Students invited to submit art for Sam Doyle Celebration in Beaufort

Sam Doyle, Wellcome TableARTworks in Beaufort and the Penn Center invite students to submit artwork as part of the Sam Doyle Celebration, an event recognizing St. Helena Island native and self-taught artist Sam Doyle’s ingenuity and self-expression. Doyle documented life on the island with house paint and honesty, scraps of tin and a strong sense of humanity, often painting on household objects. Students are encouraged to do so as well, using items such as plywood, tin roofing, empty paint cans, doors, etc.

Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of several educational resources to teach students about Doyle and then have students create art for the celebration. Teachers may submit work by students in grades 3 through 12, and work should reflect what students have learned about Doyle and from his paintings. 2D and 3D visual art works are eligible. Entries are welcome from any school, not just Beaufort County schools.

Available resources:

  • DVD of Victoria Small’s “Sam Doyle: Historical Portrait of a Gullah Icon” presentation
  • Color copy of “Sam Doyle: Haints & Saints” by Gordon W. Bailey (a booklet of Doyle’s biography, context, and 10 paintings.)
  • “Sam Doyle’s Themes & History Lessons” lesson plan — a discussion guide of Doyle’s themes, subjects and materials.
  • “That’s Natural, Man”  — five steps through sketches and creative writing.

The resources, other helpful links and complete submission details are posted on ARTworks’ website. Find more about Doyle and his work on the Foundation for Self Taught Artist’s website, and view Doyle’s work, Adlade, a Slave, which is in the South Carolina Arts Commission’s State Art Collection.

Artwork must be delivered to the Penn Center by Oct. 1. All accepted work will be exhibited at Penn Center in October, with three pieces chosen for recognition. Student artwork will be part of Sam Doyle Night, scheduled for 5 – 8 p.m. on Oct. 10, when Penn Center’s collection of Doyle’s paintings will be on display. Student work will be for sale (at a very affordable price) and will benefit ARTworks & Penn Center’s continued support for emerging student artists. The public is invited to the Oct. 10 event  (tickets are $25), but students, their immediate families and sponsoring teachers are admitted free. Contact Victoria Smalls, director of history and culture at Penn Center, for information about the event and arrangements: (843) 838-2432.

Related: Read more about the Sam Doyle Celebration.

Image: Sam Doyle, Wellcome Table. Collection of Gordon W. Bailey.

Via: ARTworks