Virginia Stokes-Watson "Genya"
Virginia "Genya" Stokes-Watson. Creating art with passion from her life experiences and true love for her Gullah Geechee culture.
Since 1957, born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, SC, Virginia (Genya) observed her mother, Ms. Elizabeth Stokes, for many years, crafting sweetgrass baskets. Although Genya learned the tradition of making sweetgrass baskets, she fell in love with the artistic concept of handcrafting dolls since the 1950s.
As a child, Genya’s dolls consisted of soda bottles, grass blades, and raggedy old clothing. It wasn’t long before Genya realized GOD blessed her with a unique and memorable gift!
Genya has taken up her childhood mantle and is "playing" with dolls once again; she is honored to present her very own one of a kind GULLAH DOLLS of CHARLESTON.
The handcrafted dolls are accessorized with sweetgrass blades, evening dress purses, baskets, and their head wraps.
The Gullah Dolls of Charleston are also featured in several magazines and news media throughout South Carolina and Georgia!
Look for GULLAH DOLLS of CHARLESTON by Genya at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Also at the following Plantations in SC: Boone Hall, McLeod, Middleton Place & Magnolia. Genya’s dolls were requested to be represented at Angel Oak Tree, Pawleys Island General Store, The Caw Caw Interpretive Center, and other Historical Landmarks of Charleston, SC.
Additionally, The Gibbes Art Museum, Brookgreen Gardens, and The Savannah History Museum hosts Genya’s handcrafted dolls to date.
Genya’s hope is that you will enjoy owning her dolls and that you will remember gifting them helps spread the Gullah love!
- Genya
As a child, Genya’s dolls consisted of soda bottles, grass blades, and raggedy old clothing. It wasn’t long before Genya realized GOD blessed her with a unique and memorable gift!
Genya has taken up her childhood mantle and is "playing" with dolls once again; she is honored to present her very own one of a kind GULLAH DOLLS of CHARLESTON.
The handcrafted dolls are accessorized with sweetgrass blades, evening dress purses, baskets, and their head wraps.
The Gullah Dolls of Charleston are also featured in several magazines and news media throughout South Carolina and Georgia!
Look for GULLAH DOLLS of CHARLESTON by Genya at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Also at the following Plantations in SC: Boone Hall, McLeod, Middleton Place & Magnolia. Genya’s dolls were requested to be represented at Angel Oak Tree, Pawleys Island General Store, The Caw Caw Interpretive Center, and other Historical Landmarks of Charleston, SC.
Additionally, The Gibbes Art Museum, Brookgreen Gardens, and The Savannah History Museum hosts Genya’s handcrafted dolls to date.
Genya’s hope is that you will enjoy owning her dolls and that you will remember gifting them helps spread the Gullah love!
- Genya