A Sweet Stay: My Time as the Palmetto Bluff Artist In Residence
There are some places that feel like stepping into a storybook—and for me, Palmetto Bluff is exactly that. This past fall, I had the incredible honor of serving as the Palmetto Bluff Artist in Residence as part of The Arts Initiative at Palmetto Bluff, a truly magical week filled with sugar, storytelling, and the unmistakable charm of the Lowcountry.
We kicked off the residency with a welcome reception and cake art installation at FLOW Gallery + Workshop, where guests were greeted by a collection of my signature hyperrealistic cake sculptures. Each piece was designed to spark curiosity and celebration—an invitation into the world where food becomes fine art.
The rest of the week was a hands-on exploration of cake artistry, inspired entirely by the coastal beauty and flavors of Palmetto Bluff. Each workshop offered a new way to celebrate the region, using various sugar mediums to bring iconic Lowcountry elements to life.
In the Chocolate Oyster Workshop, guests learned how to sculpt delicate oyster shells entirely out of chocolate, then bring them to life with hand-painted details. This workshop was a crowd favorite—and not just for the chocolate. There’s something almost meditative about painting tiny waves of color onto a perfect shell.
Next came the Lowcountry Boil Cake Toppers Workshop, where we crafted miniature shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage out of fondant and modeling chocolate. It was such a joy watching everyone lean into the playful side of sugar sculpting, building an entire scene that felt like it came straight off a newspaper-covered table at a Bluffton backyard boil.
We wrapped the week with the Buttercream Flowers of the Lowcountry Workshop, where guests learned the techniques behind piping soft, realistic blooms—each one inspired by the flora you might find while wandering through Palmetto Bluff’s winding trails and riverbanks.
One of the most rewarding parts of the week was seeing just how beautifully each student embraced the process—especially those who arrived with no prior cake decorating experience. Every single person left with something beautiful, personal, and full of pride.
Being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bluff, the warm hospitality of the community, and the shared joy of creating something by hand—it all made for an unforgettable week. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my work in such a special place, and to connect with so many new faces who discovered just how sweet (and satisfying) sugar art can be.
If you missed this magical week at the Bluff, don’t worry—there are plenty more opportunities to dive into the world of edible art. You can sign up for an upcoming workshop, explore my digital tutorials from the comfort of your own kitchen, or even host a custom cake artistry experience at your business or event. However you choose to join in, I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.
