Rebecca Proctor Named 2027 SEWE Featured Artist
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition selected the Newport painter for its 45th anniversary celebration.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has named Rebecca Proctor as its 2027 Featured Artist. This honor marks the first time a second-generation artist has been chosen for the event, which celebrates its 45th year in Charleston.
Why it matters
Proctor returns to the spotlight after an eight-year hiatus from painting, during which she pursued lessons with painter Kathryn Stats. Her signature work, The Pursuit, will represent the milestone anniversary on the event's official poster.
Rebecca Proctor is the first second-generation artist to receive this honor, following her mother, Julie Jeppsen, who was named Featured Artist in 2003. The selection follows Proctor's eight-year hiatus from professional painting.
The players
Rebecca Proctor
She is a Newport, Washington-based painter and the first second-generation artist chosen as a featured lead for this exhibition.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
This Charleston-based organization hosts an annual event dedicated to wildlife art, conservation, and sporting traditions.
Julie Jeppsen
She is a notable painter and the mother of Rebecca Proctor who previously held the featured artist title in 2003.
Kathryn Stats
She is an accomplished painter who provided lessons to Proctor during the artist's professional hiatus.
The details
Proctor prepared for her return to the easel by painting small studies of other artists' work to refine her command of color and texture. Her original piece, The Pursuit, will be the center of the exhibition's VIP Gala and Sale.
Timeline
Julie Jeppsen was named SEWE Featured Artist in 2003.
The Pursuit will be auctioned at the VIP Gala on Feb. 11, 2027.
The 45th Southeastern Wildlife Exposition takes place Feb. 12-14, 2027.
Roadmap
The selection of a second-generation artist reflects the long-term legacy of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in nurturing family lineages of wildlife painters. This choice reinforces the event's stature as a premier cultural institution in the Charleston arts landscape.
Residents and art collectors can view The Pursuit and other works by Proctor when the exhibition opens in Charleston this February. Attendees should plan for the VIP Gala and Sale on February 11 to participate in the auction of the featured work.
The takeaway
Proctor's journey illustrates how dedicated study and patience can facilitate a successful return to professional artistic practice. Her milestone selection highlights the importance of multi-generational continuity in maintaining specialized art traditions.
What happens next
The 45th Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will take place in Charleston from February 12 through February 14, 2027, with the featured painting, The Pursuit, being auctioned at the VIP Gala and Sale on February 11, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming artist showcases, visit the Wildlife section.
More information
For more information on the upcoming event, visit SEWE tickets and event details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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