The Gallery by SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition), a year-round art space at The Charleston Place hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, has closed as the luxury hotel moves into the next phase of its $150 million renovation project. The gallery, which opened in 2023, was always intended as a temporary space but operated for nearly twice as long as originally agreed. It featured wildlife art, monthly programming including artist residencies and community events, and a notable life-sized sculpture titled "The Three Graces" valued at over $750,000.
The closure marks the end of a successful experiment that extended the reach of SEWE, one of the region's largest annual tourist draws with an economic impact of over $32.7 million. SEWE president and CEO John Powell emphasized that the gallery served as an effective marketing tool and gave visitors a year-round connection to the festival's wildlife art scene. While the gallery is gone, SEWE plans to remain active through other events and community outreach, and its flagship February festival will continue, with the 45th edition scheduled for 2026.