Charleston, S.C., September 25, 2025

News Summary

Henry Von Genk III has been selected as the Featured Artist for the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. The event will take place at multiple locations in Charleston, S.C. Von Genk’s artwork, including his centerpiece painting ‘Charleston Splendor,’ showcases the region’s natural beauty and contributes to wildlife conservation efforts.

Charleston, S.C. – Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Selects Henry Von Genk III as 2026 Featured Artist

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) has named Florida-based artist Henry Von Genk III as the 2026 Featured Artist. The annual SEWE event will occur from February 13-15, 2026, at five locations in Charleston, S.C.

Von Genk expressed his honor at being selected, stating it is a lifelong dream come true. He has been attending SEWE since 1989, highlighting his long-standing connection to the event. The artist considers Charleston his second home, deeply inspired by the area’s natural beauty, which significantly influences his artwork.

The centerpiece of Von Genk’s participation will be his painting titled “Charleston Splendor.” This piece is slated to appear on the official SEWE 2026 poster and will be on display leading up to the event at the Gallery by SEWE, located within The Charleston Place, 205 Meeting Street, Charleston. Furthermore, “Charleston Splendor” will be auctioned during the SEWE VIP Gala and Sale on February 12, 2026.

Von Genk was selected from a competitive pool of artists from around the world to represent SEWE. His selection continues a tradition of featuring esteemed artists, joining the ranks of John Banovich, Ray Brown, Kathleen Dunphy, and Ryan Kirby.

The featured painting depicts a white heron perched in a Lowcountry marsh, surrounded by a pastel sunset sky and luminous cumulus clouds. Von Genk described the inspiration for this artwork as years in the making and reflective of his love for Charleston. Additionally, his fascination with clouds, which bloom in the sky due to his experience as a private pilot, deepens his appreciation for sunsets.

Von Genk aims to preserve natural settings through his art, emphasizing the importance of capturing landscapes as earlier painters did before the advent of photography. His artwork contributes not only to the aesthetic enjoyment of viewers but also advocates wildlife conservation, aiming to preserve the natural world for future generations through his artistic expression.

John Powell, president and CEO of SEWE, commended Von Genk as an extraordinary artist who enhances the experience for collectors and attendees. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Von Genk is a self-taught artist specializing in realistic landscape paintings through oil, glazing, and shadowing techniques. Before focusing on fine art that predominantly features waterways and salt marshes, he also executed murals for museums and collectors.

SEWE is regarded as one of the premier wildlife art shows in the nation. The exposition serves to raise awareness for wildlife conservation, education, and local tourism. Tickets for SEWE 2026 will go on sale online starting October 1, 2025. For further inquiries, interested individuals can email [email protected], visit www.sewe.com, or call 843-723-1748.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4
• Wikipedia: Charles Town, South Carolina
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
• ABC News 4 – Local
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildlife

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