Southeastern Wildlife Exposition moves forward with provisional plans for February show

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has announced provisional plans for its 39th annual celebration of wildlife art and the great outdoors in downtown Charleston, February 11 – 14, 2021. All tickets, including VIP packages, general admission passes and special events, are now available for purchase online at sewe.com/tickets.

In preparation for the 2021 show, SEWE organizers are working in tandem with the City of Charleston and meeting regularly with local and state public agencies. On-site plans for the event are evolving on a daily basis as regulations continue to change, but safety remains the top priority. SEWE will modify its show for the comfort and safety of attendees, including a reduced footprint, limited attendance and a new ticket structure. While these updates and new precautions will impact the upcoming event, patrons will still experience the excitement of SEWE and celebrate the weekend with many of their favorite demonstrators, artists and exhibitors.

“Even during these times of uncertainty, there is a spirit among SEWE that calls upon us to aim for an event in 2021. For nearly 40 years, SEWE has brought us together on Presidents’ Day Weekend and we are committed to continuing these traditions next year,” said John Powell, Executive Director of SEWE. “Planning during these uncertain times in our world has not been without its challenges, but the SEWE team is optimistic about our event’s future. As we earnestly move forward with preparations for next year, we also recognize the possibility that we may be facing different circumstances in 2021. We will continue on with our plans for February, but want to assure you that public health and safety will take precedence.”

SEWE will host its event at two major exhibit sites in 2021 – Brittlebank Park and the Charleston Marriott. Brittlebank Park will present sporting guides and outfitters, DockDogs® competitions, canine demonstrations from herding and retrieving breeds, conservation organizations, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture tent and more. The Charleston Marriott will house the Fine Art Gallery and its artists, as well as a curated exhibit of artisans and craftsmen that embody the SEWE lifestyle.

For the first time in SEWE history, the event will implement daily attendance limits, selling 25 percent of its typical capacity for general admission tickets and VIP packages. A reduction and cap in attendance for 2021 will allow SEWE to follow social distancing guidelines and monitor crowds. Given the reduction in attendance and exhibit sites, and the proximity of Brittlebank Park and the Charleston Marriott, SEWE will be suspending its transportation and shuttle system in 2021.

General admission tickets (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) will be sold for $35 and will include access to all SEWE venues, entry to live demonstrations and entertainment and free admission for kids (no advance registration required). Tickets for SEWE 2021 will be sold exclusively online at sewe.com. Patrons who use promo code SEWE2021 before January 11, 2021 will receive 20 percent off general admission tickets. New information regarding ticket types and policies can also be found on the SEWE website.

“SEWE began in 1983 as a way to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the Charleston area and support local businesses during the off-season. It quickly became a treasured annual event and is now considered the Lowcountry’s unofficial kick-off to spring,” said Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston and SEWE Board Member. “For nearly 40 years, SEWE has showcased exceptional artists and educational entertainment and contributed significantly to the region’s economy. We are thrilled the team is committed to another expo in 2021. The Charleston area, like all destinations, has faced incredible challenges this year, and we are excited to safely and responsibly host an event for our community that will support local hotels, attractions, restaurants and retailers.”

Local Charleston artist Mark Kelvin Horton has been named the SEWE Featured Artist for the 2021 event. Known for his unique paintings of Lowcountry landscapes, Horton represents the heart and soul of southern life in each of his pieces. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities, while capturing the authentic beauty and essence of the moments that inspire him. His piece, Onward, has been selected as the Featured Painting and subject of the Official SEWE 2021 Poster.

“SEWE is more than an outdoors celebration and wildlife art event for our patrons and partners – it is a mindset and a stalwart for the City of Charleston and State of South Carolina,” said Powell. “Our support for wildlife artists, Charleston and our loyal attendees will not waiver, despite the obstacles we are currently facing. We are all looking forward to what can be and are ready to reconnect at the upcoming show in February.”

SEWE is recognized as the nation’s premier wildlife art show and kickoff event for Charleston’s tourism season. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to showcase the finest in wildlife art, create awareness for the conservation of wildlife and the environment, positively influence wildlife and nature education and impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism.

ABOUT SOUTHEASTERN WILDLIFE EXPOSITION

For nearly 40 years, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has proudly presented the finest in wildlife art, conservation and the outdoor lifestyle at its annual event in Charleston, South Carolina. SEWE will host its 39th event in 2021 at multiple venues throughout downtown Charleston from February 12 – 14, with VIP events beginning on Thursday, February 11. General admission and VIP tickets are now available for purchase online.