Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,127-acre nature preserve, on Tuesday announced their programming and events for February 2025. You can see all of the details below.
Exhibitions and Special Events:
ArtFields Jr. Traveling Exhibition, Feb. 3 – March 1
Displaying the creativity and talent of young artists, this inspiring exhibition highlights the imaginative works of students from the Pee Dee region, celebrating their unique perspectives and artistic exploration. From vibrant paintings to innovative mixed media pieces, the show offers a glimpse into the boundless creativity of the next generation of artists. The ArtFields Jr. traveling exhibition tours the four regions of South Carolina and showcases the winning artworks from the 2024 ArtFields Jr. Art Competition in addition to area participants.
The Genius of Archer Milton Huntington, Feb. 8 – April 20
The Genius of Archer Milton Huntington delves into the visionary life and legacy of Archer Milton Huntington, one of the founders of Brookgreen Gardens. Renowned for his extraordinary contributions to the arts, humanities and philanthropy, this exhibit brings to life Huntington's passion for preserving the varied collections of the institutions he founded or supported. It features rarely exhibited objects and images from The Hispanic Society of America in New York City, The Mariners Museum in Newport News, Va., the Chair of Poetry at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and the American Numismatic Society in New York City, in addition to Brookgreen Gardens. Archer Huntington owned, selected or acquired the objects on view.
Keepsakes Valentine’s Day Jewelry Trunk Show, Feb. 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Guests are invited to shop for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their loved one at this annual jewelry trunk show. The event will feature a variety of styles, colors and designs and will be held at Brookgreen’s on-site museum shop, Keepsakes.
Brookgreen Gardens at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), Feb. 14-16
The beauty of Brookgreen will be on display in Charleston this month at the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Attendees will have the chance to hear from Robin Salmon, Vice President of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture at Brookgreen, during her conversation on American Wildlife Art, watch live demonstrations from contemporary figurative sculptor Bryan Rapp, and more throughout the weekend.
Romance In The Gardens, Feb. 14, 4 – 6 p.m.
This Valentine’s Day, love is blooming at Brookgreen, and tickets are now on sale for Romance in the Gardens. This unique, annual event allows couples to renew their wedding vows on Feb. 14 amidst Brookgreen’s stunning Live Oak Allee, followed by an intimate dining experience at Harvest Restaurant. Tickets are $175/couple for members and $185/couple for non-members. Couples will also receive a beautifully designed commemorative certificate to symbolize their continued love and devotion.
Programming:
Photo Walks In The Garden, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Photographers Anne Malarich, George DeCamp and Rick Farrell will take guests on a two-hour walk through Brookgreen Gardens with a camera in hand. Walks will cover photography topics like exposure and composition. Participants should have a good working knowledge of their cameras.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
“Here Today, Gone Tomorrow”, Feb. 5,19, 1 – 2 p.m.
This reader’s theater presentation by Ron Daise brings to life the experiences, beliefs and dreams of Prince Rivers, a Gullah man whose life was shaped by events during the Reconstruction Era. Highlighting the Hamburg Massacre, a significant incident of racial and political violence, the performance intertwines poetry, historical testimonies and singalongs of patriotic, Civil War and spiritual songs to reveal parallels between past and present.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Auction Houses, Attempted Co-ops, and Allotments (Flue Cured Tobacco in SC), Feb. 6, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Led by Horry County Museum Curator Abigail Geedy, this presentation explores the rise of flue-cured tobacco as Horry County's primary cash crop following the decline of cotton due to the boll weevil. The session examines the impact of auction systems and the strategies farmers and buyers used to influence pricing in the tobacco market.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Eco-Writing Workshop, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This workshop explores environmental literature, focusing on how writers describe nature, create metaphors and weave in science and personal connections. Participants will venture outdoors to gather inspiration for their own writing and return to complete prompts designed to nurture their creative ideas into fully developed works.
Price: Members: $10 | Non-Members: $10
What Wildlife Will A-Pier, Feb. 13, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Guests are invited to take a virtual dive into the diverse wildlife spotted from the Myrtle Beach State Park fishing pier. From whales and dolphins to birds and sharks, this presentation explores fascinating facts about the creatures inhabiting these coastal waters, offering insights for wildlife enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Brookgreen Labyrinth Walk, Feb. 14. 11, 1 – 3 p.m.
Celebrate love on Valentine’s Day with a peaceful walk through the labyrinth. Whether walking with a loved one or in honor of someone special, this experience offers guests meaningful moments of reflection and connection.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Teach Outside the Box: Eco-Friendly Jewelry Making, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Families are invited to create unique accessories from natural and recycled materials in this hands-on jewelry-making workshop. Designed for children and their caregivers, this engaging activity blends art, sustainability and creativity, offering a shared learning experience for children ages 3-17.
Price: Members: $5 | Non-Members: $5 + Garden Admission
Avery as a Resource for Heritage Interpreters, Feb. 18, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
This session introduces participants to the Avery Research Center’s archives, providing insights into effectively utilizing manuscripts and primary sources. It also highlights heritage interpretation activities, including training programs and the Black and Brown Interpreters Network, which fosters education and professional development in cultural history.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Chair Yoga, Feb. 19, 10 – 11 a.m.
Chair yoga is a gentle practice that helps improve spinal health, flexibility and mindfulness. Postures are performed while seated or with the assistance of a chair, making it ideal for individuals with mobility issues. This class is open to all experience levels and offers a calming way to practice yoga with a focus on breath and movement.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Prescribed Fires with Trapper Fowler, Feb. 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Trapper Fowler will lead a discussion on the origin and history of “good” fire in local ecosystems, fire-dependent flora and fauna, challenges along the wildland-urban interface and a case study on incompatible development near the border of Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Gullah Storytelling with Lillian Grantt-Baptiste, Feb. 20, 1 – 2 p.m.
Master storyteller Lillian Grant-Baptiste brings Gullah/Geechee history to life through captivating storytelling. Drawing on African roots and resilience, her performance showcases the strength and enduring spirit of the Gullah/Geechee people, using stories as tools of resistance, resilience and connection across generations.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
The History of Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Feb. 25, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Craig Sasser offers an in-depth look at the history of the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, including its role in providing floodwater management, carbon sequestration and other essential ecosystem services.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
Brookgreen 101, Feb. 27, 1 – 2 p.m.
Brookgreen 101 is a public information program offered monthly in the Wall Lowcountry Center Auditorium. The rotating topics will cover various aspects of Brookgreen Gardens, including its collections, property, history, people, poetry, art history, corporate history, founders and purposes. This month’s topic will be: The Genius of Archer Milton Huntington, with Robin Salmon, Vice President of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture at Brookgreen.
Price: Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with Garden Admission
The Art of Gullah Geechee Doll Making, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Virginia (Genya) Watson leads a hands-on workshop celebrating Gullah Geechee culture through traditional doll-making. Participants will craft their own dolls while learning about the artistry, history and cultural significance of this enduring legacy, leaving with a meaningful piece of art.
Price: Members: $75 | Non-Members: $85
