<b>Special to The Island News</b>

The Friends of Hunting Island hosted a celebration of the completion of Phase 1 of the refurbishing of the Visitor’s Center at Hunting Island State Park on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Member volunteers, the artists and sculptors who worked on the project, South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism officials and other invited guests attended.

Phase 2 of the work will include the building of the Virtual Lighthouse, which will enable those who cannot climb the 184 steps to the top of the actual Lighthouse to enjoy the 360-degree view through videos of the actual surrounding scene.

The Visitor’s Center with new exhibit room is open to the public while the work on Phase 2 is being completed.

<em>Above: Party attendees, muralist Aki Kato, Kathy Conroy Harvey and novelist Cassandra King Conroy of the Pat Conroy Literary Center.</em>