First Grade
Jonathan Green
My Art is in my Culture
LEARN
Jonathan Green was born and raised in the Lowcountry. Jonathan draws inspiration from his family and the Gullah Community that he grew up in and illustrates the experiences he had as a child.
The Gullah or Geechee culture has a language, history, and artistic vision found nowhere else. It is unique to the Lowcountry. During the 1700's the American colonists in South Carolina discovered that rice would grow in this area, but the American colonists had no experience with the growing rice. They needed African slaves who knew how to plant, harvest, and process this difficult crop. The Gullah people are direct descendants of slaves who were brought from Africa. They live in small farming and fishing communities along the coast and on small islands of South Carolina. Because their communities are isolated, the Gullah people have been able to preserve more of their African cultural heritage.
EXPLORE
Watch the video to learn more about the amazing Gullah Culture.
Explore more South Carolina Artists online at The Gibbes Museum.
CREATE
Create art that tells a story.
Create a painting or drawing inspired by your own stories of where you live. You can illustrate members of your family, your friends, or your community.
Note: Notice how Jonathan Green uses color. Consider how the colors you are using will help in communicating the story you are telling in your artwork.
Email a picture of your finished artwork to Mrs. Carpenter.
Woman and Child