The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that celebrates wildlife and the great outdoors through fine art, live entertainment and special events, has named Rebecca Proctor as its 2027 Featured Artist. Following SEWE tradition, her original painting, The Pursuit (pictured), has been selected as the 2027 Featured Painting and will appear on the official SEWE 2027 poster. SEWE 2027 takes place February 12-14 across five venues in downtown Charleston.
Born in Spanish Fork, Utah, Proctor grew up surrounded by art, following in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother, renowned Western wildlife and sporting dog artist Julie Jeppsen. Jeppsen was the 2003 SEWE Featured artist and will also be showcasing her work at SEWE 2027. Proctor studied Studio Arts and Art History at Brigham Young University and spent time in Europe studying the work of the masters before ultimately developing a distinctive style characterized by expressive brushwork, rich texture and a vibrant approach to color.
“Ever since I started attending SEWE with my mother, I viewed being named Featured Artist as one of the highest honors an artist could receive. At the time, I was fresh out of high school and just beginning to dream about what my career as an artist could look like, but one thing I knew was that someday I wanted to be good enough to receive that honor,” shared Proctor.
“Fast forward 20 years, and that goal has always stayed with me… I feel incredibly honored that SEWE has seen my work as worthy of representing this show, and I consider this one of the highest honors I will receive in my art career.”
The Pursuit depicts an English Springer Spaniel moving through a richly colored autumn woodland as quail flush overhead, capturing the energy and anticipation of a moment in the field. Through expressive brushwork and unexpected layers of color, Proctor brings movement to the spaniel, birds and surrounding landscape while celebrating the connection between sporting dogs, wildlife and the places they inhabit.
“I am honored to share in the announcement of Rebecca Proctor as our Featured Artist for SEWE 2027,” said John Powell, SEWE President & CEO. “She understands and represents where SEWE has been, where it thrives today, and where we are going in the future. As our first second-generation Featured Artist, Rebecca understands the history and culture of this organization. Her work is outstanding, and what she has curated for SEWE 2027 tells stories of her life in the wild, how it connects with our collectors, and why she will remain a celebrated artist in the genre and at our beloved event for decades to come. Rebecca has a loyal following at SEWE and across the U.S., and we are fortunate to call her a friend in addition to our 2027 SEWE Featured Artist.”
After stepping away from painting for several years while starting her family, Proctor returned to the studio with a renewed passion for experimentation. Her work has been influenced by artists including Carl Rungius, James Reynolds, Bob Kuhn, Jim Norton and Jason Rich, though she credits her mother as her greatest artistic influence and mentor. That willingness to experiment has become central to Proctor’s work, particularly her bold use of color, texture and light.
Today, Proctor lives in Newport, Washington, with her husband and children, surrounded by the animals and rural landscapes that continue to inspire her work. Her selection as Featured Artist comes as SEWE celebrates its 45th annual event, continuing a tradition of showcasing artists whose work reflects a shared appreciation for wildlife, art and the sporting lifestyle.
The Pursuit will be auctioned during the SEWE 2027 VIP Gala & Sale on Thursday, Feb. 11 and on display in the Fine Art Gallery in the Charleston Place Hotel throughout SEWE weekend.
SEWE is recognized as one of the nation’s premier wildlife art shows and the kickoff event for Charleston’s tourism season. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to showcase the finest in wildlife art, create awareness for the conservation of wildlife and the environment, positively influence wildlife and nature education, and impact the local and statewide economies through increased tourism.
For the full schedule, ticket options, special event details and more information about SEWE’s conservation mission, visit SEWE.com. General admission tickets, special event tickets and remaining VIP packages will be available starting October 1 at SEWE.com.