Stick Men: Savannah Folk Art Canes and Wood Sculptures

Since the early 20th century, woodcarvings and carved walking sticks were noted in writings and photographs about the Savannah area. Sometimes discussed in terms of a lingering African aesthetic in the traditional arts of the African South, these works were explored by scholars and brought national acclaim to Savannah woodcarver Ulysses Davis. Davis’ example inspired other men in Savannah and South Georgia to take up the art. Although some of these artists are now deseased, their work and the works of others point to a strong tradition of carving and creating “personal sculpture” - a tradition still alive in Savannah today. Largely drawn from Telfair’s permanent collection of folk art, Stick Men celebrates this rich artistic heritage in a focused exhibition.