Charleston simply radiates class. A city adorned with historical architecture, charming pastel bungalow homes, boutique shops, art galleries, gorgeous shorelines, enchanting marshlands and downtown streets brimming with Southern comfort food, it’s no wonder the Lowcountry is a place of inspiration for artists and collectors alike. The destination South Carolinian city is filled with adventure that includes both city culture (we’re talking sweeping gallery strolls and museum hopping) and outdoor exploits (like kayaking along Shem Creek).
Sunset at Shem Creek in Charleston, South Carolina. Photo credit: Doug Hickok. Courtesy Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In downtown, art enthusiasts will never want for something to explore. Located on popular Meeting Street, right between the Preservation Society of Charleston and the South Carolina Historical Society, is the Gibbes Museum of Art. The 120-plus-year-old institution’s permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, miniature portraits, works on paper, decorative art objects and multimedia installations by American artists from the colonial era to present day. 
Flower pots adorn the rainbow-colored buildings along picturesque East Bay Street in Charleston. Courtesy Charleston
Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
And close by, as you inch nearer and nearer to the waterfront, art galleries sprinkle the streets, including Dare Gallery, John C. Doyle Art Gallery, Reinert Fine Art, Principle Gallery and many more. These galleries and others are part of the Charleston Gallery Association, whose First Friday ArtWalks are back this September. The wildly popular monthly event lets locals and tourists to take an evening stroll through participating galleries from 5 to 8 p.m.
Also held in locations throughout Chucktown is the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. The 2022 event is scheduled for February 17 to 20 and features some of the very best in wildlife art, among a menagerie of art and conservation happenings throughout its duration.
A view of one of Charleston's Carriage Tours. Courtesy Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Collectors can dive into other exceptional galleries in and around Charleston, like Cheryl Newby Gallery, Helena Fox Fine Art and Mary Martin Gallery, as well as enjoy the talents of local artists such as representational watercolorist Mary Whyte.
The Art of Vacationing
Friendliness and an attitude of warm welcome is undoubtedly a part of the Charleston experience. During your stay, you can vibe with a variety of lodging types that all exude Southern hospitality—boutique inns, B&Bs and chic hotels alike.
Originally built in 1844 as a luxury goods emporium, Planters Inn embodies the architectural charm and beauty of Charleston in a unique, boutique hotel located in the city’s Historic District. Take a morning or evening stroll through the perfectly pruned and manicured grounds. www.plantersinn.com
Situated in a private, historic home, 22 Charlotte is a bed-and-breakfast that makes guests feel as though they’ve stepped into the cozy cottage of a close friend. The quaint establishment is just a short walk from the Charleston Museum, Marion Square and other attractions. www.22charlotte.com
The 4-star Spectator Hotel combines chic and sleek modernity with the energy of the Jazz Age and the “genteel glamour of the Old South.” With butler service, a lux hotel cocktail bar and more, this snazzy spot is recognized as one of best hotels in the city year after year.
www.thespectatorhotel.com
The Art of Dining
Charleston is a food lover’s dream come true. Everyone can do with some Southern comfort food—sweet tea, fried okra and green tomatoes, boiled peanuts, lobster and buttery grits—and in Charleston, that warm, fuzzy feeling is everywhere.
A blend of comfort and class, Magnolia’s in downtown Charleston’s French Quarter is a hotspot for a reason. The upscale restaurant, known for its Southern hospitality, is perfect for dinner dates (munch on classics like fried green tomatoes and deviled eggs), or relax for Sunday brunch, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. www.magnoliascharleston.com
If you want a true Lowcountry experience, head to nearby Mt. Pleasant for Page’s Okra Grill. Boasting “local food for local folks,” Page’s offers from-scratch dishes of Southern delights like crab cakes, fried chicken, bacon crab chowder and shrimp and grits. And don’t miss the dessert counter for a fresh slice of homemade fruit cobbler.
www.pagesokragrill.com
An iconic part of Charleston’s culinary scene is Poogan’s Porch, a quaint cottage vibe serving up mouth-watering Southern fare like cornmeal pickled okra, pan-seared scallops and braised lamb shank. (Bonus! Check out Poogan’s Smokehouse and Poogan’s Southern Kitchen as well). www.poogansporch.com
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Charleston Gallery Association
PO Box 1283, Charleston, SC 29401
info@charlestongalleryassociation.com
www.charlestongalleryassociation.com
The Charleston Gallery Association is a group more than 30 fine art galleries in the greater Charleston area that supports the recognition of Charleston’s status as a world art destination. The association’s gallery members showcase local, national and international artists’ works in a variety of styles including realism, impressionism, contemporary, abstract, landscape and Lowcountry, in original paintings, jewelry, photography and sculpture. The association supports all visual art galleries and strives to foster community interaction through events such as art walks and banquets.
Charleston Gallery Association, Top Ten, oil, 12 x 48", by Kevin LePrince. Courtesy LePrince Fine Art.
Charleston Gallery Association, Reflection Landscape #14, oil on board, 12 x 15½", by Carlos San Millán. Courtesy Meyer Vogl Gallery.
Charleston Gallery Association, Stargazers, oil on board, 173⁄8 x 16½", by Daphne vom Baur. Courtesy Corrigan Gallery.
“Our 30-plus galleries strive to offer both residents and visitors the finest quality art and artists from around the country and world. It’s our collectors and our artists that make us the success we are as thriving art community.” — Allison Hull, president, Charleston Gallery Association
The CGA sponsors the First Friday ArtWalk, which takes place 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The galleries are excited that these events are starting up again this September 2021. However, due to the pandemic, the association is monitoring all local and state recommendations and mandates. To learn which galleries are participating each month, collectors can follow their favorite galleries’ social media pages to stay up to date with their special events and how they are celebrating art.
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Cheryl Newby Gallery
11096 Ocean Highway #4
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
(800) 435-2733
www.cherylnewbygallery.com
Established in 1983, Cheryl Newby Gallery is one of the Grand Strand’s premier fine art galleries, representing renowned artists from around the country. For more than 35 years, the gallery has maintained its reputation for high-quality fine art. Located in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, known as one of the oldest coastal resorts on the East Coast, the gallery currently represents professional painters and sculptors whose works vary in style and range from purely abstract to representational. One-person and group exhibitions are presented each quarter, with smaller “pop-up” shows throughout the year.
Cheryl Newby Gallery, Distant Thunder, oil on linen, 40 x 30", by Paula Holtzclaw.
Among the artists represented are the late Ray Ellis, Laura Edwards, Lisa Gleim, Paula Holtzclaw, Martha dePoo, the late Quita Brodhead, Cathryne Trachok and Mike Williams. In addition, six nationally renowned sculptors—Sandy Scott, Gwen Marcus, Amy Kann, Tony Hochstetler, Catherine K. Ferrell and Susan Wakeen—show their work in this gallery, as well as ceramics artist Glenda Taylor.
Cheryl Newby Gallery, Point 11, acrylic and ink on canvas, 32 x 39", by Mike Williams.
Cheryl Newby Gallery, Gingko Leaves, bronze, limited ed. of 15, 4 x 18 x 9", by Tony Hochstetler.
While the gallery has acquired many loyal patrons, both private and corporate, the knowledgeable team continuously enjoys assisting the novice collector.
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Dare Gallery
31 Broad Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 853-5002
www.daregallery.net
Dare Gallery on historic Broad Street in Charleston, and sister gallery, Sandpiper Gallery off the coast of Charleston on Sullivan’s Island, present fine art in the kind of welcoming atmosphere that is uniquely Southern. Over the last 20 years, these galleries have grown to feature an extensive variety of fine art including landscape, figurative, architectural and still life paintings plus exquisite ceramics, jewelry, unique works in wood, glass and metal—all by some of the most sought-after artists in the Lowcountry and accomplished artists from across the nation. 
Dare Gallery, Echos, pastel, 24 x 36", by Jeanne Rosier Smith.
Dare Gallery, Cloak and Daggers, oil, 30 x 30", by Leslie Pratt-Thomas.
Dare Gallery, Emerging Light, oil on canvas, 36 x 36", by Monique Carr.
“We decided to add the capability to purchase directly from our website…and are so thankful for collectors who have continued to support our galleries and artists throughout the past year. Every day we are pleasantly reminded of this support by the continued strong sales of paintings, jewelry and fine craft.” — Julie Cooke, owner and director, Dare Gallery/Sandpiper Gallery
More than 30 painters are represented here, including the abstract expressionism works of Monique Carr and Judy McSween that hang comfortably side by side with the impressionist art of Leslie Pratt-Thomas, Michael Cyra and Susan Hecht, the plein air paintings of Andre Lucero, Jim Darlington and Susan Mayfield, the high realism landscapes of
Douglas Grier and Jeanne Rosier Smith, and the figurative work of Silvia Belviso, Lori Mehta and Paula Zammit.
Dare Gallery is excited to host its first in-person show in over a year in October. Coastal Hues featuring Carr’s atmospheric and richly textured paintings will run October 1 to 31. In November, the gallery will host a solo show of Pratt-Thomas’ latest paintings. This show will include landscapes, still life and a selection of award-winning paintings of coastal birds by Pratt-Thomas, whose painting in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s Birds in Art exhibition was chosen to be part of the museum’s permanent collection.
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Helena Fox Fine Art
106-A Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-0073
gallery@helenafoxfineart.com
www.helenafoxfineart.com
Helena Fox Fine Art focuses on representational art featuring extraordinary landscapes, street scenes, wildlife, figurative and the occasional still life. The gallery represents a mix of artists from internationally-known Southern artist West Fraser, Minnesota-based artist Jeffrey Larson and Swedish sculptor Kent Ullberg, to nationally known artists such as Julyan Davis, Edward Rice and silversmith Kaminer Haislip. Their roster includes Donald Demers and William R. Davis Jr. who both made their names in the world of marine art; goldsmith Sarah Amos; Missouri’s Billy O’Donnell, who travels the world to capture it in his thick, colorful paint; and several California artists including Kathleen Dunphy and the late Terry DeLapp. Most recently the gallery welcomed New York artist Patt Baldino and Charleston artist Steven Nicoll.
Helena Fox Fine Art, B&J Grocery, oil on linen, 25 x 30", by West Fraser.
Helena Fox Fine Art, And I Think To Myself, oil on linen, 40 x 50", by West Fraser.
Featured artists for the month of October are Fraser and Amos in The Classic and the Sublime. The mastery of their respective mediums connects these two artists, who create enduring work that spans generations. Helena Fox Fine Art also looks forward to the release of Davis’ first novel A History of Saints, which tells the story in words and in pictures of strays (human, feline and canine) in America’s quirkiest town, Asheville, North Carolina.
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John C. Doyle Art Gallery
125 Church Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 577-7344, www.johncdoyle.com
John C. Doyle Art Gallery, Juke Joint, textured giclee on canvas, 40 x 30", by John Carroll Doyle; John C. Doyle Art Gallery, Yellow Roses, oil on canvas, 28 x 22", by Dhwani Parekh.
John C. Doyle Art Gallery, My Love, oil on canvas, 24 x 20", by Simon Kenevan.
Running for more than 30 years, John C. Doyle Art Gallery was established by the late John Carroll Doyle who passed away in 2014. His legacy of creating bright, warm and energetic paintings of everything from blues musicians to blue hydrangeas lives on through his artwork and through the gallery, which represents eight other local, national and international artists. Among these are oil, acrylic and pencil artist Dhwani Parekh and seascape painter Simon Kenevan, who grew up on the coast of Southern England. Local Charleston artists represented by the gallery include Margaret Petterson and Anne Maree Lawrence.
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Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art
103 Broad Street & 122 Market Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 723-0303 (Broad)
(843) 640-3324 (Market)
www.marymartinart.com
Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art on Broad Street and Market Street (inside Charleston Place hotel) offer the experience of discovering artists who have been selected because of their unique work in a variety of media. The galleries exhibit art of all genres, but focus on featuring painters and sculptors who forge new ground using their formidable talent. They are eclectic galleries, representing multiple unique styles of work, and look for originality as well as beauty.
Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art, Summer Solstice, oil on canvas, 36 x 36", by Pakan Penn.; Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art, Downtown World, oil on canvas, 40 x 30", by William R. Beebe.
An interior view of Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art at Charleston Place hotel.
“The art market has been much better than expected during COVID. Sales have been better than normal—art continues to inspire and delight customers.” — Mary Martin, owner, Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art
The galleries have attracted and maintained collectors for years because of the diversity of the excellent work carried and the quality of the professional artists represented. Mary Martin Galleries specializes in representing top contemporary artists and has also identified and mentored little-known artists to national recognition. The galleries exist to build long-term relationships with every client, designer, architect and trade professional that walks through the door.
Mary Martin Galleries hosts several ongoing exhibitions each month. Collectors have the opportunity to meet and get to know top artists through private receptions. Upcoming exhibitions include artwork by Pakan Penn, Oleg Trofimov, Kevin McNamara, Charles Nkomo, Hessam Abrishami and many more.
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Mary Whyte
(843) 870-0430
sharon@marywhyte.com
www.marywhyte.com
Mary Whyte is an American figurative artist known internationally for her watercolors of contemporary people. Her works are in private, corporate, university and public collections nationwide, and have been featured in numerous media outlets including CBS Sunday Morning, PBS and NPR. In 2013, Whyte was one of 10 artists worldwide invited to travel to China and exhibit her watercolors at the Nanning Art Museum in Nanning, Guangxi.
Mary Whyte, Big Blue, watercolor, 22 x 27"
Mary Whyte, Sabbath, watercolor, 18½ x 29"The author of seven books including We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America, Whyte’s work has also been featured in many international publications, including periodicals and books in China, Russia, France, Germany, Canada and Taiwan. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Portrait Society of America’s Gold Medal, the Carolinas Freedom Foundation’s Freedom Award and the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts, which is the state’shighest honor in the arts. Whyte received the 2020 National DAR Medal of Honor and the 2020 NSDAR Women in the Arts Award. In 2021, the artist received an honorary doctorate degree from Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Whyte founded the Patriot Art Foundation in 2019 to honor and inspire veterans through the arts. 
Mary Whyte, Winter Whyte, watercolor, 23½ x 22"
Whyte’s current solo exhibition, WE THE PEOPLE: Portraits of Veterans in America, is on view at the Huntsville Museum of Art through September 26, then travels to the National Museum of the Marine Corps from November 1 to July 22, 2022.
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Principle Gallery Charleston
125 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29401
(843) 727-4500
art@principlecharleston.com
www.principlegallery.com
The front entrance of Principle Gallery Charleston; Principle Gallery Charleston, Fledglings, oil and silver leaf on canvas, 24 x 24", by Michele Kortbawi Wilk.
Principle Gallery Charleston is dedicated to representing the highest quality of contemporary and classical realism art. Focusing on paintings in oil and bronze sculpture, the gallery proudly represents emerging, midcareer and established American and international artists with a distinct personal approach to their work. 
Principle Gallery Charleston, Paris Boulevard, oil on canvas, 18 x 24", by Christine Lashley.
“Principle Gallery is excited to report a BOOMING, BOOMING, BOOMING and one more time BOOMING business in 2021!.” — Frank Conrad Russen, director, Principle Gallery Charleston
Principle Gallery Charleston gains great exposure for its artists through solo exhibitions and selective group shows. The gallery invites collectors to explore its light-filled space for monthly shows featuring fresh and exciting works from the many multifaceted and diverse artists they represent. There will be upcoming exhibitions with artists Christine Lashley, Barbara Flowers, Michele Kortbawi Wilk, Maya Kulenovic and Nicolas Martin.
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Reinert Fine Art
179 & 181 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 694-2445
www.reinertfineart.com
Reinert Fine Art’s courtyard is bustling during a First Friday ArtWalk.
Reinert Fine Art, The Riviera at Majestic Square, oil, 60 x 48", by Rick Reinert.
“Charleston is home to many prestigious shows, attracting collectors from the entire country. Reinert Fine Art is proud to host the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition in 2023.” — Jason Stone, director, Reinert Fine Art
Reinert Fine Art showcases the contemporary impressionist works in oil by Rick Reinert and more than 60 other artists offering their unique and diverse styles. The gallery has two Charleston locations at 179 and 181 King Street, a popular downtown street known for its diverse blend of art, antiques, exceptional food and more. Reinert Fine Art, a veteran-owned and -operated business, has a gorgeous outdoor courtyard and sculpture garden gallery that visitors and collectors can enjoy and admire.
Reinert Fine Art, By Window Light, oil, 24 x 20", by Zhiwei Tu.
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Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Charleston, SC
(843) 723-1748
sewe@sewe.com
www.sewe.com
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition curates a collection of fine art from some of the most talented wildlife painters and sculptors in the nation. Explore the SEWE Gallery online to find a new piece of art, learn more about the artists and discover the inspiration behind their work. Plan a visit to the SEWE Fine Art Gallery, located in Charleston Place hotel, in February to shop premier wildlife artwork in person. 
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Golden Light, oil on linen, 36 x 45", by Julia Rogers.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Summer Twilight, oil on canvas, 24 x 30", by Mark Horton; The SEWE Fine Art Gallery.
“The anticipation from both artists and collectors is an exciting building block for what we believe will be one of the most powerful shows in the history of Southeastern Wildlife Exposition.” — John Powell, executive director, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
The 40th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition takes place February 17 to 20, 2022, with Julia Rogers as the Featured Artist. SEWE will also host a new artist, Kathleen Dunphy, as the Special Guest Artist. Mark Horton, the SEWE 2021 Featured Artist, will exhibit an encore body of work. Among the special events is a Private Preview Afternoon where collectors will have insider access to preview and purchase original art inside the gallery before SEWE begins. Other highlights include the Signature Gala & Sale, the Quick Draw/Speed Sculpt and Auction and an online gallery. —
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