Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/769056
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S • 209 art events of its kind on the East Coast, SEWE is a celebration of wildlife and nature through fine art, conservation education, sporting demonstrations, and the people who honor them all. This year's show will play host to hundreds of painters, sculptors, carvers, exhibitors, and experts in wildlife and nature art, all eager to share their art and insights with more than 40,000 attendees from across the nation. SEWE's impact on Charleston and the state continues to grow, as does its popularity. Each year it generates an estimated $50 million. It provides the public with easy, affordable, enjoyable access to wildlife and nature conservation programs; it increases awareness about the need to protect and preserve our natural environment; and it celebrates our collective love for wildlife, nature, and our role in preserving them for generations to enjoy. Ezra Tucker has been selected as the 2017 Featured Artist. Joining him as Guest Artists will be sculptor Richard Loffler and carver Van Marshall. This year SEWE will showcase a special art exhibit entitled "The Library," located in the Edmunds Room of Charleston Place. More than 100 studies and art publications by SEWE artists will be on display and available for purchase. These framed studies will be smaller renderings of original works available for purchase in the ballroom. Artists will be present to autograph books. Visitors can watch SEWE artists create original works during the Quick Draw/ Speed Sculpt on Friday at Charleston Place. Each artist will have just one hour to create a piece from start to finish. Attendees can then bid on these works in a live auction. Back again by popular demand is "Duets and Quartets," scheduled for Saturday in the Charleston Place ballroom. Two artists will create an original oil painting while two sculptors will fashion a piece of sculpture out of plaster and clay—all to the background of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Quartet. An auction will follow. New for SEWE 2017, in-house curator and fine art consultant Charlie Bogusz, founder of Art Cantina, will be on site to answer questions regarding your purchases and collections. SEWE will again utilize the newly renovated Gaillard Center for presenting live performances, along with outstanding local, regional, and national artists and artisans. The exhibits will include a varied mix of creations, including handcrafted furniture, woodworks, nature photography, and custom knives. Marion Square will feature a conservation tent, educational performances, food from area eateries, and live music. Through the Certified South Carolina/Fresh on the Menu programs, some of Charleston's finest chefs will be conducting cooking demonstrations, and a wide variety of fresh, local products will be available. One of the most educational and entertaining shows during SEWE, the Center for Birds of Prey will conduct free-flight demonstrations in the arena at Marion Square. See amazing flight demos up close by falcons, eagles, owls, and hawks, and learn about the important role they play in the ecosystem. Once again SEWE will host DockDogs, where crowds flock to Brittlebank Park to watch this popular high-flying, big- splashing competition. SEWE's Sporting Village, with outdoor outfitters, boats and equipment, and fishing/hunting/safari guides, will also be at Brittlebank Park, along with retriever demonstrations, fly fishing, fly tying, and cast net- tossing instruction. High-end sporting arms dealers will be housed at the Charleston Marriott. Another new exhibit will be "Tools of the Trade: Art of Deception" at the Charleston Marriott. Presented by the Palmetto State Decoy Collectors Association, the exhibit will showcase antique American bird decoys made by carvers east of the Mississippi. Members of SEWE's VIP program enjoy a number of perks and insider access through the weekend, including private art viewings, parties, exclusive lounge areas (with snacks and adult beverages), shuttle service, and priority entry to all venues during show hours. A limited number of VIP packages are available, which offer private viewings, insider access, and special events throughout the weekend. For more information on SEWE 2017 or to purchase general admission or special event tickets, call (843) 723-1748 or visit www.sewe.com. ROCK ISLAND PUTS EMPHASIS ON COLLECTIBLE FIREARMS Rock Island Auction Company will once again sponsor some of the top organizations working to preserve This magnificent pair of Winchester Black Diamond Trap Model 1897 shotguns brought $138,000 at Rock Island Auction Company's firearms sale in September. Gold inlaid and signed by Master Engraver John Ulrich, the guns are marked with consecutive serial numbers.