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If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw but didn’t know where to start, this is the perfect place. Join us on Saturday, November 8, for the "Intro to Drawing Workshop” with artist and instructor Ian Welch at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage.
Register Here!
Over the course of three hours, Ian will break down the fundamentals of drawing into approachable, confidence-building exercises. You’ll explore line work, shading, proportion, and composition, all at a comfortable pace designed for true beginners. Each lesson is hands-on, encouraging you to experiment as you discover your personal style.
All supplies are included, so just bring an open mind and your creative curiosity. Whether you’re brand new to drawing or returning to an old passion, you’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the art of observation.
Workshop Details
Saturday, November 8, 2025
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland, SC
Pricing
General Admission – $50
Heritage Member – $42.50 (15% discount)
Patron Member – $45 (10% discount)
Supporter Member – $47.50 (5% discount)Please note: purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another date.
Seats are limited: register now and enjoy a welcoming, creative environment where everyone starts exactly where they are.
For questions, contact us at 843-284-9227. We can’t wait to create with you.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your lunch hour in Ridgeland, make plans to stop by the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage for Brown Bag Blues with Shrimp City Slim on November 21, 2025 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM.
It’s the kind of lunch break that reminds you why small-town afternoons can be the best part of the week! That Friday afternoon, the center will come alive with the sound of piano blues and soulful folk tunes.
Shrimp City Slim has been performing across the Lowcountry and beyond for more than forty years, and his music has a way of turning an ordinary lunch break into something memorable. He’s a true storyteller behind the piano, mixing rhythm and melody with bits of history and humor that make every show feel personal.
Guests are invited to bring their own brown bag lunches and settle in for a relaxed afternoon surrounded by the charm of downtown Ridgeland. The Morris Center offers an intimate setting that lets you enjoy the music up close while taking in the exhibits that celebrate local culture and history. It’s a place where you can eat, listen, and learn something new all at once.
There’s no cost to attend, but a $5 donation is suggested to support the Center’s community programs. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
To reserve your spot, click here or call 843-284-9227.
Come enjoy good company and the kind of blues that never go out of style!
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning small, colorful pieces into something that shines. On Saturday, November 15, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage invites you to experience that feeling for yourself during our Glass Mosaics Workshop with acclaimed glass artist Pat Stone.
Reserve Your Spot Here
Pat’s work is known for its brilliant color combinations and intricate designs, and during this hands-on workshop, she’ll share her creative process from start to finish.
You’ll learn how to safely cut and shape glass, choose complementary hues, and assemble your design into a luminous mosaic suncatcher.
The final touch, grouting and polishing, brings everything together, revealing a one-of-a-kind piece that captures the light in beautiful ways.
No previous experience is required. Pat’s teaching style is encouraging and approachable, making this class ideal for beginners and returning artists alike.
All materials are provided, and the class size is kept intentionally small to allow plenty of individual attention.
Take a break from the usual weekend routine and spend a few hours surrounded by creativity, conversation, and the simple joy of making something by hand. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, learn a new skill, and bring home a piece of art that reflects your personal style.
Details
Saturday, November 15, 2025 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland, SC $80 per participant (discounts available for Heritage, Patron, and Supporter members)
Please note: purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another date.
Reserve your spot here or call 843-284-9227 for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you for a day filled with color, creativity, and inspiration.
On Saturday, October 11, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage invites you to explore that creative spark during our Monoprint Workshop with artist and educator Ian Welch.
Reserve your spot today.
In this hands-on session, Ian will guide you through the expressive art of monoprinting with gelli plates, a process that blends paint, pattern, and play.
You’ll experiment with layering, stenciling, and color mixing to create a collection of striking, one-of-a-kind prints. By the end, you’ll walk away with your own series of vibrant works and a newfound appreciation for this versatile printmaking technique.
No prior experience is required, just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get a little messy. All materials are provided, and class size is limited to ensure personalized instruction and plenty of time for creative exploration.
Saturday, October 11, 2025
General Admission – $70
Heritage Member – $59.50 (15% discount)
Patron Member – $63 (10% discount)
Supporter Member – $66.50 (5% discount)
Reserve your spot today and discover the joy of printmaking—where every pull of the plate reveals something unexpected and uniquely yours.
Questions? Contact us at 843-284-9227. We hope to see you at a workshop soon!
There’s something magical about turning tiny fragments into a radiant work of art. On Saturday, September 27, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage invites you to experience that magic for yourself during our Glass Mosaics Workshop with acclaimed glass artist Pat Stone.
Reserve Here!
In this immersive, hands-on class, Pat will guide you through every step of the process. From safely cutting and shaping colorful glass to arranging intricate patterns and grouting your finished design. By the end of the workshop, you’ll walk away with your own dazzling mosaic suncatcher to brighten any space.
No prior experience is needed! Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore. All materials are included, and space is intentionally limited to ensure plenty of one-on-one guidance.
Reserve your spot now and discover the joy of creating something truly one-of-a-kind. For questions, contact us at 843-284-9227. We look forward to welcoming you!
Unleash your creativity on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage with a special Caricature Workshop led by artist and professor Ian Welch.
Unleash your creativity on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage with a special Caricature Workshop led by artist and professor Ian Welch. REGISTER HERE!
Using brush-tip markers and pens, Ian Welch will guide you step-by-step through this unique portrait drawing technique. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your artistic skills, this workshop welcomes all levels.
Located in downtown Ridgeland, SC, the Morris Center offers the perfect backdrop for an inspiring afternoon of creativity and connection.
Please note that purchases are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to a later class date.
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today. To register or for more information, please click here or contact us at 843-284-9227. We look forward to welcoming you!
Ridgeland, SC — The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage announces a national search for its next Executive Director following Tamara Herring's upcoming departure.
The search, led by museum consultant Annmarie Reiley-Kay, aims to identify a dynamic leader who will guide the Center into its next decade of growth and community engagement.
This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and visionary professional passionate about cultural heritage, education, and nonprofit excellence.
The new Executive Director will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the Morris Center, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The Center, situated in the historic Sinclair Service Station in Ridgeland, South Carolina, serves as a cornerstone for cultural heritage, community engagement, and educational programming.
Richard Allen, Trustee of the Morris Center, stated, “We are excited to embark on this search for a new Executive Director. Our ideal candidate will bring innovative ideas and a commitment to enhancing our mission of preserving and interpreting Lowcountry heritage. We seek a leader who can inspire our team and foster collaboration within the community.”
The Executive Director's key responsibilities include strategic leadership, community engagement, fundraising, and managing the center's day-to-day operations. The position requires a proven track record in nonprofit management, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for the arts and history.
“As Tamara transitions from her role, we reflect on her significant contributions to the Morris Center, and we are eager to find a new leader who will build on her achievements,” Allen added.
The Morris Center has received nearly 80 applications from candidates across the country and has now narrowed the pool to a group of finalists. These candidates will be interviewed in the coming weeks as the search committee works to identify the next Executive Director.
The Morris Center anticipates selecting a new Executive Director in the next month to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure continued success. For more information about the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and the Executive Director search, please visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org.
About Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, located in the heart of downtown Ridgeland, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and culture of Ridgeland and its surrounding counties. Through engaging exhibitions and educational initiatives, the Center fosters a deeper understanding of the Lowcountry's heritage, ensuring its stories continue to resonate with future generations.
www.morrisheritagecenter.org
Position Title: Executive Director Classification: Exempt, Onsite, Full-Time Annual Salary: $80,000 - $100,000+ paid vacation+SEP-IRA Retirement Plan Reports To: Trustee Supervises: Full-Time Staff Download/Print
Nestled in the heart of Ridgeland, South Carolina, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is a vibrant cultural institution housed in the beautifully preserved 1937 Sinclair Service Station—an iconic structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once a vital stop along the historic U.S. Highway 17, this building stands as a symbol of the region’s rich past and enduring connection to transportation, commerce, and community. This September marks the Morris Center’s 10th year of opening its doors to the public, and we are poised to build on a decade of impactful exhibitions, educational programming, and historic preservation. As we celebrate this important milestone, we are looking for a visionary Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive of the Morris Center, responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community vision. The ED will champion our mission to preserve and interpret the history and culture of the Lowcountry while ensuring dynamic programming, sustainable growth, and deep community engagement.
This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking leader with a passion for heritage, education, and nonprofit excellence to shape the future of a beloved institution at a pivotal moment in its history.
Strategic Leadership
Staff Leadership & Culture
Operations & Financial Oversight
Fundraising & Resource Development
Exhibitions, Programs & Community Engagement
Collections & Preservation
Public Relations & Communications
Required
Additional Requirements
Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and three references to: annmarie.reiley@icloud.com
Please include "Executive Director" in the subject line.
Bringing Heritage to the Heart of the Lowcountry
Tucked right off I-95 in downtown Ridgeland, South Carolina, the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is a local gem with a powerful purpose: to make the history and culture of the Lowcountry accessible and enriching for all.
With free admission, rotating exhibits, and affordable programming, the Morris Center is more than a museum! From community events to creative workshops, the center serves as a hub providing culture and access to this local community.
A Destination Worth the Stop
If you're a curious traveler, carve out 30-60 minutes for a fascinating stop on your road trip without adding any mileage to your drive! For our local residents, the Morris Center invites you to step into the story of the Lowcountry.
Conveniently located off the interstate, it's an easy and rewarding stop which offers high-quality exhibits without the cost or crowds of larger institutions.Our incredibly dedicated staff and docents will make sure you get the most out of your visit. By pre-scheduling a guided tour for a small fee, you’re not just exploring history-you’re helping preserve it. Every dollar goes directly toward sustaining our museum and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same enriching experience.
Rooted in Ridgeland for a Reason
Unlike other cultural attractions clustered in the tourist-heavy areas of Hilton Head and Savannah, the Morris Center was intentionally established in Ridgeland by Daniel O. Morris.
This landlocked town (often bypassed but full of beauty and historical relevance) is exactly where meaningful access to arts and education can make the biggest impact.
The museum’s presence helps bridge opportunity gaps, creating space for residents and visitors to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage while creating an easily accessible experience to road trippers.
Rotating Exhibits, Year-Round Discovery
With thoughtfully curated, rotating exhibitions that highlight the people, places, and traditions of the Lowcountry, there's always something new to explore.
From stories of Gullah culture, to local art, to Revolutionary War history and beyond, the museum’s exhibitions are designed to educate and inspire all ages.
Workshops, Programs, and Community Connections
The Morris Center offers a wide range of programs that go beyond the gallery walls. From hands-on workshops and lectures, to family events and educational partnerships with local schools, the programming is crafted to be both affordable and enriching.
These offerings are designed with the community in mind, creating accessible opportunities for learning and fun. We work diligently to develop an annual event schedule that offers creative, educational opportunities for a wide variety of ages and abilities.
Free and Open to All
Admission is always free, because access shouldn’t come at a cost. Whether you're a family looking for an educational outing, a traveler seeking meaningful stops along your journey, or a retiree looking for a great way to spend a day, the Morris Center is here to welcome you.
We are sincerely appreciative to LOCAL Life Magazine for featuring the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage on their list of "Under the Radar Gems of the Lowcountry". Please take a moment to view it here!
LOCAL Life is the premier lifestyle magazine serving the vibrant communities of South Carolina's breathtaking Lowcountry.
Their magazine offers a diverse array of content that encompasses regional culture, food and drink, home and garden, entertainment, the outdoors, and lifestyle topics that resonate with the interests and passions of our readers. Each issue is crafted with care to highlight the unique charm and richness of the region.
Whether you’re looking for the latest culinary delights, tips to enhance your living space, the scoop on local events, or inspiration for outdoor adventures, LOCAL Life is your trusted companion. It’s not just a magazine; it’s a celebration of all that makes the Lowcountry not only a destination but a way of life.
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CONTACT
843-284-9227info@morrisheritagecenter.org
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 1116Ridgeland, SC 29936
MUSEUM HOURS
Wednesday - Saturday11 AM - 3 PM
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
10782 S. Jacob Smart Blvd.Ridgeland, SC 29936
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