The Skillern Family Art Museum in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, has reopened for the 2026 season with a new exhibition titled “Beyond the Gaze.” The show highlights artwork and historical pieces centered on the African American diaspora and Indigenous women’s experiences, achievements, and contributions. Co-owners Carmelia Scott-Skillern and Elliot Skillern aim to share untold stories and provide deeper historical context behind the art.
This exhibition matters because it creates a dedicated space for narratives that have often been overlooked, celebrating the contributions of women of color and ensuring future generations have access to a fuller understanding of their history. By opening before Memorial Day and Atlantic Beach’s Bike Week, the museum also seeks to engage visitors with both the art and the local history of the town, helping to correct misconceptions and broaden cultural awareness.