Bluffton’s art scene is thriving in 2025, offering visitors and locals plenty of reasons to explore the town’s galleries, public art, and emerging creative talent. Here are some of the key local artists and places to watch this year:
Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA)
SOBA remains a central hub for discovering emerging and established Bluffton artists. The gallery features rotating exhibitions each month, showcasing a wide range of painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media creations by over 100 local artists. Notable 2025 featured exhibits include “Nature, Nostalgia & Whimsy” (October), and summer shows highlighting Lowcountry landscapes and local life. SOBA also highlights young talent with juried shows and student exhibitions, offering a glimpse into Bluffton’s next generation of visual artists.
The Red Piano Art Gallery
With a 50-year legacy, The Red Piano is one of Bluffton’s most respected platforms for regional art. It spotlights contemporary Lowcountry styles and new artists each season, blending traditional Southern scenes with bold, vibrant styles. Exhibitors here often go on to regional acclaim, making the gallery a reliable source for “artists-to-watch”.
Palmetto Bluff’s Artists of the Bluff
Palmetto Bluff’s “Artists of the Bluff” collective hosts two major art shows annually (April and November 2025) and features over twenty painters, photographers, potters, and jewelers deeply rooted in the local landscape. These shows are curated to introduce the community’s strongest talent—including rising stars in painting and craft arts—as well as to foster new creative partnerships.
Cindy O’Neal’s Gallery
This local gallery showcases the colorful and highly recognizable work of Cindy O’Neal, whose vivid depictions of Bluffton and coastal wildlife have found a devoted following. Cindy’s gallery also hosts smaller exhibitions and collaborations with other up-and-coming visual artists in the area.
Bluffton Mural Project & Public Art
Public installations, including the Bluffton Mural Project and whimsical outdoor sculptures, highlight works by local muralists and sculptors. Major pieces like Jan DeDecker’s “Family Tree” and “Into The Wind” at 40 Calhoun St. and the series of oyster sculptures around town draw attention to artists whose influence is rapidly growing.
Bluffton’s art community is rooted in collaboration and public engagement, making its evolving roster of local talent especially dynamic. For the latest shows and “artists to watch,” following SOBA’s 2025 featured exhibits, the Red Piano’s announcements, and Palmetto Bluff’s seasonal art fairs is recommended.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.bluffton.com/the-society-of-bluffton-artists/)
[2](https://www.hiltonhead.com/events/event/the-society-of-bluffton-artists-october-featured-artist-exhibit-nature-nostalgia-whimsy/)
[3](https://sobagallery.com/category/featured-artist/2025-featured-artists/)
[4](https://www.teamhiltonhead.com/2025/07/16/art-and-culture-in-bluffton-galleries-festivals-and-more/)
[5](https://www.bluffton.com/fun-funky-public-art-in-bluffton/)
