Spotlight | Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Multiple venues, Charleston, SC
February 15-17

Jay Kemp, Working Lab, acrylic, 34 x 49.

This story was featured in the February 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Order the Southwest Art February 2013 print edition, or download the Southwest Art February 2013 issue now…Or just subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!

Three decades ago, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in Charleston, SC. The goal was to produce an event that promoted the conservation of nature and wildlife through education and visual arts, while also contributing to the local economy. Now in its 31st year, the Expo is the largest event of its kind in the nation—a three-day celebration of nature that attracts more than 35,000 attendees and hundreds of artists and exhibitors.

This year’s Expo takes place February 15-17 at multiple venues in downtown Charleston, and it includes a variety of exhibits and events for art lovers and nature, wildlife, and sporting enthusiasts. This year’s featured artists are Jay Kemp and Pete Zaluzec, whose works are displayed in the main fine-art exhibit along with hundreds of other wildlife and nature-themed works. Other art events include a Quick Draw/Speed Sculpt followed by a live auction on Friday evening, as well as special exhibits featuring locally produced art and handicrafts, nature photography, and more. VIP tickets are available and come with perks like private art viewings, parties, food and drinks, shuttle service, and priority entry to all venues.

Sarah Webber, Final Approach, oil, 12 x 24.

More than 100 artists are participating this year, including recognized bird sculptor Jeff Rechin. Born to artist parents, Rechin seemed to inherit their “artistic genes,” showing a natural ability and keen interest in art at a young age. His passion for three-dimensional art soon merged with his love of nature, allowing Rechin to carve out a career through artistic expression.

Another participating artist who expresses a love of nature through art is plein-air painter Millie Gosch. A Georgia native, Gosch finds great inspiration in the lowlands, fields, marshes, and coastal waters of her surrounding landscape. “The colors and energy of the outdoors create in me a need to capture those qualities in a permanent way,” she says.
In a similar vein, participating artist Sarah Webber aims to capture the qualities of a different subject matter—animals. Webber employs thick brushwork and subtle variations in color to convey emotion in her work, using her paint to “tell a story” that captures her love for animals and “their incomparable uniqueness.” —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
843.723.1748
www.sewe.com

Featured in the February 2013 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art magazine February 2013 digital download
Southwest Art magazine February 2013 print edition
Or subscribe to Southwest Art magazine and never miss a story!