Tidelines

New Exhibit at the Gibbes: Mary Whyte

The Gibbes Museum of Art announces a new exhibit featuring local artist Mary Whyte.

Mary Whyte: Salt of the Earth
Beginning May 22, 2026

The Gibbes Museum of Art will showcase Salt of the Earth, a series of paintings by acclaimed watercolorist Mary Whyte. Known for her expressive, large-scale watercolors of contemporary Americans, Whyte celebrates the nation’s Semiquincentennial with masterful works, along with site-specific drawings rendered directly on the museum walls. These works spotlight the diversity, fortitude, and spirit of the American people. With its moving considerations of all walks of life, from the San Francisco fortune cookie maker to the South Carolina oysterman, Whyte’s newest vision offers a poignant tribute to the individuals who shape America — and to their remarkable spirit, tenacity, and grit.

To kick off this exhibition, the museum will welcome the artist herself for a Friday afternoon guided tour through the show and also invite our younger art enthusiasts for a special Saturday kids tour and workshop.

-Submitted by The Gibbes Museum

(Image credit: The Gibbes Museum)

2026 Piccolo Spoleto Festival, May 22 – June 7

Piccolo Spoleto, Charleston Spoleto Festival’s little brother, is sponsored by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and takes place in multiple venues around the city.

May and June will bring a reinvigorated Piccolo Spoleto Festival to Charleston that will feature 250 events, all but 60 of which will be produced by arts and community groups whose independent work has nurtured culture and talent for years. Half of Piccolo Spoleto’s events will be free.

For more information about Piccolo events, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

Seabrookers Committed to Protecting Our Environment

This article is second in a series showcasing how Seabrookers are actively working to protect and enrich our natural environment.

Bee Cause: Protecting the Bees

Seabrook Island, a certified Audubon Sanctuary, is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, sea turtles, dolphins, and bees. While bees are often considered pests, they play a crucial role in our ecosystem serving as vital pollinators that contribute to the reproduction of many flowering plants. By transferring pollen from one bloom to another, bees enhance biodiversity and promote healthy ecosystems, ensuring that plants thrive and provide habitats for numerous other species. As key players in agriculture, their decline poses significant risks not only to food security but also to the overall balance of our natural environment, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these essential pollinators.

We are fortunate to have an apiary on our island with a dozen managed colonies, maintained by three beekeepers: Karen Babb, Jean Phillips, and Valerie Doane. Our island’s apiary, Bee Cause, features Italian honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica), which are known for their gentleness and excellent honey production.

Keep Up with the Lake House May 13

Activities & Events

Save the Date – Property Owners Luau, Saturday, May 23, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on the Lake House Lawn. Back by popular demand, enjoy traditional pig roast, live music, beer, and wine. Click here for more details.

Fitness Classes

Please welcome two new instructors to the Lake House – Nancy Trapp and Stephanie Stappelli! Joining our talented fitness staff, they are dedicated to helping Seabrookers achieve their wellness goals.

Monthly Schedule
New Classes – Mark Durinsky will be leading two new fitness classes. Beginning Thursday, May 14, Mark will lead the first session of 30/30 Beginner Boxing & Stretch at 12:00 pm. Then, on July 11, he will offer a fan favorite- Heated Stretch at 8:00 am.

The May Group Exercise Schedule

Semi-Private Series
Sign up now for the following semi-private classes. For more information about the series and detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.

Yin Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The May series meets from May 5 to 26. The June series meets from June 2 – 30. No class on June 9.
Chair Yoga – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. The May series meets from May 6 to 27. The June series meets from June 3 to 24
Classic Mat Pilates – Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am from June 1 to June 24 at Oyster Catcher Community Center. Please bring your own mat, as they are not available at Oyster Catcher.
Vinyasa Yoga – Starting Thursday, June 4, this 6-week series combines standing and seated movements that flow together, incorporating balance, strength, flexibility, and breathwork. It will meet at 11:00 am from June 4 to July 9.

May in Your Charleston County Parks

Check out the wide variety of activities available during May by Charleston County Parks!

Festivals & Events
May 15 Dancing On The Cooper
May 16 Cast-Off Fishing Tournament
May 16 Wheel To Surf
May 23 Genesis Swim-A-Thon
May 29 Reggae Nights Summer Concert
May 31 Inclusive Swim Night

Fitness & Wellness
May 23 Lowcountry Youth Track And Field Games

Summer Swim Lessons
Swim lesson registration is open. Lessons will be held in June and July at the West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood.

Nature, History & Culture
May 13 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
May 14 Seashore Exploration
May 15 Seashore Exploration
May 16 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
May 16 Ramble And Row
May 20 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
May 21 Gator Tales
May 23 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
May 27 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
May 30 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
May 30 Bird Photography

Outdoor Adventure
May 17 Climbing Rescues: Skills For Outdoor Top Rope And Lead
May 22- August 10 Kids Zipline Sessions
May 22- August 10 Zipline And Challenge Course Sessions
May 24 Adaptive Climbing Day

Skateboarding
May 23 Beginner or Intermediate Skateboard Lessons

-Submitted by Charleston County Parks

(Image credit: CCPRC.com)

Benefit Concert with Bill Murray and Jan Vogler

A Special Benefit Concert at Middleton Place
June 1, 2026
7:30-10:00 pm

Enjoy a one-night-only evening with New Worlds, featuring Bill Murray, Jan Vogler, and friends, presented beneath a tent under the Oaks at Middleton Place.

Blending classical music, literature, and storytelling, New Worlds is a dynamic, engaging performance that is both thoughtful and deeply moving. This Charleston premiere brings together acclaimed actor and writer Bill Murray and renowned cellist Jan Vogler in a program that has been performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Set within an intimate, open-air environment, this rare appearance offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class artists in a unique setting.

This special evening is a benefit concert supporting the urgent stabilization and restoration of the historic Chapel and Spring House at Middleton Place.

Click here to learn more about the program and to purchase tickets.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Middleton Place)

TOSI Happenings for the Week of May 11

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Pathway Repairs – Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12, asphalt crews will be conducting repairs to the pathway adjacent to Seafields leading up to Freshfields. The pathway will be closed and inaccessible in that area while repairs are being completed. “Pathway Closed” signs will be placed in the appropriate locations so crews can safely complete their work.

Beach Rules – Peak season beach rules are now in effect.

Disaster Awareness Day – The Town of Kiawah Island will host Disaster Awareness Day on Friday, May 29, from 10:00 am to noon at Kiawah Island Town Hall, 4475 Betsy Kerrison Parkway. Click here for more information.

Chow Town Food Truck Rodeo – The first Chow Town is coming! On Wednesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, food trucks from various local vendors will take over the Town Hall parking lot.

2026 Town Grant Program – The Town is now accepting applications for funding from the 2026 Discretionary Grant Program. For more information about the Discretionary Grant Program, or to download a grant application form, please click here.

Business License Renewal – The deadline for TOSI business license renewal was April 30, 2026. Renewals after April 30 are subject to late penalties. Click here for more information.

TOSI Monthly E-newsletter – To stay up-to-date with town communications, sign up for the e-newsletter by clicking here.

MEETINGS

To stay up to date on meeting dates and times, visit TOSI’s calendar located on its homepage.

Public Safety and Environmental & Wildlife Committee Joint Meeting
Thursday, May 14 – 9:00 am
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

View the calendar of meetings beyond this week by visiting the home page of TownofSeabrookIsland.org.

Agendas will be posted at least 24 hours before each meeting. All videos can be found on the town’s YouTube channel. Individuals wishing to participate in the meeting via Zoom can call (843) 768-9121 or email pwiggins@townofseabrookisland.org for login information before the meeting.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Treasures of Seabrook Island: The People’s Choice

In March 2026, all members of the Seabrook Island Artist Guild were invited to create an original work of art for a bold new exhibition extravaganza titled: “Treasures of Seabrook Island.” Participating artists submitted an anonymous piece that captures what they believe is a true treasure of Seabrook Island — its beauty, spirit, wildlife, landscapes, people, or hidden gems. Entries were on display at the Seabrook Island Real Estate Office from April 1 to April 25. Seabrookers and visitors viewed the exhibit and cast votes for each of their three favorite pieces to identify the People’s Choice.

Would you like to know the results?

Keep Up with the Lake House May 13

Activities & Events

Fitness Classes

The May Group Exercise Schedule

Semi-Private Series
Sign up now for the following semi-private classes. For more information about the series and detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.

Yin Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The May series meets from May 5 to 26. The June series meets from June 2 – 30. No class on June 9.
Chair Yoga – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. The May series meets from May 6 to 27. The June series meets from June 3 to 24
Classic Mat Pilates – Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30 am from June 1 to June 24 at Oyster Catcher Community Center. Please bring your own mat, as they are not available at Oyster Catcher.
Vinyasa Yoga – Starting Thursday, June 4, this 6-week series combines standing and seated movements that flow together, incorporating balance, strength, flexibility, and breathwork. It will meet at 11:00 am from June 4 to July 9.

Upcoming Events at Brookgreen Gardens

Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith
May 27-August 22, 2026

Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith showcases vibrant glass sculptures that capture nature’s beauty. The pieces shine by day with intricate colors and details, and on select summer evenings are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

Daytime admission is included with the general admission ticket to the Gardens, while evening visits require a separate event ticket to Summer Light: Art by Night, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, May 27 – August 22.

Click here for more information.

Society of Animal Artists Exhibition:
May 9-July 26, 2026

Society of Animal Artists Exhibition brings together work focused on wildlife and close observation of the natural world, showing how Anna Hyatt Huntington’s influence shaped the directions of contemporary animal art.

This juried exhibition, featuring many of today’s leading sculptors and painters, pays tribute to her remarkable legacy and celebrates the 150th anniversary of her birth.

Click here for more information.

Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, and is open to the public daily.

-Submitted by Brookgreen Gardens

(Image credit: Brookgreen Gardens)

King Tides in the Charleston Area May 15-18

King Tide is a commonly used term describing high tides that are higher than normal. They usually occur during a full or new moon or during specific seasons throughout the year. Charleston’s average high tide range is about 5.5 ft., but during a King Tide event, it can reach 7 ft. or higher.

King Tides can cause flooding in low-lying areas, resulting in road closures on Seabrook Island, as well as the Johns Island and Charleston areas. This is particularly true when a king tide coincides with significant rain and/or wind.

The next 2026 dates of predicted King Tides is May 15-18.

Revolutionary Ideas Symposium

A Two-Day Scholarly Symposium
Exploring 250 Years of American Independence

Revolutionary Ideas: Origins, Contexts, and Legacies of American Independence welcomes a remarkable international gathering of historians, biographers, and statesmen at the Dock Street Theatre on June 24 and 25, 2026. Scholars Jon Meacham, Vincent Brown, Maya Jasanoff, Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Sir Michael Fallon, and more will be featured over the two days. Co-presented with SC250 Charleston, the symposium asks the questions that anniversaries can skip past — what made the Revolution possible, who it left out, what it set in motion, and why it still resonates today.

When: Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25, 2026

Where: The Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC

Presented by:
Charleston Literary Festival and SC250 Charleston

In collaboration with:
International African American Museum (IAAM), Charleston Library Society, South Carolina Historical Society, and the Ditchley Foundation (UK).

Tickets: On sale now!

–Tidelines Editors