UGA’s Cornelia Walker Bailey Program (CWBP) on Land, Sea and Agriculture is proud to partner with Mr. Stanley Walker as we launch our first event of the new CWBP Arts program. Mr. Walker is a Saltwater Geechee of Sapelo Island, Georgia.
Join Mr. Stanley Walker on Sapelo Island in a three day cast net making workshop geared to beginner cast net makers. The class will span three days as Mr. Walker provides one-on-one guidance. Each student will be provided with the needed materials. Students will receive education on the history of cast nets and their cultural importance to the Gullah Geechee people of Sapelo Island. Participants will learn how to knit, construct layers and tacks, and how to ready a net for fishing among other things. Please be aware, no one will have a completed net by the end of the workshop. Participants will, however, be taught all needed skills to finish their net after the course concludes.
Who: Mr. Stanley Walker, master cast net maker
What: beginner-level cast net making workshop
When: May 28, 2025 through June 1, 2025
Where: Sapelo Island, Georgia, U.S.
How: fill out the registration form linked here
Cost: $580.00
Meet the teacher
Stanley Walker- a true Sapelonean- is a master cast net builder. Starting at the age of six, Stanley was taught the craft by his maternal grandfather, Hicks Walker. Stanley Walker has been teaching cast net making classes throughout the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor since the early 1980’s. His expertise, patient teaching philosophy, and good humor ensure an inviting and enjoyable experience.
Course details
This course will span three teaching days (May 29 through May 31) with a travel day on each end (May 28 and June 1). Daily, the class is divided into two sessions with the morning portion being held from 10:00 am – noon and the afternoon portion being held from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. There will be a fair amount of down time outside of class. This time may be spent walking or biking to the beach, exploring campus, continuing to work on your net, reading, or other reflective activities.
Arrival/Departure
All participants are responsible for transporting themselves to and from the Georgia coast. The mainland Meridian ferry dock address is 1766 Landing Road SE, Darian, Georgia 31305.
*Bring $5 cash.* Take the 5:30 pm ferry on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Depart on the 8:30 am ferry Sunday, June 1, 2025. Transportation outside of these dates and times will not be available. All participants must adhere to these specific ferry times. Any participant who misses the ferry will not be able to be accommodated and will likely lose their seat in the class. Refunds are not offered.
Important to note: the ferry fee is $5 roundtrip. Cash is the only accepted form of payment and there is no ATM at the ferry landing.
Schedule
The class is divided into two sessions each day with the morning portion occurring from 10:00 am – noon and the afternoon portion occurring from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided each day. Time outside of class may be spent walking or biking to the beach, exploring campus, continuing to work on your net, or other reflective activities.
Lodging
Lodging is included in the registration cost. Participants will be housed at the University of Georgia Marine Institute campus (UGAMI). Each student will share a room with at least one other person. Likewise, every four participants will share bathroom access.
Food
All food is provided in the program fee. Saltwater Geechee, Francine Bailey, will cater three meals per day plus dinner Wednesday evening and breakfast Sunday morning. If you have any dietary needs/preferences/restrictions, please be sure to list them in detail in the registration form linked above.
Do note your registration slot is not secured until payment is confirmed.
All registered participants will be emailed no later than May 18th with additional information.
Please direct all questions and concerns to Sarah Baker at sbaker81@uga.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What costs are covered in the program fee?
Lodging, all meals, all net making supplies, payment for Mr. Walker’s expertise, transportation to and from the ferry dock.
Will the classes be held inside or outside?
The classes will be held indoors at the Atlas Conference Center on campus. Students will walk from the lodging accommodations to the center each day. The terrain is very flat and the distance is less than a quarter of a mile.
What kinds of transportation will students have access to on the island?
On arrival and departure days, transportation to and from the ferry dock will be provided. Bicycles are also available on the UGA campus for students to use.
Is there an age requirement to participate?
All participants must be at least 21 years of age.
Tags: Cast Net, Geechee Hands, Sapelo Island, Stanley Walker