Highlights of our Explorations
Phillip Simmons
Phillip
Simmons
is a humble, vibrant, artistic genius. At the age of eight, he walked into
the blacksmith's shop of an ex-slave. By the time he was eighty, he
had forged elegant
and uniquely designed gates that decorate Charleston churches, businesses,
and homes of every economic status. Images of nature, symbols of love and
religion are just a few that decorate the town. Phillip Simmon's star and
fish gates sparked a national interest for which he received a heritage fellowship
award in 1982. His work is part of the Smithsonian Institution's Collection.
He is a living legend in the African American community and a national treasure.
--Beverly
Lloyd