As Brookgreen Gardens heads into its vibrant late spring and summer season, the iconic Lowcountry destination is unveiling a dynamic lineup of exhibitions, workshops, and immersive experiences that celebrate art, nature, and cultural heritage.
Highlights include Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith, opening May 15, Summer Light: Art by Night, when the sculptures are illuminated alongside additional light installations and A Founder’s Legacy: The Society of Animal Artists, honoring the profound influence of Anna Hyatt Huntington.
Exhibitions:
Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith | May 15, 2026 – August 22, 2026 | 9:30am-5:00pm
The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith showcases vibrant glass sculptures that capture nature's beauty. The pieces shine by day with intricate colors and details, and on select summer evenings are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Summer Light: Art by Night Wednesday’s and Saturday’s | May 27, 2026- August 22, 2026 | 6:00pm- 10:00pm
Summer Light: Art by Night is an opportunity to explore and experience the historic Brookgreen Gardens landscapes on summer evenings. Multiple installations throughout the sculpture garden feature a variety of techniques that light up the Gardens. This year, experience Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith—a breathtaking exhibition showcasing thirty larger-than-life glass sculptures throughout the Gardens.
A Founder’s Legacy: The Society of Animal Artists and Brookgreen Gardens May 9, 2026- July 26, 2026 | 9:30am-5:00pm
As one of the founding members of the Society of Animal Artists in 1960, Anna Hyatt Huntington’s influence shaped the direction of contemporary animal art. This juried exhibition, featuring many of today’s leading sculptors and painters, pays tribute to her remarkable legacy and celebrates the 150th anniversary of her birth.
National Sculpture Society 93rd Annual Awards Exhibition August 8, 2026- October 25,2025 | 9:30am-5:00pm
The premier annual exhibition of American figurative sculpture returns once again to Brookgreen Gardens. Featuring the work of American masters alongside rising stars, the National Sculpture Society’s annual awards exhibition presents the finest in contemporary figurative sculpture.
Presentations:
Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation - Harmony in Nature Series Tuesday, June 9, 2026 |12:30 - 1:30pm
Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature and the ancient art of Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation with our Harmony in Nature series. The journey of this unique experience offers a tranquil retreat with gentle melodies and resonant vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls as you are guided into a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Join us for an unforgettable journey of inner peace and harmony, where the beauty of the natural world and the healing power of sound unite to nurture your soul.
Classes and Workshops:
Intro to Soap Making Saturday, May 23, 2026 | 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Discover the art of handcrafted soap making in this engaging, beginner-friendly workshop at Brookgreen Gardens. Participants will learn the step-by-step process of creating natural soaps while exploring the history and benefits of traditional ingredients used in handmade skincare.
Sweetgrass Basketry Workshop Saturday, May 30 2026 | 11:00am – 2:00p
Immerse yourself in one of the Lowcountry’s most cherished traditions: Gullah Geechee sweetgrass basket weaving. Passed down through African and African American families for more than three centuries, this art form traces its roots to West African rice-growing cultures and remains a powerful symbol of Gullah Geechee heritage in the Carolina Lowcountry.
Yoga In the Gardens April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23 | 10:30am-11:30am
Yoga in The Gardens allows you to experience Brookgreen Gardens in a unique way. Connect your body, mind, and spirit in the tranquil setting of beautiful Brookgreen Gardens. This Hatha-based practice is ideal for anyone who enjoys the opportunity to move one's body in an outdoor setting, breathe deeply, and simply feel better than you do today.
Plein Air Workshop Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 10:00am – 2:00p
This plein air workshop focuses on developing a confident, efficient approach to painting outdoors. While the instructor primarily works in oil paint, participants are welcome to work in other media. Guidance and feedback will be offered across materials, with an emphasis on composition, color relationships, and seeing the landscape clearly and simply.