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.
What would a Southeastern Wildlife Exposition be without wildlife exhibitions? For 2022, as in the past, SEWE shows off fauna of all kinds—two-legged, four-legged, winged, commonplace, and exotic.
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.
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.
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.
Lou Pasqua has never been one to rush things. A single painting can take over a year to complete, as he returns to it days or even weeks later, adding new details his eye did not see before.
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.
For the last two years, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition team has been quietly working to facilitate an award that recognizes individuals making exceptional contributions to wildlife and nature conservation all around the world.
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
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
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
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.
Snakes may not be as cuddly and cute as a lot of other animals, but when it comes to conservation, they are just as important.
As a 6-year-old child, Ezra Tucker would sit for hours watching the goldfish swim in his aquarium. In fact, he’d sit for so long, his parents started to get concerned. But Tucker was captivated by the fish, imprinting their shapes and colors into his memory so he could then paint and draw them later.
Peggy Watkins has been drawing animals since she was a child.
“I used to draw as a kid to bring the animals into the room with me,” she said. “I guess I am still doing so.”
Spending time outdoors, immersed in nature is undoubtedly beneficial. It reduces stress, promotes physical activity and fosters an overall sense of appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
It’s one thing to see a photograph of a painting or read about an artist’s methods and inspiration, but it’s quite another to experience some of the world’s best wildlife art up close and personal while meeting the artists and hearing the stories behind their incredible works.