Cheryl and her family
Brookgreen Gardens today announced the recipients of the Anna Hyatt Huntington Woman of Vision Award and the Next Generation Award in celebration of the enduring legacy of Brookgreen's founder, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Cheryl M. Newby received the 2024 Anna Hyatt Huntington Woman of Vision Award, which recognizes a contemporary woman who embodies Anna's creative and philanthropic spirit and uses her gifts and vision to advance the arts. Coastal Carolina University student Tyler Gray received the Next Generation Award for 2024, recognizing a college student who uses her creative gifts to impact the community.
Known as one of the finest American animal sculptors of the 20th century, Anna Hyatt Huntington created works that were placed in public locations throughout the country and around the world, as well as in numerous museum and private collections. In 1931, Anna and her husband, Archer, established Brookgreen Gardens, the first public sculpture garden in America and a preserve for native plants and animals. In 1992, Brookgreen Gardens was designated a National Historic Landmark due to Anna Hyatt Huntington's significance as an artist and patron of the arts and because of the number of women represented in the sculpture collection, making it an important site for women's history in America.
"Anna Hyatt Huntington was a trailblazing artist and philanthropist whose legacy continues to inspire others to appreciate, conserve, and celebrate nature," says Page Kiniry, president of Brookgreen Gardens. "We are thrilled to recognize these two exceptional women who embody her creative spirit and dedication to advancing the arts."
Cheryl M. Newby
Cheryl M. Newby is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and a retired gallerist, having owned and operated Cheryl Newby Gallery for 38 years. Newby launched her career in the art world at age 34 as a collector of original antique prints and maps. In response to growing interest from friends, she opened a retail business in Myrtle Beach, with offerings including antique maps, botanical etchings, and original works by renowned artists such as Audubon and Catesby. Over time, the gallery expanded to Rainbow Harbor before settling in Pawleys Island in 2000. Newby's dedication to showcasing esteemed painters and sculptors from across the United States led to a roster of 12 painters, six sculptors (four of whom are featured in the permanent collection of Brookgreen Gardens), and one ceramic artist. Her ongoing commitment to the arts is evident through her active involvement in organizations like the American Women Artists (AWA) and the National Sculpture Society (NSS), alongside her passion for gardening.
Tyler Gray
Tyler Gray
Tyler Gray, originally from Greeley, Colorado, discovered her passion for art upon starting college at Coastal Carolina University (CCU), where she is currently in her second year and anticipates graduating early next year with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Studio. Exploring various artistic processes and materials through her major has allowed her to hone her physical and conceptual art skills. As someone deeply connected to nature, Tyler finds inspiration in the enchanting beauty of Brookgreen Gardens and the complexity and elegance of the sculptures on display.
For more information about Brookgreen Gardens, visit www.brookgreen.org.
