MURRELLS INLET, S.C. – Brookgreen Gardens is proud to announce that Robin Salmon, Vice President of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture, officially marked 50 years of dedicated service to the organization on October 28.
“We are thrilled to recognize such a distinguished and talented member of our team, and the artistic community at large, as she marks this milestone anniversary,” said Page Kiniry, president and CEO of Brookgreen Gardens. “We are honored that Robin has chosen to devote the past five decades to preserving Brookgreen’s rich history and elevating its artistic legacy. Her vision, scholarship, and stewardship have been a catalyst in establishing Brookgreen as the leader in sculpture and cultural conservation it is today.”
Salmon began her career at Brookgreen Gardens in 1975 and has since played an instrumental role in shaping the National Historic Landmark into a world-renowned destination for American figurative sculpture. Through her expertise, Brookgreen now houses the largest and most comprehensive collection of its kind in the country and continues to advance its mission to conserve the flora, fauna, and cultural materials of the Lowcountry for future generations. In April 2025, Salmon received the organization’s Anna Hyatt Huntington Woman of Vision Award, which honors a contemporary woman who embodies the Brookgreen founder’s creative and philanthropic spirit and uses her talents to advance the arts—a recognition that reinforces Salmon’s impact and esteemed reputation among colleagues and peers.
Appreciation for Salmon poured in on social media including Emmy and Academy Award-winning sculptor Wesley Wofford, who said “Robin Salmon is probably the living authority on American figurative sculpture. Her knowledge base is astounding and I am honored to call her a friend.”
“This is something to celebrate! Happy anniversary Robin, your dedication has not gone unnoticed,” added sculptor Heidi Wastweet. “Your work is impactful and Anna Hyatt Huntington would be proud.”
A native of Columbia, S.C., Robin R. Salmon is a nationally known curator, writer, lecturer, and art historian. In her current role as Brookgreen's Vice President of Art and Historical Collections and Curator of Sculpture, Salmon directs the acquisition, exhibition, interpretation, and conservation of the Gardens' art, history, library, and archives collections, as well as oversees the work of the Simpson Art Center. She serves on the board of directors of the National Sculpture Society, where she was awarded the Medal of Honor, and on the Council of Advisors of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation. The Secretary of the Treasury appointed her to a four-year term on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee of the U.S. Mint, 2020 – 2024. Locally, Salmon is the President of the Georgetown County Historical Society and Museum board of directors and serves on the Georgetown County Women's Hall of Fame Committee.
For more information about Brookgreen Gardens, visit www.brookgreen.org.