The Vessels of Memory We Carry

The Vessels of Memory We Carry exhibits artist Tori S. Scott as she explores her cultural heritage and connection to the Gullah Geechee through a mixed media exhibition. The Gullah Geechee comprises various African ethnic groups who reside in the Southeast United States, spanning the coastal region and sea islands between Jacksonville, North Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. The Gullah Geechee people are stewards of West African history in the United States, advocating for human rights, environmental justice and the cultivation of a rich cultural legacy. Visually, The Vessels of Memory We Carry is anchored by indigo, a color symbolic of the resilience and strength of African Americans. Incurring this symbolism, Tori S. Scott reclaims her familial history through her multimedium mastery, producing a traditional Bottle Tree, Quilt and Sweetgrass Basket, supported by a film detailing the powerful stories of her community. The Vessels of Memory We Carry divulges Scott’s research journey of two years; defined by the investigation and creative interpretation of utilitarian art, agricultural traditions, spiritual practices, ancestral memory, and textile elements. They weave together a story of personal and cultural discovery, unearthing valuable connections between herself, her mother, her community, and her ancestors.

Installed in The Garden Room, a historic space in the Richmond Cottage at the Deering Estate, The Vessels of Memory We Carry will be on view from August 1st to October 20th, 2026.