Self-guided Trail. Local Artists. Giant Oyster Shells. Bluffton, SC.

Welcome to the Lowcountry. We’re proud of our great oysters and gracious hospitality. The Shell Art Trail is a public art trail in Bluffton created to be a fun, interactive and uniquely interesting way to learn more about oysters, as well as help promote the importance of the local Lowcountry marine ecosystem and help marine restoration efforts throughout our region.

As a project of the Lowcountry Oyster Trail, the Shell Art Trail is a cultural exhibit placing 21 giant oyster sculptures throughout Bluffton, South Carolina. Each sculpture has been individually painted by a talented local artist or group and sponsored by a local business or organization — making each individual oyster a true work of art, and giving people the opportunity to embark on a public art trail unlike anything else in the region … while learning more about one of the Lowcountry’s most important and beloved resources: the oyster.

Download a digital map, or print out your own Shell Art Trail Passbook and get ready to follow the trail to the most spectacularly decorated sculptures you’ve ever seen. A special plaque on each will provide you with a unique “oyster fact” in answer to questions in your Passbook. Match questions and answers to increase your knowledge as you travel the Trail. Take lots of selfies along the way. Post them to your social media accounts, tag us @LowcountryOysterTrail, and use #LowCountryOysterTrail #heARTofBluffton #SeeShellsinBluffton and you could be chosen to win some special prizes while completing the trail!

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See what’s happening on the Shell Art Trail

Please consider double checking the hours of operation of Shell Art Trail locations you plan to visit to ensure you will be able to view the public art display of your choice.