Preserving Edisto Through the Power of the Arts

Local artists endeavor to protect natural and historic places through the power of the arts. National nonprofit, Preserving a Picturesque America, partners with SC artists to create a show to benefit the Edisto Island Open Land Trust.

SC Artists have been painting at the Store Creek Corner on Edisto Island for months, creating artwork depicting the beauty of Edisto with the goal of “protecting their Muse.”

In 2024, Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA) had a celebrated exhibition in Charleston with modern interpretations of artwork created in the 1800s. To follow up on its success, an exciting show in Edisto will feature NEW locations also considered picturesque and in need of preservation. It is a continuation of PAPA’s mission to create collectible artwork that helps bring awareness and protection for significant places in South Carolina.

Exhibit organizer and 3rd-generation artist Louise Britton lives on Edisto Island land her family has owned since 1740. “My siblings and I chose to protect the family land, which is not far from Store Creek Corner, from development with a conservation easement held by Edisto Island Open Land Trust.”

The original founders of EIOLT were six local property owners who were quickly joined by additional Edisto residents, large and small landholders, and second-home owners. All were united in a common goal to preserve Edisto, the legacy of their property and their island as a whole. PAPA, with a nationwide focus, strives to shift public perspective toward the importance of the natural landscape through art experiences and opportunities to reconnect with nature, and uses those opportunities to raise funding that will facilitate the protection and preservation of Picturesque America sites across the country. PAPA is also inspired to assist in the preservation of new picturesque sites not originally represented in the Picturesque America collection. With these goals in sight, EIOLT and PAPA make a perfect pairing in their shared goal to preserve the natural beauty and historic elements of Edisto Island.

“So many caring artists have shown up to do their part by creating amazing works that celebrate the places that inspire them. Now it is important that the people who love the beauty of the Lowcountry come out and purchase this artwork to support its protection.” -Scott Varn, Executive Director of PAPA