Since May 2007 PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID CHARLESTON, SC PERMIT NO. 137 POSTAL PATRON
Volume 21 • Issue 12
FREE
November 28, 2025
Kiawah Island election results confirmed, winners sworn in
Photo courtesy of Seabrook Island Real Estate.
BY THERESA STRATFORD For The Island Connection
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Seabrook Island Real Estate introduces the Living Room Gallery BY ROD MORRIS
For The Island Connection
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eabrook Island Real Estate has unveiled The Living Room Gallery, a new curated art and community space designed to reflect the warmth and connection of life on Seabrook Island. Created in partnership with the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, the gallery transforms the real estate company’s lobby into a welcoming, art-filled place open to residents, guests, and visitors. “Our lobby has always been a welcoming place — we’ve got maps, tide charts, coffee, and a friendly team ready to help,” said Ben Schuyler, general manager of Seabrook Island Real Estate. “But there really isn’t a true ‘living room’ on the island where people can just sit back, chat with a friend, or enjoy a cup of coffee. That’s what inspired us to reimagine our space — a comfortable, casual, art-filled spot that feels like the heart of the community.” Located just outside the Seabrook Island gate, The Living Room Gallery invites everyone to stop in, whether to view new artwork, meet a friend, or connect with one of the real estate team’s island experts. The gallery’s rotating exhibitions are curated quarterly by the Seabrook Island Artist Guild, led by Michael Younginer. “It was a natural partnership,” said Schuyler. “The Guild wanted more visibility for local artists, and we wanted to use our space in a way that serves the community.” Since launching in early fall, the transformation has already energized the space. Upcoming exhibitions include ”The Treasures of Seabrook Island,” a spring and summer artist competition celebrating works inspired by the island. Visitors and residents will be invited to vote for their favorites, with three awards presented in April. The Guild will continue to curate themed exhibitions throughout the year. “Everyone is so excited about what’s ahead,” added Mary Legare Whaley, marketing manager. “One of our featured artists, Gary Kunkelman — recently named Artist of the Month by the Guild — will have a special piece displayed here. It’s a privilege to showcase such remark-
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swearing-in ceremony for incumbents Mayor Bradley Belt and Town Council Members Luke Farrell and Madeleine Kaye took place on November 10 after election results were certified from the November 4 election. Belt was elected with 243 votes, Farrell received 230 votes, and Kaye earned 240 votes. This will be Belt’s first full term; he was elected in a special election when the former mayor, John Labriola, resigned in 2024. This will be the second term for both Farrell and Kaye. Council Member Madeleine Kaye began her term in 2023. Kaye serves as the Environmental Committee chair, and she chairs the Marsh Management Committee. Kaye has a background in communications and public affairs and worked for 30 years for Merck & Co., Inc. in a variety of managerial positions. She was a member of the Planning Commission, where she said they made key decisions that impact Kiawah’s future, including issues like rezoning West Beach tracts, drafting a sweeping Marsh Management Plan, working on the Town’s next comprehensive plan and crafting a much-needed tree preservation ordinance. Council Member Luke Farrell chairs the South Carolina State Accommodation Tax Committee, as well as the Audit Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Farrell has an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and ran chemical plants for two Fortune 500 companies for over 12 years, which helped him develop strong project management and problem-solving skills. He spent the last 25 years on Wall Street as a trader, analyst, portfolio manager, and senior strategist. He worked with and led teams making large financial decisions, while integrating both risk and outcomes, all with clear and measurable accountability. His work on the Kiawah Island Planning Commission allowed him to apply his work experience to decisions affecting land-use, zoning, conservation and comprehensive planning. Belt serves as the liaison for the Kiawah Conservancy, Kiawah Partners, Kiawah Golf Resort, Kiawah Island Community Association, South Carolina Councils of Governments, City of Charleston, Charleston County, Charleston Area Convention (Continued on page 2)
Brad Belt
Luke Farrell
Madeleine Kaye