Also presented will be the documentary "A Man Named Pearl," at 8 p.m. May 24. The documentary tells the story of self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar of Bennettsville. Fryar will talk about his work before the screening.

Other events will include an 8 p.m. June 5 and 6 reading of "God's Man in Texas," written by David Rambo, and an 8 p.m. June 4 reading of a new play, "Discretion," by Rock Hill writer Terry Roueche.

In addition to the presentations, the event offers a university three-hour credit course, performance opportunities, lectures and master classes.

The activities will provide Winthrop students and the public with a variety of hands-on cultural events. Some events are free and others require tickets. For details, visit www.createcarolina.org or call Amanda Woolwine at (803) 323-2399.

Youth art exhibit goes up Thursday

An art exhibit featuring the work of youth ages 3 to 21 from YouthNet and other youth organizations will be on display beginning Thursday at the Center for the Arts, 121 E. Main St., Rock Hill.

An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The exhibit will be in recognition of May 8 as National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. YouthNet and Weed and Seed are sponsoring the event. This year's theme is celebrating differences.

After Thursday, the art will be on display from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 5 through 7 and 12 through 16 at YouthNet, 507 E. Black St.

The exhibit is free and refreshments will be provided. For details, call public information coordinator Antoine X. Knox at 366-3391, Ext. 105, or e-mail him at axk79@scdmh.org.

May 17 conference features women's issues

A women's conference, Set Yourself Free, will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 17 at The Body, 1711 Cherry Road, Rock Hill. Cost is $15, which includes a sit-down dinner, drinks, dessert, entertainment and speakers.

Tickets can be purchased from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Grounds of Faith, 1707-102 Cherry Road, Rock Hill. The number of tickets is limited.

Keynote speaker will be Dianne Collard, an international speaker living in North Carolina. There will also be a speaker from Concerned Women for America, founded by Beverly LaHaye, and other entertainment.

For details, visit www.thebodylive.com or www.groundsoffaith.com.

Children's art show opening at Northside

Northside Elementary School will have a children's art show from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria, 840 Annafrel St., Rock Hill.

This exhibit has been organized in conjunction with the art curriculum, and is an integral part of the school's efforts to promote the exploration of self-expression in students. Parents, families and teachers are invited. All signed original paintings are matted and framed gallery-style and will be available for sale.

Local Sierrans to see slide show on Iceland

The Henry's Knob Group of the South Carolina chapter of the Sierra Club will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Wesley Foundation, 406 Stewart Ave., Rock Hill.

Wayne Welborn of Rock Hill will present a slide show and discuss his experiences in Iceland. Guests are welcome and admission is free. For details, call Mary Keenan at 327-9610.

Poker run, gospel sing among local benefits

The following announce fundraisers:

• A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments of South Carolina chapter of York County will have its 16th annual poker run and party to benefit the Worthy Boys and Girls Camp Saturday at the Crowbar, 1474 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Registration is from noon to 1 p.m. Fee is $10. The event ends at Busters place, 4805 McConnells Highway, Rock Hill. Best hand is $100 and worst hand, $25. Extra card is $5 at any stop. Activities include door prizes and live music by Rebels-N-Debt. Last bike in is at 6 p.m. Food will be $5 for non-riders. For details, call 628-0365 or visit www.abateofyorkcounty.50megs. com.

• The Fort Lawn Fire Department will have a barbecue fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 30 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 31 at the station, 5671 Pleasant Ave., Fort Lawn. Barbecue plates are $7 and include one-half pound of barbecue, baked beans, slaw, roll and dessert. For tickets, call Lt. Richard A. Hulse at (803) 872-7309.

• The first spring gospel sing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 24 at the McCelvey Center, 212 E. Jefferson St., York. Admission is a $5 donation. For tickets or details, call Jubilee Christian Center at (803) 628-5293, Lake Wylie Christian Assembly at (803) 831-1640 or Pastor Denis Jones at (803) 448-1640.

• The third annual Mustangs and Memories and other Classics car show to benefit the South Carolina Alzheimer's Association will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 7 at the Old Kirby Auto Mall, 1691 J.A. Cochran By-pass, Chester. Activities include a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and 24 classes of cars, including race car and drag car. Trophies will be awarded in all classes. Food and craft vendors will be at the event. Car show registration is $25. Active Day Inc. is sponsoring the event. Registration forms are available online at www.activeday.com; click on locations and then click on South Carolina-Chester location. For details, call Marie at (803) 385-7588.