Artists and Artisans
The Pee Dee region of South Carolina is home to a rich legacy of African American artists and artisans who shape the cultural landscape through creativity and craftsmanship. From painters and sculptors to quilt makers and craftsmen, these individuals blend tradition with innovation, offering powerful expressions of African American life, history, and identity.
African American artists in the Pee Dee have long used their work to tell stories of resilience, community, and heritage. The art captures the essence of the African American experience in the South, with themes ranging from the legacy of slavery and segregation to the celebration of culture and the pursuit of social justice. Many of these artists draw inspiration from their surroundings, infusing their work with the region’s natural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant communities.
Notable artists like Harry McFadden and Tiffany Thomas exemplify the diverse talents within the region. McFadden’s bold storytelling and use of color are influenced by the renowned artist William H. Johnson, while Thomas’ abstract forms and vibrant palettes explore themes of identity and personal expression. Other artisans, such as quilters, woodworkers, and potters, continue to preserve the craft traditions passed down through generations, keeping alive the unique artistry of African American communities.
Through public installations, exhibitions, and community-based projects, African American artists and artisans are actively contributing to the revitalization of the Pee Dee’s cultural heritage. The artist’s works not only enhances the region’s artistic identity but also serves as a bridge between the past and the present, offering viewers a deeper understanding of African American history and the ongoing contributions of its people to the arts.
Carolyn Govan
Carolyn Govan's paintings represent the ideas of diverse culture through a storytelling form. Carolyn is a visual arts teacher, and she spends her free time in passing along the tradition of African American culture through painting.
Herman A. Keith, Jr.
Herman Keith Jr., a native of Anderson, South Carolina, explores the relationship between the past and present in his art through various media. He earned a BFA from Howard University and an MA in Teaching from Lander University. Keith has taught art across several states and is the founder of HAKeithBrushworx LLC and the South Carolina Rural Arts Project (S.C.R.A.P.), which revitalizes rural communities through public art. Inspired by the quilters of Gee's Bend, his work uses quilt designs to communicate guidance and direction, aiming to connect humanity through color, light, and energy. He currently resides in Lake City, South Carolina.
Jim Simon
Often called the Black Walt Disney. One of his most famous pieces is "A loaf of bread, a carton of milk, and a stick of butter".
Troyan Francis
Troyan Francis is a fine artist whose Instagram page showcases a diverse range of paintings and drawings, often featuring vibrant colors, bold textures, and expressive compositions. His work explores themes of nature, human emotion, and abstract forms, demonstrating a unique artistic vision that combines technical skill with deep creative expression.
Harry Arnette McFadden
Harry Arnette McFadden, an Afro-Carolinian artist from White Oak, South Carolina, describes his artistic talent as God-inspired. Influenced by William H. Johnson, McFadden uses bold colors, storytelling, and intricate yet simple compositions. His work has been exhibited at James Brown's Visual Soul festival and local arts councils, with pieces in private collections across the U.S. He holds degrees from Francis Marion University and Lesley University and currently teaches art, science, and movement at Palmetto Youth Academy in Florence, South Carolina.
Tiffany Thomas
Tiffany Thomas is a visual artist whose work often features vibrant colors, abstract forms, and intricate patterns. Her Instagram page showcases a variety of paintings and mixed media creations that explore themes of identity, culture, and personal expression. Through her art, Tiffany aims to create pieces that inspire thought and evoke emotion, blending contemporary techniques with traditional influences.
Pearl Fryar
Pearl Fryar is a self-taught topiary artist and motivational speaker. The documentary A Man Named Pearl won the Audience Appreciation Award at Heartland Film Festival.
William H. Johnson
his art captures the images of African American life presents them as stories needing to be told. Born in 1901, he moved to NY at the age of 17 to pursue a career in art. After studying in Europe, he returned to Florence in 1930 to paint his hometown. His work was exhibited at the NY World’s Fair in 1939.
Latoya Thompson
LaToya Thompson demonstrates cultural traditions through hand-made quilts, with most including bright colors and African materials.