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Jermaine Whirl president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective April 1, 2025. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, most recently served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he has held since November 2020. Whirl’s career includes nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in his home state of South Carolina and in Georgia. He has previously worked at several institutions, including Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State University. “As we welcome Dr. Whirl back into the USG family, we deeply appreciate the steadfast and dedicated leadership of interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Cynthia has laid a strong foundation for Savannah State’s future, one that Dr. Whirl is well-equipped to build...
Post a Comment
Read more