April 29, 2025

The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will present Wild Bees, a photography exhibit by Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman, from May 15 to August 17. On view in the museum’s main gallery, the exhibit features striking macro photography that offers a rare look at America’s native bees and their vital role as pollinators. The public is invited to an opening reception on May 15, from 5 to 7 pm. Sharp and Eatman will conduct a tour of the exhibition before the reception at 4 pm.

"Visitors of all ages will be captivated by the close-up images of native bees—and inspired to learn more about these essential pollinators and why bee conservation matters,” said Elizabeth Greenberg, Director of Exhibitions.

To mark World Bee Day on May 20, the museum will host a special event featuring David Arnal, Master Beekeeper and President of the Beaufort-Jasper Beekeepers Association. Bee Inspired: Celebrating World Bee Day in the Lowcountry begins at 4:30 pm with a self-guided tour of the Wild Bees exhibit and a honey wine tasting, followed by a talk by Arnal exploring the world of honey bees. The program is $10 per person. Advance registration is required for the lecture and wine tasting. Reserve your spot online here or by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223.

Throughout the spring and summer, the museum will present several bee workshops and family-friendly programs.

“While honey bees often get the most attention, wild bees are important pollinators for our flowering plants, home gardens, crops, and woodlands,” said Dawn Brut, Director of Education. “Our bee programs bring a fun, interactive element to learning about bees.”

Wild Bees has toured prominent museums, botanical gardens and galleries nationwide since its debut at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve Gallery, in Pleasantville, New York.

About the Photographers:

Paula Sharp is a photojournalist and author of several novels, including the bestseller Crows over a Wheatfield. She has photographed throughout the United States and Brazil. Her recent book, Native Bees of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, documents more than 100 bee species representing 45 distinct genera.

Ross Eatman has worked as a nature photographer for over 25 years. He is a co-founder of Sharp-Eatman Nature Photography, a society dedicated to documenting conservation issues.

About the Coastal Discovery Museum

The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is an educational and cultural organization whose mission is to inspire people to care for the Lowcountry. Founded in 1985 and located on Hilton Head's historic Honey Horn grounds, the Museum offers exhibitions, programs, lectures, hands-on workshops, and events covering Lowcountry history, wildlife, culture, art, and the environment.