Year after year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition comes to the Lowcountry of Charleston, South Carolina, for a weekend celebration of wildlife art and conservation. Now in its 42nd year, the nonprofit organization is once again offering attendees the opportunity to explore artwork by hundreds of the best wildlife artists working today. On top of that, SEWE has a huge variety of other special events, including the Lowcountry Social and Birds of a Feather Ladies Benefit Brunch, as well as the popular DockDogs competition, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary shows and live art demonstrations. Events will take place across five sites throughout downtown Charleston: Brittlebank Park, Charleston Place, Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott and Marion Square.
Kathleen Dunphy, Family Outing, oil on linen, 24 x 48”“With a legacy spanning more than four decades, SEWE has been a champion of wildlife art and the sporting lifestyle,” says SEWE president John Powell.
Artists at the 2024 exposition include Thomas Brooks, C. Ford Riley, Julia Rogers and Kyle Sims, to name just a few. This year’s featured artist is Kathleen Dunphy, whose oil on linen Family Outingis the featured painting and subject of the official SEWE 2024 poster.
Julia Rogers, Ruffled Feathers, oil on linen, 36 x 30”
Thomas Brooks, Doves at the Farm, acrylic on linen, 24 x 36”
“Everyone in the wildlife art world knows about SEWE. Participation in any capacity is a coveted honor. To be asked to attend as featured artist is a distinction that will no doubt be one of the highlights of my career,” says Dunphy. “The conservation and educational aspects of SEWEtake it to a level beyond the typical art show, adding a deeper meaning to the event. The entire city of Charleston comes alive for the festival, and there are times during the weekend when it seems like the whole world has come to view the art and take part in the excitement.”
An art demonstration taking place at a past Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.
Visitors explore artwork during a past Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.
Discussing her featured piece, which captures a family of Canada geese wading across the water, she says, “Canada geese are the compass of my life. Every spring, I look up to the sky to see the seasonal V pointing north, signaling the start of longer days and warmer temperatures…I’ve spent many peaceful hours at the lake, sketching and plein air painting. As I was setting up my easel one morning, this pair of proud parents floated past with their awkward, downy goslings in tow. I was captivated by the glimmer of rim light on their feathers and the gentle interactions between the family members as they navigated the lake together. It was just another mom and dad taking the kids on a family outing, a different species in a parallel universe to ours.”
Kyle Sims, Deep Timber Surprise, oil, 24 x 20”
Family Outing is currently on view at Gallery by SEWE located in The Shops at Charleston Place.
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will be held February 16 to 18. General admission tickets provide access to all SEWE venues, shows and demonstrations. Daily tickets are $40 for Friday and Saturday and $35 for Sunday. A three-day ticket is available for $85. Children 10 and under gain free admission to all events. —
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
February 16-18, 2024
Private Preview Afternoon, Charleston Place, Feb. 15, 1-5 p.m.
VIP Signature Gala & Sale, Charleston Place, Feb. 15, 7-11 p.m.
Quick Draw/Speed Sculpt and Auction, Charleston Place, Feb. 16, 3-4 p.m.
Various locations throughout downtown Charleston, SC
(843) 723-1748, www.sewe.com
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