Changing Exhibition
When I See Myself, I See . . .
Coming Soon! This portrait series, by acclaimed storyteller and visual artist Natalie Daise, highlights the creativity, dreams and lived experiences of 21 students.
Opens September 2025
When I See Myself, I See…, is a powerful portrait series by acclaimed storyteller and visual artist Natalie Daise. The exhibition highlights the creativity, dreams and lived experiences of 21 Voorhees University GEAR UP students. Daise interviewed students at South Carolina middle schools to learn about their hopes, dreams, aspirations and fears. The resulting portraits capture their stories and highlight the impact of the GEAR UP program to inspire imagination, creativity and dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing youth today.
“These students trusted me with their stories and dreams. Creating their portraits felt like an act of worship. They are brave, brilliant, and beautiful—each a work of art. In a hard season of my life, they gave me hope. I’m honored to have met them,” said Natalie Daise.
In addition to Daise’s portraits, the exhibition features student interviews exploring topics such as pop culture, family history, mental health, education and peer pressure. Produced by SCETV, these videos provide context and depth to the students’ stories, further enriched by student artwork and interactive elements throughout the exhibition.
When I See Myself, I See… is presented in collaboration with South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) and Voorhees University’s GEAR UP program.
Exhibition entrance is included with museum general admission or membership.
About the Artist
With more than three decades of experience in the arts, Natalie Daise has long been celebrated for her ability to connect communities through creativity. She first gained national recognition as co-star of the Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon series Gullah Gullah Island, which shared the culture of the Gullah Geechee community with audiences worldwide. Since then, she has built a multifaceted career as a storyteller, educator, performing artist, and visual artist. Daise holds an M.A. in Creativity Studies and has presented her work at theaters, festivals, museums, and conferences nationwide.
Exhibition Partners
