Culture HHI

Conceptual Threads - Art Quilters of the Lowcountry
2026-07-19 11:00 - 16:30, 2026-07-21 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-07-22 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-07-24 09:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, United States
Conceptual Threads, a new exhibit by the Art Quilters of the Lowcountry, a cooperative of fiber artists. The exhibit will be on view May 13 – July 26.
The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Thursday, May 14, from 5 to 7 pm. Admission to the museum is free.
Conceptual Threads features 60+ works by the cooperative’s four members — Ron Hodge, Roberta (Ro) Morrissey, Peg Weschke, and Jody Wigton— plus four guest quilters selected by the group. Guest quilters are Chris Lanigan, Deborah Legiadre, Marty Kotter, and Candace Hackett Shively.
“We are delighted to once again showcase these award-winning fiber artists who explore both abstract themes and personal stories through this unique art form,” said Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions, at the Coastal Discovery Museum.
Conceptual Threads celebrates how the artists use fabric and thread to share ideas, emotions, and connections that go beyond what is seen on the surface, said Morrissey, known for her painterly approach. “Each quilt is an invitation to experience quilts not only as works of art, but also as conversations—between tradition and innovation, artist and viewer, and the threads that tie us all together.”

A Feathered Focus - Wildlife Photography by Morgan Thompson
2026-07-19 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Art League of Hilton Head will present A Feathered Focus, a captivating July exhibition featuring wildlife photography by local artist Morgan Thompson. The exhibit will be on view June 23 through July 24 at Art League Gallery, with an opening reception on June 24, from 5-7 p.m. A special artist demonstration will be held on Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The demo will begin as a gallery walk at Art League Gallery and continue with a field demonstration at Fish Haul Beach Park. Both the exhibit and demonstration are free and open to the public.
Through her lens, Thompson offers an intimate look into the lives of the Lowcountry’s diverse bird population, capturing fleeting moments of feeding, courtship, nesting, and territorial behavior. Her work goes beyond simple documentation, revealing distinct personalities and expressions that bring viewers closer to the natural world.
“I hope my photography gives people a deeper appreciation for the wildlife that surrounds us every day,” said Thompson. “These birds have so much character, and I love capturing moments that allow viewers to connect with them in a more personal way.”
A Hilton Head Island resident since 2017, Thompson is a self-taught photographer who developed her craft through years of observation, practice, and a deep curiosity about nature. Her passion for wildlife extends beyond photography—she has been a dedicated volunteer with the Hilton Head Island Sea Turtle Patrol for the past five years and is actively involved in the local environmental community.
Her work has earned recognition across the region, including multiple first-place awards through the Camera Club of Hilton Head. In 2025, her photograph Winged Embrace: Great Egrets Pair was selected as a finalist in the prestigious National Biennale, marking a significant milestone in her artistic career. Thompson is also an Exhibiting Member of Art League of Hilton Head, where she has shown her work for the past three years.
“Morgan’s photography captures wildlife in action in such a beautiful way,” said Lyndsi Caulder, Gallery Manager at Art League of Hilton Head. “Showcasing her silhouette bird sunrises and sunsets to her almost smiling baby alligators, to her nesting egret babies. You get an up-close view of the Lowcountry through her lens.”
WHEN:
Exhibit: Tuesday, June 23-Friday, July 24 at Art League Gallery

Farmers & Makers Market
2026-07-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Fresh produce is just the beginning, with an array of fruits and vegetables progressing through the season – from blueberries to heirloom tomatoes to sweet country corn to peaches and beyond – right here every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the plaza amid The Shops at Sea Pines Center.
More That’s Fresh, More That’s Local
Artisans in every conceivable medium, from leather or fiber arts to painting and ceramics, have chosen the Farmers & Makers Market as a prime place to offer their handiwork. Folks come to find out what’s fun to do this week, as well as for the produce and crafts they can discover here.

Halfway Home: A Sea turtle Exhibit Supporting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI
2026-07-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Halfway Home: A Sea Turtle Art Exhibit Supporting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI
A week-long exhibit returns to Art League Academy featuring local artists, themed classes, and a free Turtle Talk

Halfway Home, a special sea turtle-themed art exhibit, returns to Art League Academy July 21–31, 2026, in partnership with Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. The exhibit showcases creative works from local artists celebrating the beauty and vulnerability of Hilton Head Island’s beloved sea turtles. Twenty percent of all artwork sales and class tuition will beneﬁt Sea Turtle Patrol HHI, a nonproﬁt organization dedicated to protecting sea turtle nests and hatchlings during the nesting season.

“We named the exhibit Halfway Home because we’ll be right at the midpoint of sea turtle season,” says Kristen McIntosh, Executive Director of Art League of Hilton Head. “The artwork is always inspiring, and we’re honored to once again support Sea Turtle Patrol HHI and the important work they do on our island.”

Visitors are invited to browse the exhibit weekdays from 10am–4pm and attend the Closing Reception on Friday, July 31, from 5–7pm, where they can meet the artists, mingle with the sea turtle patrol, and enjoy light refreshments. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

As part of the week’s programming, Art League Academy will offer sea turtle-themed classes throughout the fundraiser, including a free Turtle Talk hosted by a Sea Turtle Patrol volunteer on Friday, July 24 at 2pm. The educational presentation is open to the public and will provide insight into Hilton Head Island’s sea turtle population, nesting season, and conservation efforts. Class registration is available at artleaguehhi.org.

“Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers monitor the beaches daily throughout nesting season to help protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings,” says Amber Kuehn, Director of Sea Turtle Patrol HHI. “Community partnerships like this not only help fund our mission, but also educate residents and visitors about how they can help protect this endangered species.”

WHEN:
Exhibit Dates: July 21–31, 2026
Exhibit Hours: Weekdays, 10am–4pm
Turtle Talk: Friday, July 24 at 2pm
Closing Reception: Friday, July 31, 5–7pm

Shelter Cove Community Market
2026-07-25 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-01 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-08-08 09:30 - 12:30 | Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island
Markets held weekly February through December, rain or shine. Shop small with local makers, bakers and more!

VENDORS

The HHI Community Market was started in 2022 by four local business owners who saw a need and filled it. With a passion to foster community and bring a spotlight to local nonprofits, the market partners with Island Rec to bring a mix of local farmers, makers, bakers & more to a new weekly Saturday morning market. Dedicated to vendor success and community involvement, 50%+ of all vendor fees collected are donated monthly to our featured nonprofits.

Finding Light by L. Robert Stanfield
2026-07-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Art League of Hilton Head, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Art League of Hilton Head Presents Finding Light by L. Robert Stanfield
Exhibit explores resilience, hope, and transformation through vibrant mixed-media works

Art League of Hilton Head invites the community to experience Finding Light, a new exhibition by local artist L. Robert Stanfield, on view July 28 through August 28 at Art League Gallery. Through vibrant abstract mixed-media paintings and sculptural works, Finding Light reflects on resilience, renewal, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The exhibition explores the idea that hope often appears when we offer it to others—and that by illuminating someone else’s path, we may discover our own light in the process.

Stanfield’s work is known for its rich layering techniques, metallic elements, and luminous surfaces that shift and interact with light. His pieces invite viewers into a contemplative space where color, movement, and texture become vehicles for reflection and emotional connection.

“My work is rooted in the search for light, growth, and human connection,” Stanfield says. “If a piece encourages someone to pause, reflect, or feel a sense of possibility, then it has fulfilled its purpose.”

A Hilton Head Island resident since 1999, Stanfield studied at Savannah College of Art and Design and has exhibited widely throughout the Lowcountry. Beyond his studio practice, he has devoted much of his career to arts education and helping others use creativity as a path toward growth and healing. His work can be found in both private collections and public spaces, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and MiraSol Health.

“Creating art is a powerful form of healing, impacting both mental and emotional well-being,” says Stanfield. “Viewing and experiencing art is also a source of healing. There is no greater purpose for creating art than to share it with others.”

Halfway Home: A Sea Turtle Exhibit Supporting Sea Turtle Patrol HHI
2026-07-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-31 10:00 - 19:00 | Art Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States

Photography Exhibit on Rosenwald Schools that Educated Black Children in the Segregated South
2026-08-01 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-02 11:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-03 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-04 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-05 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-06 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-07 09:00 - 16:30, 2026-08-09 11:00 - 16:30 | Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, United States
The photography exhibition A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools that Changed America opens on August 1 and will be on view through November 1, 2026.

The public is invited to a talk and reception with photographer and author Andrew Feiler on September 17. The talk begins at 5 pm, followed by a reception. The event ends at 7:30 pm. Admission to the museum is free.

A remarkable collaboration
The Rosenwald Schools program was a partnership between Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and Booker T. Washington, prominent African American educator, leader, and founder of the Tuskegee Institute. Between 1912 and 1937, this historic partnership helped fund the construction of nearly 5,000 schools for Black children in the segregated South and border states.
A Better Life for Their Children features photographs and narratives by Feiler, whose work documents surviving Rosenwald school buildings and tells the stories of people connected to them.

“This is an opportunity for visitors to learn about a significant but largely unknown chapter that connects American, Black, and Jewish history,” said Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions at the Coastal Discovery Museum. “A Better Life for Their Children reflects our mission to inspire people to have a deeper understanding of our region’s history and culture.”
Of the original 4,978 schools, only about 500 survive. To tell this story visually, Feiler drove more than 25,000 miles, photographed 105 schools, and interviewed dozens of former students, teachers, preservationists, and community leaders. Among the alumni of Rosenwald Schools are author Maya Angelou, civil rights activist Medgar Evers, and Congressman John Lewis, whose portrait is included in the exhibit.

“With a shared passion for education and social action, Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald reached across divides of race, religion, and region to make America a better place for all,” said Feiler. “Their remarkable accomplishments speak to us today. Individual actions matter.”
Nearly 500 Rosenwald Schools in SC
South Carolina had 481 Rosenwald schools, more than any other state except North Carolina and Mississippi. Every county in the state had at least one Rosenwald school, including the Robert Smalls School in Beaufort, whose legacy lives on through the Robert Smalls Leadership Academy.
A complementary exhibit in the Sea Island Room, Bringing Back the Light, by Charleston-based physician and photographer Alan Nussbaum, documents the restoration of the Rosenwald School in St. George, SC.
Feiler’s award-winning book A Better Life for Their Children will be available for sale in the museum store. It is the first comprehensive photodocumentary of the Rosenwald Schools program.

First Thursday Artisan Alley
2026-08-06 16:00 - 19:00 | Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
We’re excited to kick off the First Thursday Artisan Alley — this is a monthly art walk at The Shops of Sea Pines Center featuring local artists, live music, food vendors, and community charity partners. Stroll through the plaza, discover unique handmade pieces, and support local creativity and causes.
A celebration of local art, music, food, and community. Stroll the plaza, meet local makers, enjoy live music, and support causes close to home.
