People in Savannah and the greater coastal Georgia and South Carolina region have handcrafted objects for generations to fill the needs of furnishing their homes, pursuing new artistic endeavors and creating products to sell in a range of markets. For this reason, these works often incorporate locally available materials and reflect many cultural values. They offer a range of insights into the history of artmaking in this area.
The new Craft along the Coast galleries feature works from Telfair’s permanent collection that date from the 18th to the late 20th centuries. Gallery 1 presents examples of woodworking, ceramics, and painting, while Gallery 2 focuses on Savannah’s silversmithing traditions. Both galleries tell stories of markets and craft legacies, helping to draw lines of continuity through a dynamic history.