Born on July 12, 1972, in the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, Richard Law’s artwork is deeply rooted in his Southern upbringing, Black culture, and the landscapes of Georgia and South Carolina. Raised by a social worker and a minister, his upbringing instilled a strong work ethic, faith, and moral principles, all of which shine through in his artistic endeavors.

A self-taught artist, Richard began painting as a hobby, and after a friend recognized his talent, he was encouraged to sell his work. This marked the beginning of his evolution as an artist, fostering a love for creating pieces that tell the stories of his life and surroundings.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Richard is also a talented barber and musician, having mastered both the flute and saxophone. His paintings are a reflection of his life experiences, often portraying elements like barbershop scenes, musicians, and the iconic container ships passing through Savannah's busy ports. Drawing from folk art, jazz, and contemporary styles, Richard’s work captures the essence of the Lowcountry, blending religious values and cultural narratives into every canvas.

Through his paintings, Richard Law not only shares his personal journey but invites others to connect with the beauty and richness of the world around him.

The Beach Institute African American Cultural Center proudly presents Roots and Realities, a powerful art exhibit exploring the Gullah Geechee people's vibrant culture and untold stories. Featuring the works of renowned artists Amiri Farris and Isaac McCaslin, the exhibit invites audiences to reflect on the beauty of resilience while honoring the tragedies that have shaped history.

Amiri Farris’s vivid, dynamic pieces pulse with the rhythm of Gullah Geechee life, capturing the brilliance of their traditions and the resilience of their spirit. In stark contrast, Isaac McCaslin’s black-and-white series, The Tragedy at Ebenezer Creek, lays bare the sorrow of lives lost in a long-buried historical atrocity. The massacre at Ebenezer Creek, a dark chapter of the Civil War, shook the nation when news of it reached Savannah, playing a pivotal role in the landmark "40 Acres and a Mule" meeting at the Green-Meldrim House.

Together, their works embody the alchemy of resilience—how the deep roots of memory and ancestral connection can transmute suffering into something enduring, where pain becomes purpose and tragedy gives rise to culture, as vividly reflected in the luminous hues of Amiri Farris’s paintings.

Local artists submitted artwork inspired by our gardens, which grow plants related to African Diaspora foodways. This exhibit features work by Savannah Arts Academy teacher Napoleon Wilkerson nd his former student Brooks Davis II. Also showing pieces are Panhandle Slim, Isaac McCaslin, Jake Stephens, Thao Hong, and more!