A view of downtown Charleston. Courtesy Explore Charleston, ExploreCharleston.com.
Charleston, South Carolina, is recognized widely for being one of the country’s premier art destinations. It is home to dozens of galleries, art museums and annual events that draw collectors to the city. Many local artists have studios or have opened art spaces in the city that focus on regional artwork—often paintings of the Lowcountry and the charming architecture—while other storefronts specialize in an array of subject matter.
The main peninsula of downtown Charleston has a number of districts where fine arts are located—French Quarter, Lower King, Upper King and Gallery Row on Broad. These areas are walkable, allowing visitors to wander easily across cobblestone streets from gallery to gallery. As part of the adventure through the historical streets, visitors and locals alike can spend the first Friday of every month participating in one of the Charleston Gallery Association’s ArtWalks. These monthly events, from 5 to 8 p.m., keep gallery doors open late for exhibition openings, artist demonstrations and just to welcome patrons to view art and ask questions about what they’re seeing.
While in the city they also can stop by the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, which is located at the College of Charleston, or the Gibbes Museum of Art in the heart of downtown. January 17 through 29 the Halsey Institute will present Butch Anthony: INSIDE/OUT, an exhibition of images, assemblages and installations by the Seale, Alabama, artist. Upcoming at Gibbes is Charles Williams: SUN + LIGHT, featuring painting from the South Carolina artist’s Everyone Loves the Sunshine series that juxtaposes Williams’ past and present encounters with the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
In February, Charleston becomes a mecca for wildlife and sporting artwork with the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Held at various locations around the city, hundreds of artists gather to paint and exhibit new works of art. The 2020 event will take place February 14 through 16.
Among the artists and galleries calling the area home are Fer Caggiano, Keith Wilkie, John C. Doyle Art Gallery, Reinert Fine Art and Robert Lange Studios.
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Robert Lange Studios specializes in contemporary realism across an array of subject matters.
Robert Lange Studios
2 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 805-8052
www.robertlangestudios.com
As you enter Robert Lange Studios, the sign reads “art belongs to everyone.” This philosophy permeates through the gallery and is propelled by artists and gallery owners Megan and Robert Lange. The gallery is dedicated to the development of an ongoing dialogue between artists from a diverse range of artistic disciplines at differing levels of their careers.
“The gallery is committed to providing a forum for art based on individuals, subjective style and awareness,” says Megan. “I find that this freedom for expression resonates within Charleston, which has grown to become a magnet for art over the past 15 years. The city is filled with culture and that culture is becoming more innovative and imaginative.”
Robert Lange Studios, Their Own Little World, oil on panel, by Nathan Durfee and Robert Lange.
“The gallery is committed to providing a forum for art based on individuals, subjective style and awareness.
I find that this freedom for expression resonates within Charleston, which has grown to become a magnet for art over the past 15 years.” — Megan Lange, owner, Robert Lange Studios
The RLS Residency program, which invites international and national artists to live in a residency space situated within the gallery, provides a platform for experimentation that gives exposure to diverse and dynamic art practices developing locally, regionally and around the world. Working with the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, the Gibbes Museum or Redux Contemporary Art Center by housing visiting artists who are creating exhibits, RLS aims to facilitate creative networks and connect the local art community with the global sphere of contemporary art.
Robert Lange Studios, The Ride, oil on canvas, 50 x 50", by Matt Bober.
In addition to the gallery’s space on Queen Street, in 2014 RLS expanded to curate the exhibition spaces at The Vendue, Charleston’s art hotel. The hotel’s public areas feature two to three different exhibitions per year, presenting the best in progressive art.
In October Mia Bergeron will present a solo show at RLS of predominately figurative pieces that embrace the “gray areas” of life. Adam Hall’s large-scale landscapes will grace the gallery walls in November, while the year ends with work form Michelle Jader and June Stratton featuring gold leaf and multi-paneled oil on resin pieces.
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Reinert Fine Art features a beautiful sculpture garden and outdoor courtyard. Photography by Margaret Rambo
Reinert Fine Art
179 & 181 King Street, Charleston,
SC 29401, (843) 694-2445
jason@reinertfineart.com
www.reinertfineart.com
Owned by contemporary impressionist painter Rick Reinert and his wife, Ann, Reinert Fine Art showcases more than 60 regional and nationally acclaimed classical painters, as well as figurative and abstract sculptors. Each gallery location is thoughtfully curated to appeal to both the connoisseur and casual collector.
Reinert Fine Art, Crab and Lager, oil, 12 x 12", by Blair Atherholt
“Charleston has truly become a major art destination. We are seeing visitors from all areas of the United States, Canada and Europe.” — Rick Reinert, owner and artist, Reinert Fine Art
The owners are pleased to present a collection of diverse paintings and sculpture that range in style from traditional to impressionistic as well as abstract. Reinert Fine Art has two locations in Charleston: 179 King Street & 181 King Street, located right next door. Combining two galleries offers a wonderful experience for the senses. Both galleries provide more than 4,000 square feet of space in addition to the outdoor courtyard and sculpture garden gallery. Original oil paintings, bronze sculpture, hand-blown glass as well as artisan jewelry created by a diverse group of artists, both local and international, can be enjoyed seven days a week.
“Charleston has truly become a major art destination,” says Reinert. “We are seeing visitors from all areas of the United States, Canada and Europe.”
Reinert Fine Art, Charleston Courtyard, oil on canvas, 40 x 40", by Rick Reinert.
The gallery hosts a slate of exhibitions from its roster of artists. October 4 to 14 the gallery will exhibit works by Henry von Genk III and Peggy Ellis. William Schneider and Lorri Acott present new works November 1 to 11. Then, rounding out the year is a show for Heather Arenas and Bill Farnsworth from December 6 to 16.
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John C. Doyle Art Gallery represented the work of seven award-winning artists. Photo by George Randy Bass.
John C. Doyle Art Gallery
125 Church Street, Charleston,
SC 29401, (843) 577-7344
gallery@johncdoyle.com
www.johncdoyle.com
John C. Dolye Art Gallery has seen many positive changes since artist John C. Doyle passed away in 2014. It was Doyle’s wish for the gallery to continue as his namesake gallery celebrating realism and impressionism. Gallery director Angela Stump feels that Doyle would be thrilled with the addition of several prolific artists over the last few years. As one of the oldest operating Lowcountry galleries in Charleston, the gallery currently represents the works of seven award-winning artists. The Charleston art market continues to expand, as traditional and contemporary galleries are opening all over the historic peninsula. 
John C. Doyle Art Gallery, My Love, oil on canvas, 24 x 20", by Simon Kenevan.
“I’m seeing art collectors from around the country that know they are in a very special art destination. I think the secret is finally out, that we are more than history, great food, and unforgettable views; we are a place to buy fine art.” — Angela Stump, director, John C. Doyle Art Gallery
“I’m seeing art collectors from around the country that know they are in a very special art destination. I think the secret is finally out, that we are more than history, great food, and unforgettable views; we are a place to buy fine art,” says Stump. 
John C. Doyle Art Gallery, Dazzle, oil on canvas, 18 x 36", by Simon Kenevan.
The gallery’s newest addition to its stable of artists is internationally renowned seascape painter Simon Kenevan. A special opening reception with Kenevan in attendance will be held on October 4 from 5 to 8 p.m., showcasing his epic seascapes and serene marsh oils that reflect Southern coastal charm. The gallery is proud to offer oils, watercolors, monotypes, photography, bronze and high-quality giclée reproductions.
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Fer Caggiano at her studio in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Photo by Daniela Duncan.
Fer Caggiano
(843) 743-1436
ceo@fercaggiano.com
www.fercaggiano.com
Fer Caggiano is a Brazilian-born painter, who specializes in landscapes, still lifes and portraits. Ranging from a traditional to modern style, she creates colorful, textured, impasto oil paintings that capture visions of the world she sees. Not only does Caggiano make bold statements with her oils, she also paints using watercolor to create more subtle, relaxing artwork.
Caggiano has loved art since opening her very first box of crayons. After years in advertising and marketing, her heart eventually led her back to painting so she moved to New York and enrolled at The Art Students League where she studied painting, drawing and mixed media. Her art has since been recognized worldwide and was showcased in multiple galleries, including at Agora Gallery in SOHO.
Fer Caggiano, Portrait of Janet Bates, head of Women in Construction, oil and black glitter on canvas, 40 x 30"
“I see art as my voice,” she says. “Sometimes I look to share the beauty that
I perceive in the world and sometimes I want to make people think and question a topic. I see every painting as a portal, with the ability to transport people to a different mindset. Triggering a set of emotions, whether bringing the observer to a peaceful place or encouraging their minds to venture into new ideas.”
Fer Caggiano, Rio de Janeiro, Blessed City, oil on canvas, 30 x 30"
Caggiano’s exhibition Saudade, which runs through September 30 at Lowcountry Artists Gallery in Charleston, is inspired by her Brazilian upbringing. “My long-term focus is a show honouring strong and inspiring women,” she says. “I will be painting a series of women who dominate in their industries and donating a portion of the profits to charities. We are looking to launch the show in early 2020.”
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Members of the Wells Fargo team, a corporate partner of Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, at the Signature Gala & Sale.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Charleston, SC, (843) 723-1748
www.sewe.com
Celebrating its 38th annual event in 2020, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition continues to present among the finest in wildlife and sporting art. Held in Charleston, South Carolina, SEWE features more than 100 artists who will gather February 14 to 16 at multiple venues throughout historic downtown Charleston, with VIP events and art previews beginning February 13. 
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Hidden in the Grasses, oil, 36 x 48", by Hilarie Lambert.
Each year, SEWE includes well-respected veterans, midcareer artists and talented up-and-comers in the weekend event. One painter is selected as featured artist each year, with Jason Tako bestowed the honor for 2020. Past artists who have received the distinction include Brett Smith, Carl Brenders, Luke Frazier, John Banovich, Eldridge Hardie and more. Along with Tako, artists who will participate in the 2020 event include Sandy Scott, Walter Matia, Ezra Tucker, Stefan Savides and Kathryn Mapes Turner.
“In the past several years, Charleston has enjoyed a vibrant and renewed energy on the art front…Charleston becomes an art-centric party during SEWE.” — Natalie Henderson, art curator, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
“In the past several years, Charleston has enjoyed a vibrant and renewed energy on the art front,” says Natalie Henderson, art curator of SEWE. “This is the most apparent over the lively SEWE weekend when hotels host Artists in Residency, restaurants welcome live painting demonstrations and galleries enjoy an increased number of collectors. Charleston becomes an art-centric party during SEWE.”
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Fox Grapes, bronze, ed. 24, 33 x 19 x 12", by Walter Matia.
Among the must-attend special events during the 2020 SEWE are the Signature Gala & Sale on February 13 from 1 to 5 p.m.; the Quick Draw/Speed Sculpt and Auction at 3 p.m. on February 14 at Charleston Place; and the SEWE Soiree on February 15, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Charleston Visitors’ Center that includes Lowcountry cuisine, music and more.
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Keith Wilkie, Friends, oil, 36 x 48"
Keith Wilkie
Yonges Island, S.C.
keithwilkie.art@verizon.net
www.keithwilkieart.com
Keith Wilkie’s oil paintings capture the essence of peaceful, calming coastal scenes and marine subjects. From the Carolinas to the Chesapeake, the Caribbean and beyond, his work evokes memorable waterfront moments—whether it is a sunrise stroll or salty breeze at the beach, egrets gliding over the marsh, an afternoon regatta or an oyster appetizer.
“My grandmother had a print of Winslow Homer’s Breezing Up over her mantel and that scene pulled me in for as long as I can remember,” says Wilkie. “Water is definitely part of my soul, and it’s usually the salty variety. I can sit for hours and simply watch the water—whether rough or calm, sparkling from the sun or dark in the night, and while I’ve traveled to nearly 100 countries, recently most of my inspiration arrives while on my dock or while cruising the Lowcountry waterways in my boat ‘Salty Brush.’ I try to capture those feelings, the light and mood when I paint, regardless of the subject.”
Keith Wilkie, Winter Marsh, oil, 12 x 16"
His painting is on the cover of Robert Lackey’s Kingdoms of the Marsh, as well as covers of 48º Sailing Magazine and Living Here Magazine. His work can be found in private collections across America, in the U.K. and the South Carolina Maritime Museum. Wilkie is a member of the American Society of Marine Artists and Oil Painters of America. He works from his waterfront home studio near Charleston, South Carolina, on Yonges Island.
Wilkie is represented by Island Art Gallery in The Village Shops in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and his work is part of ongoing group gallery exhibits there. —
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