Gullah artist Sonja Griffin Evans was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina; a true product of the South called the Lowcountry. The Lowcountry and her Gullah heritage have been incredible influences on Sonja’s artwork, giving her inspiration and an uncanny ability to capture the beauty, spirituality and a pure representation of the Gullah Sea Islands and African American culture.

As a prolific mixed media artist, Sonja incorporates tin, wood and other materials in her art, while using rich vibrant colors on canvas, which are indicative of what has been acknowledged as the traditional Gullah style. In both mediums, she is careful about how she expresses her culture, so that it is represented in its purest form.

Evans believes that everything that God has created is not only beautiful, but has a purpose and that nothing should be wasted. She further believes that she merely holds the paint brush and God creates the art.

Known for her ability to see the beauty in a variety of forms, she unveils alluring stories that each piece holds within them by creating a reflection of the deep spirituality of the people of African descent. With her unique use of color and perspectives within her work, Griffin Evans’ artwork is constantly evolving.

A masterful storyteller, Evans is able to weave her art, culture, heritage and history into an inspiring motivational experience that brings each piece to life; as she invokes powerful spiritual and cultural insights.

Sonja has won prestigious awards, including one in 2013, where she received the African Diaspora World Tourism Flame Keepers Award for honoring the culture and heritage of people of African descent through her art. In addition, Sonja was also named an Honoree of the Mamie Till Mobley Woman of Courage Award, as well as an Onyx Award Nominee.

As a strong advocate for the arts, Evans has been featured on numerous television and radio broadcasts and publications, such as DuPont Registry, Southern Lady Magazine, Coastal Lifestyle Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Local Life Magazine, Hilton Head Monthly, From Imagining to Understanding the African American Experience and more.

Sonja’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and abroad and is in countless corporate and private collections.

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