For lovers of wildlife art, conservationists and outdoorsmen, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
is a three-day celebration of nature.
Established in 1982, the first
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983,
with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in
attendance. With exhibits on display throughout Charleston’s historic
district, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition’s goal was, and is,
to produce an event which 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.
Since that time, the Southeastern
Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in
the nation. The 1998 winner of the prestigious
Governor’s Cup Award for
tourism, the event currently attracts over 500 artists and
exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over
40,000 attendees. Having earned a reputation for excellence,
SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature
art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.
For lovers of wildlife art,
conservationists and outdoorsmen, the Southeastern Wildlife
Exposition is a three-day celebration of nature. Its annual
goal is to have an ongoing educational impact on attendees, through
programs which continue to grow in stature and diversity. Over
the last ten years, the Exposition has attracted exhibits and
lectures on topics as varied as the South American rainforest, South
Carolina’s coastal conservation efforts, and mountain gorillas in
Rwanda. It also has played host to many of the most
distinguished wildlife artists in the world, providing attendees
with access to some of the world’s most significant art collections
and exhibits, and affording visibility to highly talented artisans
and craftsmen. In addition, SEWE annually provides visitors
exposure to information on wildlife behavior and habitat with
exciting and unique experiences such as free flight falconry
demonstrations, one-on-one meetings with endangered species and the
chance to chat with experts in wildlife and nature conservation and
preservation.
The Southeastern Wildlife
Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston
calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an
effort which 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.
- Paintings, carvings & sculpture by over 150 world-renowned artists
- Educational Live Animal Shows with Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
- Family activities, conservation exhibits, retriever demonstrations
- Sporting Classics Sporting Village: featuring outdoor retailers, guides and outfitters
- Wildlife crafts and collectibles
- Photography
