Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Opens Year-Round Wildlife Art Gallery in The Shops at Charleston Place

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The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the southeast’s premier wildlife art show and outdoors lifestyle event, will host the grand opening of ‘Gallery by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition’, a new art gallery and studio space on August 30 from 10am – 5pm in the Shops at Charleston Place (205 Meeting Street). The gallery will become a year-round extension of SEWE’s passion for the great outdoors and showcase the organization’s mission to preserve wildlife art and support conservation. The gallery will feature wildlife art, artists and exhibitors and host artist residencies, special exhibitions and events.

“Gallery by Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is an opportunity to market and showcase SEWE throughout the year and provide access to wildlife art and educational activities to the public,” said John Powell, SEWE President and CEO. “This celebration of SEWE would not be possible without the support of Beemok Hospitality Collection whose dedication to art, conservation, and impactful community events is reflected in this gallery opportunity.”

The opening exhibit will highlight the works of 22 wildlife artists, including Thomas Brooks, Kathleen Dunphy, C. Ford Riley, Julia Rogers, Mark Horton, John Banovich, Cole Johnson, Wes and Rachel Siegrist, Stefan Savides and David Turner. The gallery will also include artisan makers like Mark Lexton, Clayton & Crume, Norton + Hodges, Ben & Lael and Waldroup Woodworks.

SEWE has been a champion of wildlife art for 42 years, showcasing premier wildlife artists at its annual exhibition, held in downtown Charleston over Presidents’ Day Weekend.

Each February, SEWE displays the works of more than 90 painters, carvers and sculptors in its Fine Art Gallery located in the ballroom at The Charleston Place. The new Gallery by SEWE will create a continual touchpoint for the organization, allowing it to promote artists year-round, sharing pieces from well-respected veterans, mid-career creators and talented up-and-comers.

“For 36 years, The Charleston Place has been a proud supporter and host of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, so we couldn’t be more excited to extend that partnership year-round,” said Robert (Bob) Megargle, Area Managing Director for Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC). “We look forward to welcoming locals and travelers alike to the new wildlife gallery located in the hotel.”

The grand opening celebration on August 30 will include light refreshments and meet and greets with SEWE makers, including custom monogramming with Clayton & Crume and a first look at Norton + Hodges fall hat line. Additionally, attendees can enter to win SEWE tickets and merchandise prize packages.

Gallery by SEWE will be open Monday – Sunday from 10am to 6pm. For more information, please visit: gallerybysewe.com or call (843) 723-1748.

SEWE will return to host its 42nd annual show in downtown Charleston, February 16-18, 2024. General admission passes, special event tickets and limited VIP Packages for the highly anticipated event will be available October 6. SEWE will feature popular attractions for attendees across five major exhibit sites in downtown Charleston: The Charleston Place, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott and Marion Square. Many patron favorites will be back again in 2024, including the SEWE Fine Art Gallery, DockDogs®, Center for Birds of Prey demonstrations, curated artisan goods and craftsmen exhibitors, canine demonstrations from herding and retrieving breeds, chef demos, and more.

SEWE is recognized as the kickoff event for Charleston’s tourism season. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to showcase the finest in wildlife art, create awareness for the conservation of wildlife and the environment, positively influence wildlife and nature education and to impact local and statewide economies through increased tourism.

About the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: For more than 40 years, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has proudly presented the finest in wildlife art, conservation and the outdoor lifestyle at its annual event in Charleston, South Carolina. SEWE will host its 42nd event in 2024 at multiple venues throughout downtown Charleston from February 16-18, with VIP events beginning on Thursday, February 15. For more information on the event, please email sewe@sewe.com, visit sewe.com or call 843.723.1748.