Where to Find Local Art in The Lowcountry

Featured photo: 470 Corley Street in Palmetto Bluff | Offered at $2,950,000 by The Ussery Group

 

Admittedly, we’re a bit biased when it comes to dubbing the Lowcountry one of the most aesthetically appealing areas in the great United States. Though, we aren’t the only ones who find the salty breezes, Spanish moss, and centuries-old oaks that define the area more than a little inspiring. A multitude of artists have converged along the stretch of coast between Charleston and Savannah with one goal in mind: to put their spin on the pristine beauty of the Lowcountry.

From beach scenes to Gullah life, to church steeples, to oyster shells, there are a myriad of regional subjects on display at our local galleries. The mediums utilized by each artist to express their unique perspective on the Lowcountry are just as diverse and include original oil paintings, fine art photography, metal sculptures, glassworks, and handcrafted pottery. Whether you’re an avid local art collector or a visitor looking to take a piece of the Lowcountry home with you, we feel confident that you’ll discover an extraordinary amount of talent at the following locations.

Bluffton Art Galleries

You’ll stumble upon a bevy of art boutiques on Calhoun Street, an iconic promenade that’s a destination in its own right. Keep an eye out for velvety pastel pieces, handmade jewelry, and impressionistic landscapes all housed in charming cottages rather than fussy fine art institutions.

Maye River Gallery 37 Calhoun Street (843) 757-2633

Pluff Mudd Art 27 Calhoun Street (843) 757-5590

Society of Bluffton Artists 8 Church Street (843) 757-6586

The Red Piano Art Gallery 40 Calhoun Street, Suite 201 (843) 247-2049

15 Refuge Street in Palmetto Bluff | Offered at $2,095,000 by The Ussery Group

Beaufort Art Galleries

Without a doubt, Beaufort’s art galleries are one of the reasons we included the town on our list of the 4 Day Trips Every Lowcountry Visitor Should Take. In between stops at the galleries listed below, be sure to grab a sweet tea float at Scout Southern Market. You (definitely) won’t regret it!

Thibault Gallery 815 Bay Street (843) 379-4278

Atelier on Bay Studio & Gallery 2013 West Street (843) 470-0266

Daufuskie Island Art Studio

A day trip to Daufuskie Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Iron Fish Art studio. Award-winning sculptor Chase Allen is truly world-renowned, but that doesn’t mean he’s unapproachable. In fact, you’re very likely to spot him working on the premises during your visit. See a piece you love but no sign of the artist? Take it home with you and leave your contact information in the studio guest book—Chase will follow up by phone to ask for your credit card number. An artistic encounter unlike any other, guaranteed!

Iron Fish Art 168 Benjies Point Road (843) 842-9448

Hilton Head Island Art Galleries

Bike rides on the beach, fine dining experiences, Harbour Town sunsets, museum visits... there’s a ton to see and do during a visit to Hilton Head Island. Rainy day or not, we’d argue that a visit to a local art gallery is well worth a spot on your itinerary.

The Art League Gallery of Hilton Head 14 Shelter Cove Lane (843) 681-5060

Camellia Art & Gallery 1 Office Way (843) 785-3535

Karis Art Gallery 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, the Village at Wexford (843) 785-5100

Photo courtesy of J. Banks Design Group

 

Local goods can also be found at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market which takes place every Thursday from 1-6 pm. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for annual events like the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival, where visitors have the opportunity to discover juried fine art in an open-air environment exploding with southern flavor. Download our local guide for details about these events and other 2019 happenings!