March Artist in Residence - Chris Wilson

Name: March Artist in Residence - Chris Wilson
Start: 2026-03-18T16:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-03-21T17:00:00-04:00
Location: FLOW Gallery + Workshop

Schedule

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026 at 04:00 pm to Sat, 21 Mar, 2026 at 05:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

FLOW Gallery + Workshop | Bluffton, SC

Feathers in Flight Woodcarving & Sculpture Workshop
Wednesday, March 18
FLOW Gallery + Workshop l 10am - 12pm
During this exciting workshop at FLOW Gallery + Workshop, you’ll have the chance to meet Artist in Residence Chris Wilson and explore the art of sculpture. Famed for their delicate textures, measured precision, and ability to capture the movement of natural forms, Chris’s sculptures will inspire you to craft your own. Let Chris guide you through the subtle techniques he employs to carve and model your own finely detailed feather sculpture from a “blank” that will be provided, etching in the elements of the wing’s natural textures to make it your own. Advanced sculptors and beginners alike are invited to take flight and learn about the tools, techniques, and materials Chris uses to create his famed woodcarvings.
Woodcarving Demonstration
Thursday, March 19
FLOW Gallery + Workshop Courtyard | 4:30 - 6:30pm
Head to FLOW Gallery for Courtyard Pickin’ as part of SEWE Weekend at Palmetto Bluff, and enjoy a live demonstration with award-winning sculptor Chris Wilson! Take in the food, company, and beautiful surroundings of Palmetto Bluff as you watch Wilson transform raw wood and other materials into the breathtaking, lifelike forms that have made him one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife artists. Throughout the demonstration, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into his process as he showcases both direct and indirect sculpting and carving techniques used to create his original works.
Painting & Finishing Techniques for Carved Birds & Other Critters
Friday, March 20
FLOW Gallery + Workshop l 2 - 4pm
The art of Chris Wilson goes beyond simply coaxing dazzlingly realistic natural forms from raw wood. It’s also the inspired way he layers on color and finish through paint that lets these works transcend simple woodwork to create an ingenious reflection of wildlife’s beauty. During this workshop, you will be provided with your own pre-cast American Bullfrog as Chris guides you through the techniques and finishes he employs to make each piece come alive.
Held at FLOW Gallery + Workshop, this workshop will guide experienced artists and beginners alike through the methods of preparing the surface, layering on paint, and blending hues to create a lifelike sculpture you can take home.
SEWE Artist Market
Saturday, March 21
Moreland Village
Join our Artist in Residence, Chris Wilson, during the SEWE at the Bluff artisan market alongside a host of other artists. Renowned for his lifelike sculptures of wildlife, hand-carved and painted to reflect the color and forms of nature, Chris will offer informal demos during the market and answer questions while you browse his works along with dozens more from around the Southeast.
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About the Artist
Wilson Wildlife Sculpture founder Chris Wilson has spent over four decades transforming wood into lifelike tributes to the natural world. Inspired by the beauty and spirit of birds, Chris began his artistic journey in Atlanta and later earned his MFA in Sculpture from Georgia State University. Early mentors shaped his profound observation of wildlife during his pursuit of the arts, as did his ancestor, the naturalist William Bartram. With over 100 Best in Show awards, Chris’s sculptures are celebrated for their precision, movement, and reverence for nature. During his residency at Palmetto Bluff, Chris will share his passion for form and texture through immersive workshops in the basics of wooden sculpture.