The Penn Center, Inc. and the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC) will host The Connection: Carolina-Caribbean Connection, a traveling art exhibit created to entertain and educate citizens about the connections between South Carolina and the island of Barbados at the York W. Bailey Museum from June 1 through July 31.
    An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. featuring a lecture by genealogist and historian Dr. Nichole Green, Curator of the Old Slave Mart in Charleston, talks by the artists, a Barbadian celebration, and a taste of Barbados.
    This international touring exhibit consists of over 70 pieces from South Carolina and Barbadian artists representing various media that reflect the similarities between South Carolina and Barbados.  Forty-four artists from every corner of the state will present a unique collection of paintings, pottery, mixed media, ceramics, tapestries, sweetgrass baskets, and photography.  Included with the artwork is an interpretive exhibit highlighting the rich historical and cultural connections still present between the island and South Carolina today.  After touring the state, The Connections exhibit will travel to its final destination at the Sherbourne Conference Center on the island of Barbados from October 23-27th, culminating in a celebration of shared natural and cultural history sponsored by the S. C. National Heritage Corridor and the Barbados Ministry of Tourism.
    The hours of operation at the York W. Bailey Museum are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.; admission is $5-adults; $4-seniors; and $2-youth.  The  reception is open to the public.  For more  information about the Penn Center and the exhibit, call 838-2432 or visit www.penncenter.com