The Power of Four

A fifth generation sweetgrass basket weaver, Corey Alston continues the tradition of this centuries-old African art form while spreading the importance and impact of the Gullah Geechee culture. Sweetgrass weaving has great significance for the Gullah people, dating back to the days of enslavement and recognized as a South Carolina State Handicraft and a rare, national treasure. 

When crafting The Power of Four, Alton was inspired by the Endowment’s program areas. He sought to represent the four, interconnected programs throughout the entire one-of-a-kind piece – with four round channels supported by a four-way bridge technique, culminating in a bold and experimental ​“Elephant Ear” design that allows the sweetgrass to shine. These elements all come together at a center ring, symbolizing one unified entity.