SEWE: Where, Art, Nature, and Connections Flourish

By Michael Maynor

It was February 2023 and I was in Charleston, South Carolina, a city that I dearly love and one that, to me and my co founder Robbie, is the physical embodiment of Feathers & Whiskey. However, this article is not about Charleston the City, this article is about art and more importantly the art of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE ).

I was standing in The Charleston Place Hotel in the Fine Art Gallery of SEWE and I was having a conversation with Montana artist Liz Lewis. “Art is all about evoking emotions and creating connections” remarked Liz, encapsulating the essence of SEWE. As we were talking, a charming Boykin Spaniel named Woodford sauntered over, diverting our attention from art to his endearing presence. This seamless blend of art and nature, where dogs are welcomed with open arms, epitomizes the unique atmosphere of SEWE. Liz’s words lingered in my mind, resonating with the profound emotional impact of art and the connections it fosters.

A Personal Journey

Art has always been a big part of my life. When I was growing up in the 90s, my friends were into comic books and video games while I patiently waited for the next copy of Southwest Art Magazine to arrive in our mailbox. I would eagerly thumb through it to see the latest featured art. I idolized artists like Howard Terpning, Frank McCarthy, and Bev Doolittle. These artists held the same status to me as movie and rock stars.

There was no social media then, and websites were just starting to become familiar. Most of the time, it was magazines or brochures sent out by galleries to update customers on artists’ work, but things have changed. You can still see yourself reading and learning about artists through magazines or visiting a gallery. Still, meeting and talking with artists adds something to the experience, and that is where a show like SEWE comes in.

The Evolution of SEWE

The evolution of SEWE has been nothing short of remarkable. From it’s humble beginnings in February 1983, the event has burgeoned into a cornerstone of Charleston’s tourism calendar, marking the commencement of the city’s bustling tourism season and intertwining with the festivities of Presidents’ Day weekend. What initially commenced with 100 artists and exhibitors and 5,000 attendees has now blossomed into an extravaganza that draws around 500 artists, exhibitors, and wildlife experts, captivating an audience of approximately 40,000 visitors each year. This impressive growth has not only solidified SEWE’s status as a premier cultural event but has also yielded a substantial economic impact, estimated at around $50 million annually.

The Artistic Extravaganza

SEWE unfolds across multiple locations in the vibrant city of Charleston, but for the purpose of this article, our focus remains on the captivating world of art and artists, making a compelling case for attending SEWE if you have an affinity for wildlife, nature, and sporting art.

Stepping into the Fine Art Gallery of SEWE is akin to entering a colossal art exhibition. Here, one can find a diverse array of nature and sporting art. As we walkked through the exhibition, we were approached by numerous artists and art enthusiasts, intrigued by our association with “Feathers & Whiskey.” While many jokingly inquired about the presence of whiskey, it provided us with a platform to share our story and the significance behind the gold letters adorning our polos.

During our walk around the exhibition hall, a gentleman with a captivating presence caught our attention. It was none other than Townley Bassett, a dedicated artist who has spent over thirty years documenting and recreating the rock art found in South Africa. His process and methods were truly fascinating, and our conversation with him left us inspired and eager to feature him in future articles, further solidifying the connections fostered at SEWE.

Each year, SEWE features a prominent artist who creates a work of art displayed on various items related to SEWE, with the original piece showcased at Charleston Place. This year, I was thrilled to learn that Ryan Kirby would be the featured artist. Not only have I collected his works, but I also admire his artistry. Ryan, who calls the mountains of North Carolina home, has had his paintings featured on numerous covers of popular outdoor publications and ammunition boxes. It was a delight to speak with him and capture a photo, further enriching my experience at SEWE.

This year’s event also marked the SEWE debut of our friend and wildlife artist, Rebekah Knight. Rebekah’s booth was situated near Liz’s location, providing a delightful opportunity to converse with my friends, as well as other artists and art enthusiasts. Rebekah thoroughly enjoyed her SEWE experience, relishing the connections forged with everyone who visited her booth and acquired her art. She eagerly anticipates returning for next year’s event.

Another artist I had the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with was Grant Hacking, a wildlife artist whom I initially connected with a couple of years ago. It was during SEWE in 2022 that I had the opportunity to meet him in person for the first time, further enriching the tapestry of connections woven through this remarkable event. I also had the pleasure to catch up with artist John Tolmay of John Tolmay’s Bronze Africa. I saw Johns the previous year and later purchased a Cape buffalo bronze form him that paid homage to my first cape buffalo hunt.

A Call to Action

As the curtains closed on another spectacular SEWE, I found myself filled with gratitude for the enriching experiences and meaningful connections that had graced this event. The captivating wildlife art, the engaging dialogues with artists, and the warm embrace of the Charleston community had made this SEWE a truly unforgettable affair. It was a testament to the enduring power of art to unite individuals and kindle a deep appreciation for the natural world.

If you are learning about SEWE for the first time, or you have been saying for years that you will go next year, I encourage you to make SEWE 2024 the year that you finally mark it off your list! The 2024 featured artist is Kathleen Dunphy, and her painting “Family Outing,” a depiction of a family of Canada geese out for a swim, is the featured painting. You can learn more about the Southeastern Wildlife Expo as well as purchase tickets and plan your trip at this link. www.sewe.com

By Michael Maynor

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