Now in its 28th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, or SEWE, has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting more than 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to 40,000-plus attendees. A three-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.
Established in 1982, the first exposition took place in February 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event that contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.
SEWE is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.
Robert looks forward to this show every year. “I love visiting Charleston. It’s a beautiful city and full of so many things to paint,” he says. Robert usually gets up early and goes out to take photo references of the local birds and animals and the Southern architecture. Last year, while out with friend and fellow artist Dustin VanWechecl, he stumbled (almost literally) onto an alligator. “It was extremely frightening at first,” Robert says, “but it turned into a great reference-gathering trip.”
Robert will be in Charleston Place, 205 Meeting Street, in the grand ballroom on the second floor. If you are attending the exposition or would just like to keep up to date with what is happening at the show, please follow daily updates on Robert’s Facebook fan page and updates throughout the day via Twitter. (#SEWE – Twitter search stream, seen below)
