July 24, 2025

Kiese Laymon Hosts Storytelling Event in Beaufort

News Summary

Renowned author Kiese Laymon will host a storytelling event encouraging creative writing at the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy. The event features discussions on his children’s book, ‘City Summer, Country Summer,’ and includes local students from DAYLO. Books will be available for sale and signing. The event supports literacy and is part of a larger community effort with local musicians performing soon after. Additionally, scholarships for local art students were announced, emphasizing the importance of the arts in education.

Beaufort, South Carolina – Renowned author and MacArthur Genius Grant honoree Kiese Laymon is set to host an engaging storytelling event at the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy (RSLA) on Thursday, July 24. The program is scheduled to run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and is free for families interested in creative writing and literature.

Attendees can expect a lively discussion centered around Laymon’s debut children’s picture book titled “City Summer, Country Summer.” This event aims to inspire local youth with a specific writing opportunity reflecting the essence of Lowcountry summers. Alongside Laymon, two local students, E Achurch and Emily Alaia, representing the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO), will join the discussion to provide their perspectives and engage with the community.

Books by Kiese Laymon will be available for sale, and attendees will have the chance to have them signed during the event. This collaboration is a joint effort between the Storybook Shoppe, RSLA, DAYLO, and the Conroy Center, showcasing a commitment to promoting literacy and storytelling within the community.

Additionally, the event will coincide with a performance by local musician Shrimp City Slim, also known as Gary Erwin. Slim will perform two shows in Beaufort: the first on Friday, July 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hop Dog located on Scott Street, and the second from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Ribaut Road farmers’ market in Port Royal. Slim has been a fixture in the Lowcountry music scene for over 40 years, captivating audiences with his unique sound and engaging performances.

In the realm of local arts and education, the Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Naomi McCracken Scholarships. Katherine Donahue and Ke’yari Kelly have received these awards, which aim to support graduating high school seniors as they pursue degrees in the arts. Donahue plans to attend Clemson University to study architecture, while Kelly has chosen to further her education in art education at Winthrop University.

SOBA will also feature an exhibit titled “Everyday Life on Hilton Head” by Nancy Huson as its August Featured Artist show, which will run from August 3 to 30. An opening reception for this exhibit is scheduled for August 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the SOBA Gallery, and it is free and open to the public.

In recent news, it has been reported that 15 new books have faced challenges in Beaufort County, highlighting ongoing discussions about literature and accessibility in educational settings. Meanwhile, the Pat Conroy Literary Center is preparing to host the annual Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair, an event aimed at fostering a love for reading among young children.

This gathering at the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy promises to be an enriching experience for families, encouraging creativity, literacy, and community spirit.