Murrells Inlet, S.C. — In celebration of Women’s History Month, Brookgreen Gardens announces the 2026 Anna Hyatt Huntington Woman of Vision Award Luncheon, taking place Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the first time at the newly opened Purdy Center and Conservatory Gardens.
Held annually, the luncheon honors the enduring legacy of Anna Hyatt Huntington—renowned American sculptor, visionary philanthropist, and co-founder of Brookgreen Gardens—while celebrating contemporary women whose leadership, creativity, and impact continue to shape the arts and cultural landscape.
This signature event brings together community leaders, artists, supporters, and friends of Brookgreen Gardens for an inspiring afternoon of connection, recognition, and reflection. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated program highlighting women’s contributions to the arts, education, and cultural stewardship.
The 2026 Woman of Vision Honoree, Sandra Johnson Purdy, will be recognized for her philanthropic leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing arts, culture, and community. A dedicated philanthropist, Purdy and her husband, Verl Purdy, are lead donors to the Purdy Welcome Center and Conservatory Gardens, which opened in 2026. The couple was married at Brookgreen Gardens in 2013 and has maintained a deep connection to the institution. Among their many contributions, they gifted Glenna Goodacre’s life-size bronze sculpture CEO to Brookgreen, now installed on the Purdy Center portico. Purdy is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose personal and philanthropic legacy reflects a belief in investing in future generations and expanding access to the arts.
In keeping with the spirit of Women’s History Month and Brookgreen’s commitment to the future, the luncheon will also support the Next Generation Scholarship, awarded to a Coastal Carolina University student pursuing studies in an arts-related field. Proceeds from the event directly benefit this scholarship, helping to empower the next generation of artists and creative leaders.
Event Schedule
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Guest arrival and networking
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Luncheon and award presentation
• 1:30 p.m. | Event concludes
Tickets are $65 for members and $75 for non-members. Attendance is limited, and early reservations are encouraged. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available to support the event and its scholarship initiatives. The 2026 Presenting Sponsor is Stox & Co. Wellness + Spas.
Featured Program Panel
The panel discussion will be moderated by Page Kiniry, President and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens. Since 2017, she has led strategic and master planning initiatives that have strengthened the institution’s facilities, mission, and stewardship of its renowned collections. Panelists will include:
Daniel Anthony is a master bronze caster with more than 50 years of experience. After studying in Pietrasanta, Italy, he served as Foundry Director at Shidoni Foundry in Santa Fe and later worked closely with acclaimed sculptor Glenna Goodacre. Together, they produced major public works including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Irish Memorial in Philadelphia, and portrait sculptures for national collections. Anthony also collaborated on the design of the U.S. Sacagawea dollar and continues to create major public and commemorative works while serving as executor of Goodacre’s estate.
J. Ben Whiteside is a nationally respected fine art dealer and owner of The Red Piano Art Gallery. With more than three decades in the industry, Whiteside has built a career representing leading contemporary sculptors and fostering long-term artist partnerships, including representation of Glenna Goodacre and multiple artists featured in the Brookgreen collection. Alongside his wife, Lyn Whiteside, he has helped shape the gallery and auction landscape through leadership roles with Morris & Whiteside Galleries, The Charleston Art Auction, The Hilton Head Art Auction, and The Scottsdale Art Auction.
Robin R. Salmon is Vice President of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture at Brookgreen Gardens and a nationally recognized curator, scholar, and lecturer. Since joining Brookgreen in 1975, Salmon has helped shape the institution into one of the country’s leading centers for American figurative sculpture. She oversees acquisition, exhibition, interpretation, and conservation of the Gardens’ art and historical collections and serves in national leadership roles including service with the National Sculpture Society and advisory roles supporting national monuments and arts initiatives.