Barnwell: New arts hotspot?

Theatre, literature events coming this weekend

For the unfamiliar, the South Carolina Arts Commission’s “Art of Community” rural revitalization work began in six southeastern S.C. counties, one of which is Barnwell. The program uses arts and culture to connect people to where they live and each other in ways not tried before. Its success has turned it into a national model, and expansion to other parts of the state is now happening.

This coming weekend, Barnwell residents can look forward to two arts events:

• Part of “Art of Community,” the “Communal Pen” writing workshop series is touring the state helping people connect to where they live through writing. The fifth of six workshops is this Saturday in Barnwell. Co-facilitators Eboni Ramm and Michelle Ross will lead workshop participants as they write to celebrate and explore connections to place and community. While you’re there, be sure to check out the traveling Smithsonian exhibition, Crossroads: Change in Rural America. Crossroads is presented through the Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program as part of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. (MoMS provides access to the Smithsonian for small-town America through museum exhibitions, research, educational resources, and programming.) “Communal Pen” has tracked the exhibition’s tour of South Carolina.
• Circle Theatre’s “The Addams Family” is setting up the new musical comedy for a two-week run starting Friday that will include your favorite kooky family, plenty of laughs, valuable lessons and catchy music. Support the arts at Circle Theatre, Barnwell County’s community theatre, located at 325 Academy Street. Purchase tickets in advance for $15. Tickets will be $20 at the door if there is space, but shows could sell out.