For lovers of wildlife art, conservationists and outdoorsmen, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a three-day celebration of nature.

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. With exhibits on display throughout Charleston’s historic district, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition’s goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.

Since that time, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation. The 1998 winner of the prestigious Governor’s Cup Award for tourism, the event currently attracts over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. Having earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.

For lovers of wildlife art, conservationists and outdoorsmen, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a three-day celebration of nature. Its annual goal is to have an ongoing educational impact on attendees, through programs which continue to grow in stature and diversity. Over the last ten years, the Exposition has attracted exhibits and lectures on topics as varied as the South American rainforest, South Carolina’s coastal conservation efforts, and mountain gorillas in Rwanda. It also has played host to many of the most distinguished wildlife artists in the world, providing attendees with access to some of the world’s most significant art collections and exhibits, and affording visibility to highly talented artisans and craftsmen. In addition, SEWE annually provides visitors exposure to information on wildlife behavior and habitat with exciting and unique experiences such as free flight falconry demonstrations, one-on-one meetings with endangered species and the chance to chat with experts in wildlife and nature conservation and preservation.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort which began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.