HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C — An exciting new juried fine art show will debut Memorial Day weekend at Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

The Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour will take place May 23 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and May 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

This two-day event brings together an eclectic mix of the nation’s most talented artists, as well as leading local and regional artists, who will collectively display over $15 million in art work. The artists were juried by an independent panel of expert judges and hand-selected from hundreds of applicants based on quality and diversity.  

All of the art work on display is original and handmade in America.  

“In addition to a local contingency of artists, we’re looking forward to bringing a troupe of high-quality artists from around the country who have never exhibited in the Hilton Head area before,” said festival promoter Howard Alan.

“We’re delighted to host the Hilton Head Art Festival, an outstanding new festival that promises to delight area residents and visitors alike,” said Bret Martin, vice president of operations at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island, S.C. “With its casual waterfront setting, Shelter Cove Harbour will serve as an ideal location to showcase original work by talented artists and artisans from around the country.”

Alan stipulates that all artists are required to be on-site for the entire duration of the show. The artists will line Shelter Cove Harbour with their professional display booths, transforming the waterfront shopping and dining destination into a first-class outdoor art gallery.

The public can meet and talk with the artists personally, asking questions about their art and inspiration. The artistic media represented include paintings, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, jewelry, collage and ceramics.

The Hilton Head Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour makes the arts accessible to a broad audience. Prices range from $25 hand-designed earrings to $20,000 metal sculptures. The event appeals to family and friends as a free and fun weekend activity, as well as serious art buyers interested in enhancing their collections.

“In today’s economy, people are not buying a new car or taking a big vacation, but they are still treating themselves to art,” Alan said.