Owing to our distinctive scenery, our marvelous climate, and our community’s energetic support, Hilton Head’s barrier island setting has become a Mecca for visual artists.  Painters, sculptors and photographers flock here to take advantage our magical backdrops and our year-around explosion of colors and textures. And nowhere is this more obvious than in a stroll through our local art galleries.

    The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (843-842-2787), located at 14 Shelter Cove Lane, just after Mile Marker 8 on William Hilton Parkway (US 278) at Shelter Cove Harbour, serves as the center of the visual arts scene on the Island. The state-of-the-art Walter Greer Gallery (843-686-3945) presents exhibitions throughout the year featuring both local and world-renowned artists specializing in every imaginable discipline from painting to photography to fiber works. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, and one hour prior to theater performances.

    If you are looking for a fun way to see the art galleries on Hilton Head, try Outside Hilton Head’s (800-686-6996) High Tech Art Hunt.  This fun GPS-based Amazing Race leads you to 12 different Hilton Head Island galleries where you are challenged to find an art related clue.  Great fun for the art lover!

    Once you have seen the galleries on Hilton Head and in Bluffton, take a day to go over to Daufuskie Island and become acquainted with the artist community on this enchanted sea island.  Numerous galleries are thriving on Daufuskie, including the Daufuskie Gallery, the Daufuskie Stain Glass Studio, The Iron Fish Gallery, the Silver Dew Potters, and Southern Shirtique’s T-Shirt & Gift Shop.

    You can take Calibogue Cruises’ (843-342-8687) historic ferryboat, the 60-foot 90-passenger “Capt. Eulice,” from Broad Creek Marina (18 Simmons Road off Marshland Road) directly to Freeport Marina on Daufuskie.  There you can rent a golf cart, complete with map, for a delightful self-guided tour of the Island’s quaint and even funky galleries.  Your day on Daufuskie need not be a hungry one.  The Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant will be open for you.  Here you can grab a bite to eat from their varied menu of delicious dishes, including the famous Daufuskie Island Deviled Crab, prepared by native islanders.

    Outside Hilton Head (800-686-6996) offers a tour called the Daufuskie Island History and Artisans Excursion every day of the year.  This four-hour all inclusive program includes a round-trip interpretive boat ride from Hilton Head, golf carts, a historian guide, snacks and refreshments, and stops at all art galleries on Daufuskie Island.

    Local photographer Ed Funk (843-815-9455) is a frequent exhibitor at local art galleries as well as other venues around the Lowcountry.  He is widely recognized for his wildlife and scenic photographs of this area as well as locales around the world.  All of his photographs are available as prints in any size and can be custom matted and framed to your liking.

    Beaufort photographer Eric Horan (843-524-3037) is well-known for his coffee table books and calendars.  His latest tabletop book, “Carolina Nature,” is a collection of 135 photographs that underscore the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Lowcountry.  He has three calendars with wonderful photographs of Hilton Head, the Lowcountry, and Charleston.  He has been the winner of the National Calendar Award for two years running.  His books and calendars are available at Barnes and Nobel in Hilton Head and Savannah as well as at Bay Street Traders and The Spotted Dog  in Beaufort.

    Eric also conducts the very popular Lowcountry Wildlife Photo Safaris (843-524-3037), two- and four-hour guided tours for photographers of all skill levels, even non-photographers. These trips are tailored to individual interests and capabilities as well as for each season’s best wildlife adventures.  They are limited to five participants to maximize the overall outdoor experience and learning opportunity.

    For more information, see our Ad Directory under Art Galleries, Ferry Service, Photography/Photo Tours, and Sightseeing Tours.

    Also see “Things To Do” #50, #57, #68, #69, and #84.

Photo courtesy of The Iron Fish Gallery and Studio