The Arts – 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

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?

May at the Charleston Museum

There is always something interesting happening at the Charleston Museum! Here is what they have planned for May.

SIAG Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Event May 23

The Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) is proud to present its Memorial Day Weekend Art and Craft Show—an exceptional opportunity to explore and experience the creativity of talented local artists and craftsmen.

Join us on Saturday, May 23, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm for a day of art, inspiration, and community. In the event of inclement weather, the show will be held on Sunday, May 24, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. A weather decision will be made one to two days before the event.

This year’s event will be held on the green in front of the Seabrook Island Real Estate Company, located at 1002 Landfall Way, just outside the gate. This convenient and welcoming location makes it easy for our neighbors from Kiawah Island and Johns Island to join us for this special event.

SIAG May Artist of the Month, Pat Van de Graaf

Please join the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for a reception
to meet Gretchen and view her creative artworks.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
4:30-6:00 pm
Seabrook Island Lake House

Pat Van de Graaf is an accomplished artist and printmaker whose work reflects decades of dedication to her craft. During her years in Connecticut, she served on the board of the New Canaan Society for the Arts and was an Artist Member of the Silvermine Guild of Artists, where she generously volunteered in a variety of roles over many years.

Piccolo Preview at Holy Spirit Church

Sunday, May 3
Doors 3:30 pm; Show 4:00 pm

Each year in anticipation of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Kiawah Arts Council collaborates with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs to coordinate a “sneak-peek” concert that gives Sea Islands residents a taste of what Piccolo Spoleto has to offer!

Tickets are no cost, but required.

Click here to reserve yours .

–Tidelines Editors

Gibbes: Art Charleston in April

The Gibbes Museum will again host Art Charleston, April 22-26, 2026. This is a five-day focus on the visual arts offering signature events, unique experiences, artist lectures, panel discussions, gallery walks, professional workshops, and exhibition tours led by experts. Art Charleston is our city’s premier visual arts event.

April at the Charleston Gaillard Center

There are a lot of great upcoming events in April at the Charleston Gaillard Center. From piano concertos, author discussions, and dance – there’s something for all to enjoy. Click here for more information.

–Tidelines Editors

April at the Charleston Museum

There is always something interesting happening at the Charleston Museum. Let’s see what they have planned for April.

Reminder: Art Show April 4, 2026

Some of South Carolina’s leading artists will be participating in the Sea Islands Chamber of Commerce’s 16th Annual Art Show just outside of the Seabrook Island gate. The artists are housed under one big tent, and the event is open to the public. This year’s line-up of juried artists includes: Jennifer Black, Sandra Roper, Lisa Willits, Betsy Jones McDonald, Tina Mayland, Cynthia Houston, Elizabeth Middour, Colleen Wiessmann, and Donna Geriner.

Each of the featured artists is well known throughout the region. The show, which is always held the day before Easter, will be from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The artists will be displaying original work. Visitors will see oils, pastels, and watercolors, in styles from representational to impressionistic to abstract. Some of the artists will also be painting live, so it’s a great opportunity to meet them and see their creative process in action.

Mark your calendars for April 4, the day before Easter. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday than looking at amazing art in a beautiful outdoor setting.

-Submitted by Tina Mayland

(Image credit: Tina Mayland)

SIAG April Artist of the Month, Bob LeFevre

Please join the Seabrook Island Artist Guild for a reception
to meet Bob and view his creative artworks.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
4:30 – 6:00 pm
Seabrook Island Lake House

Bob LeFevre, a resident of Seabrook Island and Salem, South Carolina, retired from a successful career in business at the age of 55 to pursue his passion…oil painting. Since he was a child, he loved the water and everything related to it. It was natural that his paintings from the beginning would depict scenes of life on and near the oceans and lakes he would visit throughout his life.

Bob’s painting career began when, at the urging of his fourth grade teachers, he was enrolled in private art classes. Here, at this early age, he began to develop his perceptual skills as an artist learning the fundamentals of rendering and depiction of values in a representational way.