About us

ABOUT THE HILTON HEAD ISLAND GULLAH CELEBRATION

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration programming includes a variety of events designed to attract residents, regional, national, and international travelers. The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration events incorporate many facets of the Gullah culture. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the food and music, receive firsthand historical information, and take a journey through the culture via the visual arts.

Established in 1996 by NIBCAA (Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association), the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is an annual event held during the month of February. Since its inception, the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration was designed to create economic development opportunities for minority business owners, to develop the cultural tourism market and to increase tourism in February on Hilton Head Island, historically the slowest month of the year. While consistently meeting the intended objectives the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration continues annually to strategic assess opportunity for continued growth and expansion. The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is an initiative of the NIBCAA in partnership with the Native Islanders Property Owners Association, the Town of Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County and SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

To learn more about NIBCAA click here.

 

2023 FEATURED ARTIST - LISA RIVERS

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every artist was once an amateur.” Beaufort-based artist Lisa Gilyard-Rivers seems to defy this sentiment. When art enthusiasts gaze upon her paintings, stroked with emotions of love and pain, stories of yesterday and today.  

Although my career as an artist did not begin until the age of 52. And her career as an artist began.

Lisa’s work centers on the legacy of Gullah culture, past and present. Her art mediums include abstract, oil, and multimedia. Spectators and patrons often say that the vibrant colors that shine boldly off each canvas are what catches their attention and spark their connection to her pieces. Lisa paints with love and paints most of her Masterpieces at her home on her porch. The stories are created in her paint strokes and in each finished piece.