Category: News

On Facebook I posted that it was the last days for Beach Memories on October 14, 2017. I got a lots of wonderful responses! My favorite was from a long time friend from my hometown, David Post.
I quote,
“Becky Stowe, you are one of the few people I’ve ever known who absolutely followed her dream. You started with a smile, laughed along the way, will probably end with a tear in your eye and wake up with a new smile on your face and that incredible twinkle in your eyes.”

I would like to thank David and so many others who wrote such nice things about me.

The following Article appeared in the North Myrtle Beach Times September 28, 2017 about my store closing:

By M.L. Jordan

“I like to say my art work provides a historical characteristic record of the north Grand Strand,” said Becky Stowe.
The owner and artist behind Beach Memories, Stowe is closing her brick and mortar business after 30 years in business come mid-October.
Practically an institution in the Shagging community, she’s the creator of special, commemorative, limited edition prints twice a year for the spring and fall S.O.S. events. In addition, her art is always featured on the S.O.S. Carefree Times newspaper.
And it all started in 1986 when she left her job as an artist for an area department store in Salisbury, N.C.
“My husband and I were having lunch and all of these Shaggers kept walking through the restaurant,” said Stowe. “And as they were, I was thinking what could I do, artistically, that they’d be interested in buying.”
After talking it over, her husband suggested she create something centered around the old Pad gathering spot. What resulted was a pen and ink sketch of which she made a very limited run of prints. She knew a doorman at one of the clubs on Ocean Drive and asked him if he’d mind selling the prints for the folks coming and going from the club.
“Back then, S.O.S. was only four or five days, not 10 like now,” said Stowe. “I checked in with him after a couple of days and he let me know I needed to bring him a bunch more prints because the first run had sold out.”
It was from here she developed four or five more prints and hit the ground running.
“When I first opened the shop next to Hardwick’s Cafeteria, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pay the $300 a month rent,” said Stowe. “I guess I got lucky and was at the right place at the right time.”
Over the years Stowe says she’s lost count of the pieces she’s done centered around Shag culture and North Myrtle Beach, but it’s certain that Shaggers haven’t.
“It is always nice to hear people say, ‘I’ve filled my house with your work! I love it so much’ and when it’s requested for my work to be placed in public places like the lobby of the police department,” said Stowe.
But she says that all good things must come to an end. Back in the summer when she announced via Facebook she was dosing, the outpouring was tremendous. Stowe says that the comments she received were both heartwarming and heartbreaking from her followers. She also added that there were rumors of her impending demise making the rounds in the Shagging community. But they are just that, rumors.
“It’s been shared with me that there are rumors that I’m closing because I’m dying or sick, but they’re totally un­true,” said Stowe. “I’m going to be 75 in November and there are other things I want to do and new things I want to try. And with a physical store, I really can’t do those things.”
But for her fans, the news isn’t all bad. While Stowe is closing her store, she’s going to continue to sell prints on a smaller scale online via her Etsy store. Folks will also be able to keep up with her via Facebook.
“I am forever thankful for all the years of patronage from the Shag community and the people of North Myrtle Beach because they’ve helped me grow as an artist,” said Stowe. “I just hope that everyone continues to enjoy my work for many years to come.”
Becky Stowe has won numer­ous awards and recognition for her work including:

• 1993 .O.S. certificate -Artist In Residence
• 1996 Beach Mu­sic Cammy Industry Appreciation Award
• 2000 A.C.S.C. (Association of Carolinas Shag Clubs) Lifetime Achievement Chairman’s Award
• 2000 Selected North Myrtle Beach Chamber inaugural visitor’s guide cover
• 2002 SandFlea Living Legends Award
• 2005 City of NMB Appreciation for Public Ser­vice Award
• 2009 S.O.S. and A.C.S.C. Parade Grand Marshall
• 2011 Hall Of Fame Beach Music Radio Award
• 2015 NMB Chamber Small Business of the Year.

This SOS marks Becky’s 25th year in business on Main Street. She has come along way as shown in this years Spring Safari SOS Print. Her love for Ocean Drive, Painting and Shagging is what’s has kept her business growing over the past 25 years. Thanks to all of our customers and friends that return every year to see what new and exciting merchandise they just have to have, along with the latest Becky Stowe SOS Print.

What a beautiful day in Ocean Drive! We are gearing up for Spring SOS and we are sooo excited…..Becky Stowe’s 2014 Spring SOS Print is out and we have already sold one this morning and we only have 99 signed and numbered left and don’t f…See More

This is the spring SOS 2014 print! Only 100 signed and numbered, $65.00 and a few Artist Proofs, $90.00. Can’t believe I have had my own store on Main Street, Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach for 25 years! I did the first SOS print in 1987 then opened a studio/store on Main St. 1989! With your patronage I hope to be around until 2020!

Photo: This is the spring SOS 2014 print! Only 100 signed and numbered, $65.00 and a few Artist Proofs, $90.00. Can’t believe I have had my own store on Main Street, Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach for 25 years! I did the first SOS print in 1987 then opened a studio/store on Main St. 1989! With your patronage I hope to be around until 2020!
.