Clay Hill Elementary School recently celebrated a unique cultural and artistic residency, providing its 4th and 5th-grade students with an immersive experience that connected them to the rich heritage of local Indigenous communities. This opportunity was brought to Clay Hill by Stephanie Lancaster, Education Manager at Gaillard Performance Hall, who collaborated with Vickie Ray and Ivan Mansilla to extend an initiative originally piloted at Harleyville Elementary. The program was designed to honor Indigenous and African American traditions through music, storytelling, and hands-on art activities.
At the heart of the residency was a special performance titled "This Land is Our Land," featuring renowned singer and storyteller Martha Redbone. Held on October 24th at Gaillard Performance Hall, the performance highlighted the sounds of Americana music and celebrated Martha’s Cherokee, Choctaw, and African American ancestry. With Ridgeville, SC, home to one of the largest Indigenous populations in the Tri-County area, and many students belonging to the Edisto Natchez Kusso Tribe, the residency provided a meaningful connection to cultural heritage and history.
The week-long residency included an array of educational and creative activities:
- Monday, October 21st: A representative from a local tribe visited Clay Hill Elementary to lead a lesson in bone bead choker making. Students learned to create traditional jewelry and listened to stories about the historical and cultural significance of the art form, connecting them to their heritage in a tangible, memorable way.
- Tuesday, October 22nd: Gaillard teaching artists returned to help students complete their beadwork projects. This hands-on session encouraged creativity while reinforcing the historical insights shared on the first day.
- Wednesday, October 23rd: Martha Redbone herself visited the school to host a workshop, where she introduced students to her creative process. She shared insights into her blend of storytelling and music, which she uses to honor her cultural heritage, giving students an inside look at how personal history can shape artistic expression.
- Thursday, October 24th: The students attended the highlight of the residency; the performance of "This Land is Our Land" at Gaillard Performance Hall. Thanks to Gaillard’s generous support, tickets and transportation were provided free of charge. The performance captivated the students with Martha’s unique blend of music and storytelling, leaving a lasting impression and deepening their appreciation for the arts.
- Friday, October 25th: The week concluded with a music and dance demonstration from the Wassamassaw and Edisto Natchez Kusso tribes. Held outdoors, the vibrant presentation immersed students in traditional dance and music, creating a powerful end to a culturally enriching experience.
The arts residency at Clay Hill Elementary allowed students to explore both their creativity and cultural roots. Through each session, they gained a deeper understanding of how art, history, and tradition intertwine. This residency was more than an educational experience; it was a celebration of heritage, connection, and pride that will resonate in the hearts of students and staff alike for years to come.