Organizers of the Southeastern Wildlife Expositionbelieve that when people feel personally connected to wildlife and wild places, they are far more likely to care about protecting them. SEWE helps to create these connections through wildlife art, “bringing the outdoors indoors in a way that feels emotional and personal, allowing people to connect with nature through creativity and storytelling,” says Meagan Trotta, SEWE marketing and sales director.
Janet Clukie, To Admire, oil, 10 x 10 in.
This year marks SEWE’s 44th edition, bringing immersive experiences to downtown Charleston, South Carolina, that include acclaimed wildlife art, live sporting demonstrations, outdoor programming, artisan exhibitors and more. Five major venues will be utilized for the event, broadening its footprint from past years to include more exhibitors and enhanced programming.
“Collectors will find a broad range of work in SEWE’s Fine Art Gallery,” Trotta adds. “The show features sculpture and painting alongside scratchboard, graphite, feather-crafted art and other specialized mediums. Works range from small to large scale, and include both wildlife and landscape subjects. Styles span traditional realism to more contemporary interpretations, creating a diverse and dynamic gallery experience. There truly is something for every type of collector.”
Attendees explore artwork in SEWE’s Fine Art Gallery.
Among the artists featured in the 2026 event is award-winning artist Janet Clukie, who draws inspiration from her early immersion in nature, fostering her passion for wildlife and the Western lifestyle. Her art captures the essence and mood of these experiences, creating visually captivating pieces. “One of my favorite memories from my first trip out west was watching a fox navigate through the brush during its hunt. The fox paused for a moment, as if taking in the beauty of its surroundings, making the moment memorable to capture. This scene of shared admiration inspired the title for my painting,” Clukie says of her show piece To Admire.
Julie Jeppsen, Seven to One, oil on linen, 15 x 30 in.
Throughout the weekend, SEWE will also be hosting a number of live art demonstrations, one of the most anticipated being the Quick Draw, Speed Sculpt & Auction on Friday, February 13, at 3 p.m. “Artists and sculptors are given one hour to complete a piece live, after which the works are immediately auctioned,” Trotta explains. “It is an exciting, high-energy event that allows attendees to witness the creative process up close.”
Rebecca Proctor, She’s Got the Trots, oil on canvas, 16 x 20 in.
In addition, SEWE selects a featured artist to create a painting that’s auctioned during SEWE’s Signature Gala & Auction on February 12. This year’s featured artwork, Charleston Splendor by Henry Von Genk III, can be viewed online at www.sewe.com, at Gallery by SEWE leading up to the show, and in Von Genk’s booth during the event. —
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
When: February 13-15, 2026
Where: Various Locations - Charleston, SC
Information: (843) 723-1748, www.sewe.com
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