Overview: Members of the Georgia Tech community (students, faculty, and staff) and individuals from St. Helena Island, South Carolina, and nearby communities have the opportunity to participate in a unique alternative spring break at the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District on St. Helena Island. In collaboration with the Gullah/Geechee Nation, this multidisciplinary arts initiative will create transformative opportunities while honoring one of America’s most significant cultural landmarks. The program, which is funded by a Catalyst Grant from Georgia Tech Arts, will cover all lodging, most meals, and transportation for participants during the residency. The program will also provide optional transportation to and from Atlanta for the residency. Additional details will be made available to individuals who are selected for the residency. 

The Experience: This initiative will transport participants to the campus of the former Penn School, one of the nation’s first schools for formerly enslaved people. Participants will discover a place enlivened by the past and surrounded by natural beauty. During a four-day journey, participants will live and learn at the Center while creating artistic responses. Days will be spent exploring the campus, engaging with Gullah culture, and developing work. Evenings will feature work-in-progress critiques, fostering a supportive community of practice. Residents will stay at Benezet, (1905) which was the former female dorm. Residents will have their own room and will share a bathroom with another resident. 

Follow-up: Participants will have the opportunity to share their artwork with the Georgia Tech community at a public event. 

Participants and Selection: Ideal participants are curious, open-minded, and ready to embrace artistic practice. The ideal participant may be someone interested in the arts but lacks time or money to pursue creative work, or someone eager to begin an artistic journey but uncertain where to start. All types of artists can apply – from writers and painters to quilters and performance artists. Participants will include: (4) students, (3) faculty, (3) staff, (3) community members from St. Helena Island, the Penn Center, and Gullah/Geechee Nation, and (2) visiting artists. The program will be led by Dr. Jennifer Lux and Dr. Danielle Willkens. 

How to Apply: Submit a 500-word essay and one representative work (e.g., photograph, video, painting, or poem). Preference will be given to those who have not previously worked with the Penn Center. 

Please direct any questions to Jennifer Lux (jennifer.lux@scheller.gatech.edu) and/or Danielle Willkens (danielle.willkens@design.gatech.edu). Online applications are due Monday, January 12, at 11:59pm. Application decisions will be made by Tuesday, January 20.  

Schedule (subject to updates) 

Saturday, March 21 

• 8:00am: Depart from Georgia Tech
• 3:00pm: Arrive at Penn Center for welcome and check-in
• 4:00pm-6:00pm: Campus orientation
• 6:00pm-7:30pm: Dinner provided by Low-Country caterer

Sunday, March 22 

• 7:00am-8:30am: Breakfast
• 9:00am-5:00pm: Workshop with local artist, lunch, time to create art
• 5:00pm-8:00pm: Group trip to Beaufort, dinner on your own

Monday, March 23 

• 7:00am-8:30am: Breakfast 
• 9:00am-6:00pm: Workshop with local artist, lunch, time to create art
• 6:00pm-7:30pm: Dinner provided by Low-Country caterer

Tuesday, March 24 

• 7:00am-8:30am: Breakfast
• 9:00am-12:00pm: Morning wrap up. Complete and submit online residency evaluations. Depart by noon. Lunch on your own.

Click here to apply