Keels Culberson Swinnie is a native of Pawleys Island, South Carolina. She first realized her love of art when she underwent major hip surgery at the age of six and was in a full body cast for nine weeks. With the energy of a six year old and the inability to move, she channeled that energy into artistic endeavors and has been creating art ever since. She draws artistic inspiration from many places, such as the beaches of her hometown and from her extensive travels.
In 2004 she graduated from Converse College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and Art History. Keels furthered her education at Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy and then went on to study Studio Art at the College of Charleston. Keels and fellow artist, Adrian Dorman, a thriving small business specializing in hand painted furniture and murals. Keels started painting commissioned pet portraits and opened Ebb & Flow Art Co-op and coffee. Keels served as a board member of the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art and the Kathy Metts Memorial Art Scholarship comity.
Keels Culberson Swinnie
Artist & Designer
Keels Culberson Swinnie is a native of Pawleys Island and although her love of travel has taken her to many incredible places, she knows that there is nowhere like her beloved hometown. Her Godparents, Julian and Sis Kelly, owned the Tip Top Inn on Pawleys and her mother managed it, keeping Keels with her as she worked everyday. She had a magical childhood on Pawleys until Hurricane Hugo destroyed Tip Top Inn 1989.
The love of art started at an early age for Keels. She underwent major hip surgery at the age of six and was in a full body cast. With the energy of a six year old and the inability to move, she channeled that energy into artistic endeavors and has been creating art ever since.
In 2004, Keels graduated from Converse College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design and Art History. She continued her education in Studio Art at the College of Charleston and the Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy.
Keels now resides in downtown Georgetown, only 10 minutes away, with her husband and two little boys that love Pawleys just as much as she does.
