On View

July 5 - August 1, 2026

 
 

250 Years From Mr. Freedman

If I hadn’t caught a patch of shade, I’d have missed them. Those stone windows, tucked behind a row of palms. It wasn’t that long ago that word of a Northern promise whistled through Charleston.

Some stayed. Some left a rose.

I wasn’t too far from Mr. Freedman’s home. I always knew I was getting close to his home when I’d see the eagles circling above. They followed the smoke. Just as I did.

After a few turns and some cobblestones later, I stepped into Mr. Freedman’s yard. And there it was, in the center of the yard. Splayed. Branded with a star. Smoking for hours. His prized hog.

I always missed the pit master. His work was quick. Precise. In and out. On to the next town. The coals burned bright and hot, tended to by a few of his nephews, while his sisters tidied the flags and shifted the stars into place, careful not to burn their fingers.

The yard was busy. Hog. Coals. Smoke.
Flags. Laughter. Kids chasing.

I got straight to work. I walked over to the porch to grab a few more stars. And there he was, twisting a palmetto frond. Someone hollered my name from the yard. “Three more over here.” When I turned back, he was gone. Hopped away.

The yard was nearly ready. Ready for another Fourth.
Another year. The sun was beginning to set.

From the porch I watched Mr. Freedman, counting his stars. Pointing and counting. Before he could finish, his crow glided in from the trees with the last fallen star. It burned bright. Mr. Freedman took it carefully and set it in place.

The yard sparkled. I left Mr. Freedman to it. I’d see him tomorrow. 


- Fletcher Williams III
July 3, 2026

 
 
 

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

250 Years from Mr. Freedman is a solo exhibition by Fletcher Williams III, held in historic Storehouse 8 at Navy Yard Charleston in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The exhibition presents a series of wall reliefs created from the tin roof of a burned Freedom Cottage in Charleston, South Carolina. The works continue the chronicle of Mr. Freedman, whose life has spanned centuries and whose accounts move between Charleston and the American South. Williams draws from Revolutionary-era history, Black Loyalist narratives, and Lowcountry folklore to shape each artwork into an entry in Mr. Freedman's life and legacy. Motifs referencing regional mythology, national symbolism, and the vernacular landscape of the Lowcountry appear throughout the works.

250 Years from Mr. Freedman places Mr. Freedman and his annual July 4th celebration at the center of the United States semiquincentennial.

Additional Works

A series of rust paintings on paper accompany the tin-roof reliefs. While not included in the exhibition, these works are available for viewing. For additional information: studio@fletcher3.com

PRESS RELEASE

Download Press Release

MUSIC

Listen to Mr. Freedman’s July 4th Spotify playlist

Press

Post & Courier - North Charleston artist salvages tin from burnt Freedman’s cottage for 250th exhibit. July 2, 2026

 
 
 
 

Location

Storehouse 8
2154 Noisette Blvd
N. Chas, S.C. 29405

gallery

Suite 207 • 2nd Floor
via Stairs or Elevator

Gallery Hours

Mon - Wed by Appt.
Thurs - Sun 12p - 5p
Schedule Appt.

 

Storehouse 8 on Noisette Blvd (Next to Second State Coffee)

 

Parking is available along Noisette Blvd + Event Parking area.

 
 

Reading List

History, Art, and, Food

 
 
 
 

Special thanks to Navy Yard Charleston for providing the exhibition space at Storehouse 8 in the Charleston Design District and for supporting the exhibition opening reception.