What kind of products can be found at the new SEWE gallery?

The new permanent SEWE gallery at The Charleston Place Hotel showcases work from artists, much of which highlights the Lowcountry landscape. Everything within the gallery is available for purchase.

Are there local food options available during SEWE?

Yes, food stalls and pop-up restaurants throughout the event showcase local chefs and food vendors, offering a mix of traditional Southern dishes and contemporary takes on Lowcountry fare. Vendor pop-ups at hotels also provide specialized offerings.

February 12, 2026

SEWE Unveils Fresh Avenues for Local Commerce

Charleston, February 12, 2026

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) in Charleston continues to support local entrepreneurs and artisans with expanded opportunities for commerce. This year’s event features a new permanent gallery and multiple exhibition venues showcasing unique art, handcrafted products, and local cuisine. By attracting approximately 40,000 attendees, SEWE serves as a significant economic driver for the region, fostering small business growth and community engagement.

Charleston

SEWE Unveils Fresh Avenues for Local Commerce

As the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) once again brings its unique blend of art, conservation, and sporting traditions to Charleston, the Lowcountry is buzzing with expanded opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with and support local businesses. This year’s exposition not only continues its tradition as a significant economic driver but also showcases new and enhanced platforms for entrepreneurs and artisans, underscoring Charleston’s vibrant spirit of innovation and community-focused commerce.

SEWE, a celebrated Lowcountry tradition since 1983, annually draws approximately 40,000 attendees, generating a substantial economic impact for the region. This influx of visitors provides a robust marketplace for local talent, demonstrating the resilience and creativity of South Carolina entrepreneurs. The collaborative environment fosters growth, allowing small businesses and artists to thrive within a framework that champions both cultural preservation and economic vitality.

A Permanent Hub for Wildlife Art: The New SEWE Gallery

A notable development enhancing local shopping opportunities is the establishment of a new, permanent SEWE gallery at The Charleston Place Hotel. This gallery, which opened in September 2023, provides a year-round space for artists—ranging from local talents to nationally recognized figures—to showcase their work, much of which highlights the Lowcountry landscape. Everything within the gallery is available for purchase, transforming a temporary event feature into a continuous retail presence that actively supports the art community and offers sustained engagement for collectors and enthusiasts. This initiative exemplifies how strategic partnerships and private investment can create lasting economic infrastructure, allowing the spirit of SEWE to flourish beyond its annual February dates.

Showcasing Artisan Ingenuity Across Multiple Venues

Beyond the permanent gallery, SEWE continues to be a crucial platform for a wide array of local artisans and craftsmen. The exposition leverages multiple downtown Charleston venues, including The Charleston Place, the Gaillard Center, the Charleston Marriott, Brittlebank Park, and Marion Square, each hosting a curated collection of exhibitors. These sites transform into bustling marketplaces where attendees can discover unique, handcrafted goods, intricate wildlife sculptures, nature-inspired jewelry, and other distinctive pieces that celebrate the outdoors. This extensive network of exhibition spaces not only provides diverse shopping experiences but also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of individual creators who bring their passion and skill to the forefront, contributing directly to the Charleston SC business landscape.

Culinary Entrepreneurship and Local Flavors

The spirit of local enterprise extends to Charleston’s renowned culinary scene, which is prominently featured during SEWE. Food stalls and pop-up restaurants throughout the event showcase local chefs and food vendors, offering a true taste of Charleston’s vibrant culinary culture. From traditional Southern dishes to contemporary interpretations of Lowcountry fare, these culinary entrepreneurs demonstrate innovation in gastronomy, utilizing locally sourced ingredients and regional flavors. Additionally, various vendor pop-ups at hotels, such as Hotel Richemont’s courtyard and Hotel Bennett, introduce specialized offerings from wildlife photographers and feather accessory makers, further diversifying the local shopping experience. These initiatives provide critical visibility and sales opportunities for small businesses, bolstering the Lowcountry economic growth.

Economic Growth and Community Engagement

The collective impact of these local shopping opportunities during SEWE is significant for the Charleston County economy. By providing a direct sales channel for South Carolina entrepreneurs and artisans, SEWE functions as a powerful incubator for small businesses, fostering job creation and encouraging private investment in creative industries. The expansion of shopping venues and the introduction of year-round retail spaces demonstrate a proactive approach to economic development, moving beyond temporary events to establish enduring commercial pathways. Community involvement is also paramount, as the event encourages residents and visitors to connect directly with the creators and producers, reinforcing a sense of local pride and collective support for the regional economy.

Supporting Charleston’s Economic Future

The evolution of shopping opportunities at SEWE, particularly the establishment of a permanent gallery and the broad integration of local vendors, represents a positive stride for Charleston’s economic landscape. These developments empower small businesses, celebrate artistic and culinary talent, and provide tangible benefits to the community. By choosing to shop local at SEWE, attendees directly contribute to the vitality of Charleston’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensure the continued prosperity of its unique cultural and economic identity.

We encourage everyone to explore these new and expanded avenues for local shopping, supporting the dedication and innovation of Charleston’s small business community. Your engagement helps shape a robust and dynamic future for our beloved city.

Key Features of Local Shopping at SEWE

Feature	Description	Location(s)	Scope
New Permanent SEWE Gallery	Year-round space for local and national artists, showcasing Lowcountry-inspired art available for purchase.	The Charleston Place Hotel	Local
Artisan & Craftsmen Exhibitors	Curated collection of unique, handcrafted goods, sculptures, jewelry, and nature-inspired items.	The Charleston Place, Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott, Marion Square	Local
Food Stalls & Pop-Up Restaurants	Local chefs and vendors offering traditional Southern and Lowcountry cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.	Various SEWE venues	Local
Specialized Vendor Pop-Ups	Dedicated spaces for specific vendors, such as wildlife photographers and feather accessory makers.	Hotel Richemont’s courtyard, Hotel Bennett	Local
Economic Impact	Annually attracts approximately 40,000 attendees, generating substantial economic activity for the region.	Charleston County	Local