MYRTLE BEACH, SC.- Images of slavery on the currency of antebellum Southern states – a detail never mentioned in any historical account – were the inspiration for a collection of boldly colored paintings by artist John W. Jones titled Confederate Currency: The Color of Money, now on display the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.

The Museum is offering two public programs to provide insight about the art and the stories behind it. At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, Charleston art consultant Gretchen Barbatsis will present a slide show and talk at the Chapin Memorial Library, 400 14th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach.

And at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, veteran Museum guide Chuck Lichy will lead a tour of the exhibit at the Art Museum. Both events are free and open to the public.

In his artist’s statement, Jones has said he believes the currency images were in fact propaganda by pro-slavery advocates in an era of increasing controversy on the subject. These images, depicting healthy and happy-looking slaves at work in various occupations, belied the harshness of the slaves’ real existence while making a subliminal connection between slavery and prosperity in America.

Confederate Currency: The Color of Money will remain on display through Oct. 29. The Museum is located at 3100 S. Ocean Blvd. For further information, call 843-238-2510 or visit myrtlebeachartmuseum.org.