North Augusta Celebrates Jazz History Through Art and Storytelling
North Augusta, a city vibrant with culture and history, recently played host to an exciting event that combined the art of quilting with the rich tapestry of jazz music. Local historian Wayne O’Bryant took the stage during the South Carolina Humanities Festival, held on September 12, to share the touching story behind his mother’s exquisite quilts. The quilts, created by Marlene O’Bryant-Seabrook, serve as a beautiful homage to jazz and its history, particularly that of South Carolina and Aiken County.
A Colorful Exhibit
The exhibit, aptly named Jazz Art Quilts and Performance, was staged at the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta. It showcased an impressive collection of quilts that not only featured colorful patterns but also told stories of jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington. One quilt even depicted the significance of jazz in the White House, underscoring the genre’s influence across the nation.
This year’s festival marked a significant occasion, as it celebrated its first festival held in North Augusta since its inception in 1993. Attendees enjoyed a variety of events that focused on the local culture, including discussions led by folk artist Ernest Lee, affectionately known as the “Chicken Man.”
Wayne O’Bryant Shares Family Legacy
Wayne O’Bryant took the opportunity to speak passionately about his mother’s journey as a quilt maker. He explained how her fascination with Charleston’s vibrant jazz scene inspired her to create 11 remarkable quilts. O’Bryant noted that their family has deep-rooted connections to jazz music, with several relatives having performed in local bands.
“We have a very wealthy music tradition in this area, but jazz has always been here,” O’Bryant said with pride. He recalled how his mother started quilting after retiring from her career as an educator in the 1980s. Over the years, she crafted about 40 quilts, branching out into various themes, such as the fascinating history of the Gullah culture.
Jazz Roots in the Community
Wayne highlighted the historical significance of local venues like Palmetto Park and Pond, which hosted numerous jazz artists during the 1930s and ’40s. His uncles were among the lucky few who experienced these live performances first-hand. “They would go to the Park and Pond to hear jazz performers play,” he reminisced.
Among the audience was Margaret Hunt, a resident of CSRA who had a personal connection to Marlene O’Bryant-Seabrook. Hunt described how each quilt carried a unique story and meaning. “Her quilts definitely did,” she emphasized, showcasing the importance of storytelling through art.
The Legacy of Education Through Quilts
O’Bryant also shared intriguing insights about his mother’s creative process. “She would often work on two quilts at a time, bringing them along during trips to hotel rooms,” he said. It’s evident that the quilts are more than just beautiful pieces of fabric; they encapsulate lessons about jazz, highlighting the art form’s cultural significance.
“Since she was a teacher, a lot of her quilts had lessons and stories connected with them,” O’Bryant noted, reinforcing the idea that each quilt tells a piece of history, bridging the gap between art and education.
A Bright Future Ahead
The South Carolina Humanities Festival continues to shine a light on local culture and history, making spaces for discussions that celebrate the community’s rich heritage. Through events like these, North Augusta not only honors its past but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the arts and the stories woven into them.
As the festival unfolds, it leaves attendees with a sense of pride and connection to their roots, all while ensuring that the heart and soul of jazz music lives on through stunning quilted artworks.
