After a successful by invitation only private showing, a photography exhibit featuring the work of Benton Henry will open to the public this week.

On Friday June 26th at 5:00 pm at the Latta Art Center, Black Creek Arts Council and the Latta Revitalization Commission will be sponsoring an opening reception for Tobacco Barns of the Pee Dee.

The exhibit, featuring photographs by Latta’s Benton Henry, will remain on display through the end of August. Admission to the opening is free.

The opening day will include a Chicken Bog dinner at 5:00 pm on the grounds of the Art Center(Located on Railroad Ave across from the Latta Police Station).

Proceeds from the dinner will help support local projects.

Dr. Eldred Prince of Costal Carolina will be performing a book signing of his book Long Green: The Rise and Fall of Tobacco in South Carolina.

Benton Henry is a professional photographer who currently lives in Dillon County. A graduate of Francis Marion University, Henry’s primary work revolves around commercial shoots.

The collection of photographs that will be on display at the art center focus more on Mr. Henry’s passion for the area he grew up in. “These photographs were taken over many years, as opposed to a few hours as is the case with my commercial shoots,” said Henry, “I would spot potential subjects while driving around for commercial and editorial work and then return when lighting and weather best suited. I have thousands images throughout the Pee Dee.”

A panel that consisted of Coker College’s Jim Boden, Coastal Carolina’s Dr. Eldred “Wink” Prince, and Black Creek Arts Council’s Bruce Douglas chose the images on display.

The Humanities Council of South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism gave Grant funding for the project to Black Creek Arts Council.

The Humanities Council is a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities; inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage.

The Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism’s vision is to shape and share a better South Carolina through stewardship, service, economic development and marketing.

This exhibit will be shown in various locations around the Pee Dee including in the cities of Latta, Conway, Hartsville, and Lake City. Sponsors for the exhibit include: Jim Boden, City of Darlington, The Coker College History Department, Curt Cottle & Associates, The Latta Revitalization Commission, and the National Bean Market Museum.

The mission of Black Creek Arts Council is to promote and foster the Arts in Darlington County.

BCAC’s offices are housed in a state of the art 10,000 square foot facility at 116 West College Avenue.

BCAC offers a variety of programs including art classes of all styles, after-school activities, pre-school aged programs, private music lessons, and various types of gallery exhibits. BCAC also offers assistance with arts management, funding, education, and program coordination to arts and cultural organizations in Darlington County.