Russell Graves is a Texas-based photographer, writer, and educator with a career spanning over three decades. A former national award-winning teacher, he now combines his passion for the outdoors with his background in instruction to lead photography workshops worldwide. His work has been featured on hundreds of magazine covers and in numerous books, earning him a reputation as a premiere storyteller of rural and natural landscapes.
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is officially kicking off its Mid-Year Annual Appeal, inviting the Lowcountry community to help transform “Blueprints to Bricks”. This year’s campaign focuses on starting the development of Sweetgrass Preserve, a brand-new affordable housing neighborhood designed to ensure that those who serve the island can afford to live here. It is located on Johns Island, about a half mile from Main Road on Black Pen Road, across from the Berkeley Electric Building. Click here for more information on Sweetgrass Preserve.
Among the first homeowners moving into the neighborhood this year is Maria, a local early childhood education teacher. For years, Maria has laid the foundations for the community’s youngest dreamers, but she has struggled to secure a foundation of her own.
Her new 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at Sweetgrass Preserve is more than just four walls – it is a promise of a safe, permanent sanctuary for Maria and her elderly grandmother. Maria’s story reflects the mission of this mid-year appeal of ensuring that dedicated community members can finally plant permanent roots in the soil that raised them.
Welcome to Charleston’s only live comedy mystery theatre, where the audience is the star! All our shows are clean comic whodunits, and they all feature you — or at least some brave soul sitting near you who volunteers for a role!
All shows are original — written by us — and can be seen only at our cozy home on Church Street. Each show lasts approximately two hours. The ticket is for the show only, and desserts, appetizers and drinks are optional. All laughs are not optional and are included in ticket price!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, food trucks from various local vendors will take over theTown 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.
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.
