Penn Center's York W. Bailey Museum hosted the opening reception for "Manifesting the Spirit: The Visionary Art of Bruce Ingram" on Saturday, July 18.

The exhibit marks the first major museum show devoted solely to the South Carolina folk artist, whose work has been getting attention from people all over the country, with Ingram noting he had already sold three pieces ahead of the opening.

Drawing on the griot, a West African oral historian and storyteller, the exhibition features paintings and sculptures that transform family stories, reclaimed materials, and African American history into contemporary folk art. The show runs through November 30.

The exhibit was also featured in local media.

Below, you'll find coverage from each outlet, click on the image or text to read the full article.

Manifesting the Spirit: The Visionary Art of Bruce Ingram 

Penn Center to host first major exhibit for folk artist Bruce Ingram

In My Blood: The Art Of Bruce Ingram

More than 100 guests filled Frissell Community House for a special screening of The Art of Believing, a 30-minute documentary exploring the profound relationship between faith, creativity, and personal transformation through the lives of three remarkable Sea Island artists, Rev. Johnnie Simmons, Susan Stone, and John M. Bradley.

The screening was hosted by Luke Frazier of NOW Communications and Harden Creative, with an exclusive air date on SCETV (PBS) set for Fall 2026. Guests responded with generosity, raising nearly $2,000 to benefit the York W. Bailey Museum.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate these stories of faith and artistry rooted in the Sea Islands.

Penn Center’s Community Sing is back Sunday, September 20 at 5:30 PM located at the Frissell Community House on Penn Center’s St. Helena Island campus.

The September event will be hosted by Scottsville Baptist Church, Oaks True Holiness Church, and Ebenezer Baptist Church.

For generations, music has been a powerful thread connecting culture, faith, history, and community across the Sea Islands. Community Sing at Penn Center continues that tradition, bringing people together in a joyful celebration of heritage, harmony, and remembrance.



We hope to see you there!

The 21st annual Lands End Woodland River Festival returns to St. Helena Island for Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 4th through Saturday, September 5th, celebrating the Gullah families who purchased 328 acres at Lands End nearly a century ago.

Enjoy a Friday evening Crab Crack and Fish Fry along the river, then a full Saturday of Gullah storytelling, African drumming and dancing, and local food and craft vendors.

Rooted Concert Series With Gwen Yvette 
Saturday, August 29 | New Date: Sunday, September 13
Rescheudled due to rain. We hope to see you Sunday, September 13 for Rooted! 

Admission is $20. Gates open at 2:30pm, show starts at 4pm

Come on down to the Penn Center campus for Rooted: Summer Concert Series, "The Vibes & Elevation" installation! This southern soul blues vibe brings live performances from Keonda Grant-Taylor, EyeKhandi, Mr. Midnight, Michael Brodie, and Gwen Yvette, plus line dancing with the Geechee Steppaz.

Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with local craft vendors, food trucks, kid fun, and good summer vibes. Hosted by ChazzTheBoiWonder, with DJ Chuck T on crowd control.

Bring your chairs, your good vibes, and a two-step.

Penn Center is call one on the community to help make the 42nd Annual Heritage Days Festival a success!

We're looking for volunteers to support this beloved celebration of Gullah culture, history, and community.

Whether you have a few hours or a full day to give, there's a place for you, from event setup and hospitality to vendor support and guest services. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back while being part of a Sea Island tradition that brings people together from near and far.

Interested in joining the team? 

Send us an email: HeritageFestival@penncenter.com to learn more about how you can get involved.


Learn more: PennCenter.com/heritage-days

Live Camp Geechee brought more than two dozen area youth for three unforgettable days, rooted in storytelling, creativity, and immersive hands-on learning.



Held at Penn Center from July 31 through August 2, Live Camp Geechee welcomed youth ages 10 to 18 for workshops, activities, games, competitions, and Gullah Geechee inspired food and cultural experiences.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's camp a success. Stay tuned for details on next year's session!