New Documentary ‘The Art of Believing’ Premieres at Penn Center on August 1
This summer, the Lowcountry community will have a unique opportunity to experience those stories firsthand when The Art of Believing premieres at Historic Penn Center on St. Helena Island.
The 30-minute documentary, produced by NOW Communications in collaboration with Harden Creative, explores 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. Following its premiere, the film is scheduled to air on SCETV (PBS) in Fall 2026.
The premiere screening will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Frissell Community House on the Penn Center campus. Guests will enjoy the documentary, followed by a Q&A with Producer Luke Frazier, Associate Producer Sasha Horne Hirshout, and the featured artists, along with an artist reception.
Three Artists. Three Spiritual Journeys.
Each artist featured in The Art of Believing has found inspiration through deeply personal experiences that continue to shape their creative work.
Rev. Johnnie Simmons
A self-taught Gullah folk artist and ordained minister from Frogmore on St. Helena Island, Rev. Johnnie Simmons discovered his artistic calling while participating in a PTSD treatment program years after serving with the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam. What began with finding a lion-shaped rock and purchasing a simple wood-burning kit evolved into a celebrated career in pyrography. Today, Simmons creates vibrant works depicting Gullah life and biblical stories, often accompanied by captions written in the Gullah language.
Susan Stone
Port Royal artist, author, and healer Susan Stone has spent decades exploring creativity through painting, teaching, and design. After surviving a lightning strike in 2010, she experienced what she describes as a profound spiritual awakening that transformed both her life and her artistic vision. As a Certified Crystal Healer, Reiki Master, and Initiated Shamanic Practitioner, Stone now blends fine art with healing traditions while leading classes through The Arts Port Royal.
John M. Bradley
Known for his striking large-scale spray-painted tunnel installation at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, John M. Bradley creates what he calls "Ministry Art." His bold, colorful works pair biblical scripture with powerful imagery, encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface and discover deeper spiritual meaning. With roots on St. Helena Island, Bradley continues to use his art as a vehicle for faith and reflection.
More Than a Film
The Art of Believing offers more than an introduction to three accomplished artists—it provides an intimate look at how faith, resilience, and creativity intersect to shape lives and inspire communities.
The screening also gives attendees the rare opportunity to meet the featured artists, hear the stories behind their work, and participate in a conversation about the role of art in preserving culture, expressing spirituality, and fostering healing.
Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation benefiting the York W. Bailey Museum at Penn Center.
Event Details
What: The Art of Believing Documentary Screening, Q&A, and Artist Reception
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Where: Frissell Community House, Penn Center Campus, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Admission: Free (Suggested $5 donation benefiting the York W. Bailey Museum)
Reserve your free tickets by visiting the Eventbrite registration page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-believing-documentary-screening-tickets-1993466448811
Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the rich artistic traditions of the Sea Islands and the enduring power of faith to transform lives through creativity.