Cameron Art Museum to showcase Gullah Geechee culture in new Jonathan Green exhibition
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Cameron Art Museum will spotlight the rich traditions and cultural legacy of the Gullah Geechee community in a new summer exhibition featuring acclaimed artist Jonathan Green.
Rooted in Memory: The Gullah Geechee Vision of Jonathan Green opens June 19 and runs through Jan. 24, 2027, bringing together Green’s vibrant paintings with traditional Gullah Geechee crafts in an exploration of heritage, storytelling and cultural preservation.
Green, a native of Gardens Corner, South Carolina, is widely recognized for paintings inspired by his Gullah Geechee roots. His work portrays scenes of family life, labor, celebration and spirituality, often using vivid colors and expressive compositions to honor the lived experiences of the Gullah Geechee people.
Museum leaders say the exhibition highlights the power of art to preserve culture and connect communities across generations.
“Jonathan Green’s work reflects the power of art to preserve memory, celebrate cultural identity, and connect generations,” CAM CEO Heather Wilson said in a statement. “This exhibition brings together contemporary art and traditional craft in a way that honors the enduring legacy of Gullah Geechee culture while creating meaningful connections for audiences across our region.”
The exhibition pairs Green’s paintings with traditional crafts including sweetgrass baskets, quilts and Adinkra-printed cloth, on loan from the Charleston Museum, the Gibbes Museum and the South Carolina State Museum. Museum officials said the combination of contemporary artwork and historic craft traditions emphasizes the enduring connections between Gullah Geechee culture and West African heritage.
Green’s paintings frequently feature patterned textiles and handcrafted objects, underscoring the role of art and craft as vessels for memory, identity and ancestral knowledge.
The exhibition also highlights CAM’s tradition of exhibiting regional contemporary art from private collections. The featured works are loaned by members of an anonymous family, offering visitors a rare glimpse into how art collecting can influence generations.
Rooted in Memory opens as part of the museum’s summer exhibition season alongside Fresh Air: Inflatable Sculptures and Andy Warhol: Silver Clouds. CAM will host a special opening celebration on Thursday, June 18, followed by a free community day on Saturday, June 20.
For more information about exhibitions, programs, membership, and events, visit their website.
