State Museum hosts new exhibition, When I See Myself, I See . . ., from artist Natalie Daise

The South Carolina State Museum announced the opening of When I See Myself, I See…, a dynamic portrait series by acclaimed storyteller and visual artist Natalie Daise paired with original artwork and essays by South Carolina youth. The exhibition opens Friday, September 26, and is presented in collaboration with South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) and Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program.

“This new exhibition highlights the voices and potential of young people in our state,” said State Museum Executive Director Amy Bartow-Melia, “The exhibition gives visitors a moving experience that reflects the museum’s commitment to education and community.”

When I See Myself, I See… explores the creativity, dreams and lived experiences of 21 Voorhees University GEAR UP students. Daise interviewed students at South Carolina middle schools to learn about their hopes, dreams, aspirations and fears. The resulting portraits capture their stories and highlight the impact of the GEAR UP program in supporting educational opportunities and inspiring dialogue that fosters creative solutions to the challenges facing today’s youth.

“When students see their potential, they create their future while gearing up for the next level of excellence through Voorhees University GEAR UP.” said GEAR UP Project Director Tiffany Leaf.

In addition to Daise’s portraits, the exhibition features student interviews exploring topics such as pop culture, family history, mental health, education and peer pressure. Produced by SCETV, these videos provide context and depth to the students’ stories, further enriched by student artwork and interactive elements throughout the exhibition.

“SCETV is honored to partner in this initiative and to help amplify the voices of South Carolina’s youth.” said SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell. “Projects like When I See Myself, I See… remind us of the importance of listening to young people and creating platforms where they feel valued and supported.”

With more than three decades of experience in the arts, Natalie Daise has long been celebrated for her ability to connect communities through creativity. She first gained national recognition as co-star of the Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon series Gullah Gullah Island, which shared the culture of the Gullah Geechee community with audiences worldwide. Since then, she has built a multifaceted career as a storyteller, educator, performing artist, and visual artist. Daise holds an M.A. in Creativity Studies and has presented her work at theaters, festivals, museums and conferences nationwide.

“These students trusted me with their stories and dreams. Creating their portraits felt like an act of worship. They are brave, brilliant, and beautiful—each a work of art. In a hard season of my life, they gave me hope. I’m honored to have met them,” said Natalie Daise.

When I See Myself, I See… is included with museum membership or general admission. General admission to the museum is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $10 for children aged 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. The museum is open Tues. – Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sun. from 12 – 5 p.m.

About the South Carolina State Museum

Since opening in 1988, the South Carolina State Museum has been committed to collecting, preserving and showcasing the rich culture, art, natural history, technology and innovation of the Palmetto State. Through a comprehensive collection of over 1.1 million objects and four floors of stimulating exhibitions and displays housed within the historic Columbia Mills Building, the State Museum provides educational environments that entertain, inspire and enrich the lives of millions of visitors and students from across South Carolina. For more information about the museum, visit scmuseum.org.

About GEAR UP

Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program launched the “When I See Myself, I See…” student project as a creative platform to help students explore identity, culture, and self-expression. The initiative encourages young people to reflect on how they view themselves and their place in the world, building confidence while strengthening cultural awareness and academic engagement.

A highlight of the project includes collaboration with Natalie Daise, acclaimed storyteller, visual artist, and co-star of Nickelodeon’s groundbreaking children’s series Gullah Gullah Island. Through her art and storytelling, Daise has long celebrated Gullah Geechee culture and inspired generations of children to embrace their heritage and potential. Her involvement in this project amplifies the message that representation matters — that when students see themselves reflected in positive, authentic ways, they are more likely to believe in their ability to succeed.

This project aligns with Voorhees University GEAR UP’s mission of supporting students beyond academics by also nurturing cultural pride, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

About SCETV

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.