Ivey Hayes, Artist
Poplar Grove is proud to feature the artist Ivey Hayes, a native of Pender County whose work celebrated the spirit of place, family, and community. His depictions of southeastern North Carolina reflect the vibrancy of Gullah culture. Poplar Grove’s founder, Jan M. Lewis, was a great supporter of Hayes, and a UNCW art-history intern is developing an exhibit of his work for the site.
In Picking Peanuts, a group of African American women work together harvesting peanuts. Warm yellows and reds play against the cool greens of the plants; curved lines in the women’s clothing, hats, baskets, and the billowing clouds give the scene a sense of rhythm. Despite the labor depicted, the painting radiates community and dignity — a celebration of the resilience and togetherness of Black women through shared labor. — write-up by UNCW art-history intern Anna Van De Carr.
View more of Ivey Hayes’ work at iveyhayesartworks.com.