The 2023 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Has Announced This Year's Special Events Lineup

Approximately 40,000 people are expected to show up for the 41st edition of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a celebration of art and the outdoors that has drawn crowds from near and far since 1983. Scheduled for Feb. 17 through Feb. 19, SEWE will offer a wide range of events and activities highlighting the passion and expertise of more than 500 artists, exhibitors and wildlife experts.

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Announces 2023 Events

For more than four decades, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has signaled the beginning of what always promises to be a busy Charleston-area festival season. Visitors from across the country and around the world have flocked to the Holy City to be entertained, educated and amazed and to celebrate their passion for art and the natural world.

Special Events Make SEWE Even More Special

You might know the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition as the unofficial kickoff to spring in the Lowcountry, heralding the return of the tourist season, a world-class exhibition of nature-based art, and a series of one-of-a-kind events like the champion dock dogs, sheep and duck herding, birds of prey demonstrations, and more.

Wildlife Art at SEWE

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, commonly known as SEWE, is a touchstone in the Charleston tourism calendar. It ushers in the spring tourist season, when visitors once again fill the streets, restaurants and cash registers of the Holy City, and entertains the local populace with flying dogs and conservation discussions.

The Winding Road of SEWE Featured Artist Jason Tako

Jason Tako discovered his artistic talent at an early age but took a decade-long detour through the world of music before finally finding his true calling. His journey took him from his native Minnesota to his current home in Pennsylvania and now to Charleston, where he is the featured artist for the 2020 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.

SEWE and Orvis Forge Stronger Relationship with Fly-Fishing Demos and Expert Advice

Orvis has long been a participant at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. This year, however, the 164-year-old purveyor of all things outdoor is stepping up its presence at SEWE, serving as a corporate sponsor, providing lessons and demonstrations in several locations in downtown Charleston and even offering discounts at its retail store on King Street in the Holy City.

5 New Reasons to Visit the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition This Year

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, or SEWE, as it is affectionately called, is a fixture on the Charleston festival scene and has been for more than three decades. Over time it has grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the nation. Today, SEWE welcomes over 40,000 guests and 500 artists and exhibitions annually, pumping millions of dollars into the local economy while raising conservation awareness.

The Wild Side of Wyoming Inspires SEWE's Featured Artist

Kathryn Mapes Turner believes in painting what she knows. And as someone who was born and raised in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Turner knows the wildlife of the Grand Teton National Park. As is her habit, Turner rose on a December morning and was out in the park at daybreak photographing and drawing 40 moose as they grazed. That kind of authenticity is clear in Turner’s paintings of wild horses, bears, … Read More

SEWE Adds Sheep Herding Dogs to Mix of Demonstrations

It’s been almost 40 years since Bill Coburn trained his first border collie to help him herd cattle and sheep on his farm. That training led to competitions, giving lessons and judging that took Coburn all over the Southeast and beyond. “It was one of the worst bites I ever had,” he says. “I couldn’t wait for the next weekend to go to another trial.” At the age of 78, … Read More

DockDogs the Stars of the Show at SEWE

Crowds pack Brittlebank Park, craning their necks to see how far the dogs will jump in the DockDogs competition. It's one of the must-do events at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. People of all ages cheer on the dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds - the ones who fly high and the ones who put on the brakes when they hit the edge of the pool.Deb Feller’s yellow Labrador mix … Read More

Artists Showcase Love of Wildlife, Varied Styles

Wildlife art takes center stage at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Feb. 17-19 in Charleston. Collectors, admirers and wildlife lovers will be captivated by the incredible creations from artists around the globe. From sculpture and oil painting to watercolors and pastels, the variety of artwork comes to life at SEWE. These four artists featured at SEWE this year have completely different artistic styles but come together in their love of wildlife artwork.