Doongalik Studios Art Gallery, in conjunction in Carter Marketing and The Endowment for the Performing Arts of The Bahamas, announces the Official Opening of the “Spirit of The Dance” Exhibition which celebrates the lives of internationally renowned dancers Paul Meeres, Hubert Farrington and Shirley Hall-Bass on Thursday, December 1 from 6-9pm at #18 Village Road.

The Exhibition is the second in the series which has been renamed the “Jackson Burnside III Annual Conversations on Culture” in memory of the Doongalik Studios’ Founder. Last year’s Exhibition, “Youngie & Exuma” which showcased the artistic genius of Joseph Spence and Tony McKay, was an outstanding success and this year’s Exhibition promises to provide a wide array of entertainment and amazing educational information about these dance giants of The Bahamas whose lives spanned decades of international fame throughout Europe, the United States and the Caribbean.

The Exhibition will not only have lots of photographs and articles on each of the dancers, but will also present video presentations for viewing at selected times later in the Exhibition. In addition, the highly acclaimed Lecture Series will take place when persons familiar with the dance heroes will share their stories with the audience and be available to answer questions.

Curator, Orchid Burnside stated, “We are so excited and proud to once again have the opportunity to expose the Bahamian public to the importance of these dancers who not only worked and danced all over the world with the greatest of artists in their fields, but also inspired and touched the lives of thousands of young Bahamian dancers, several of whom also took up careers as professional dancers.” Committee Member, Charles Carter, also thanked the many family, students and friends of the trio who provided so much fascinating information for the Exhibition. “Although my cousin Jackson is no longer with us, we are continuing his legacy by reminding our people that in his words last year: if we fail to celebrate our own, others will own them”.

Doongalik Studios is intent on presenting the educational component inherent in these exhibitions, particularly for the youth who have no idea about the wealth of artistic and cultural talent that has been, and still is,available in the country and invites the public to join them for another inspiring series of events. One trip will not be enough to take in all the information available and they look forward to hosting school field trips to view the exhibit.

The Exhibition will be on display until 2012. For further information contact the Gallery at 394-1886 or email doongalikart@batelnet.bs.

Doongalik to Host Farmer's Market on Saturdays!

Doongalik Studios Art Gallery is pleased to announce that we will now be open on SATURDAY, as a part of our new FARMER'S MARKET, featuring Lucayan Tropical's hydroponic produce!

As an alternative to their Blake Road location, Lucayan Tropical will be on the porch at Village Road, every Saturday to supply you with fresh veggies (with the exception of weekends where Da Market is held at the Bahamas National Trust)!



Because we're so excited to have you, one of our lucky customers, on Saturday, will win a door prize!

Buy local. Buy fresh. Buy BAHAMIAN.
November 26th, 2011. 8am - 1pm. #18 Village Road.

FIBRE: TRANSFORMING SPACES 2012

Transforming Spaces is now in its eighth year and has become a significant component in the development of visual art in New Providence. Our tours have provided a window into the galleries, studios, artwork and lives of the best visual art organizations and practitioners in the country. The Transforming Spaces mission has been to promote local artists, reflect current trends in Bahamian art, and expose and educate patrons to the inner workings of the Bahamian art industry while challenging both artists and audiences to create and perceive art in new and innovative ways.


In the spirit of our mission to expose, innovate, challenge and encourage a unique cross fertilization between the creative disciplines, Transforming Spaces 2012 (TS2012) will engage in an exciting new exercise — a curated tour with a single theme. In conjunction with the Creative Nassau Initiative — a local committee of artists, designers, craftspeople and writers working to have Nassau designated a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk art — we present:



FIBRE is a call to fine artists, designers of all types, architects, photographers, as well as, other LOCAL artisans to put aside the traditional scope of materials and to engage your creative processes within and without the limitations of fibrous materials from any part of the country’s indigenous plants (e.g. banana, palm trees, sisal, coconut palm). We are also interested in literary, poetic and historical responses.


The goal of FIBRE is to challenge participants to look at the history of local materials and to re-imagine their original purposes, characteristics and contexts.


We are looking for a response to these materials that honor the past, but more importantly, seek to breathe new life into how we see these materials in the modern world. There are no limitations to what form your solutions take. Both utilitarian and non-functional objects are acceptable.


Participants should ‘push the envelope’ with regard to how the materials are manipulated and fabricated. Other support materials may be used to assist in the structural or mechanical aspects of your designs but the majority of the material must be made from fibres. Both individuals as well as teams may submit ideas. Conceptual responses will also be accepted.

The FIRST DEADLINE is Friday,December 15th, 2011 at NOON and the application form and guidelines may be downloaded here. If you have any questions, please contact the Transforming Spaces Committee at 328.7916 or send an email to transformingspaces2012@gmail.com.


Consider the Possibilities!

FASH|ART takes over Doongalik November 5th, 2011

Transforming the grounds into the stage of a world-class runway show, Fash|Art is making waves in the creative industry. Combining fashion with visual art, the event seeks to showcase emerging artists in these fields who are competing to win the coveted "Harl Taylor Emerging Designer" award, the "Jackson Burnside Emerging Artist" award, and for the models, a chance to win a one-year modeling contract with PTG Modeling Agency!

Tickets are available at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery on Village Road, at a cost of $35 for general admission and $75 for VIP ($45 and $90 at the door, respectively). Show starts at 6pm. Call 394.1886 for details and info.

To learn more about the event visit their website and stay updated at the Fash|Art Facebook page!

MASTER ARTISTS OF THE BAHAMAS HOLD SUCCESSFUL OPENING IN THE UNITED STATES

Bahamian Art is flourishing and it has made a huge impact in the international arena when a group of Bahamian visual artists opened the MASTER ARTISTS OF THE BAHAMAS Exhibition and Symposium in the United States at the Waterloo Center for the Arts (WCA) in Waterloo, Iowa.

The journey for the Exhibition began in 2008 when the WCA’s Director, Cammie Scully was suitably inspired by the documentary “Artists of The Bahamas’ produced by Filmmakers Karen and Tom Neuwirth (www.artistsofthebahamas.com). WCA, which houses the largest collection of Haitian art in the U.S., also had a large collection of art by the late Bahamian artist, Amos Ferguson. The present Exhibition therefore boasts over 100 pieces of Bahamian art including 68 pieces by Ferguson and the late Brent Malone and Jackson Burnside together with the works of Antonius Roberts, Dave Smith, Eddie Minnis, John Beadle, John Cox, Kendal Hanna, Max Taylor and Stan Burnside. The Exhibition will run through January 2012 and then travel to various art venues throughout the U.S.



In addition to the grand Opening attended by Mayor of Waterloo Buck Clark, participants were treated to a two day symposium by the artists as well as musical performances by Eddie Minnis and junkanoo drumming by Reuben ‘Ruppapumpum’ Deleveaux, in addition to viewing the premiere of “Match Me If You Can”, the Amos Ferguson documentary that was produced by the filmmakers.



Bahamian art and culture was on display for the entire weekend. Cammie Scully, Director of the WCA, was overjoyed with the response of the participants, some of whom travelled from other states to attend and meet the artists. “This has been a memorable event that has added lots of colour, movement and excitement to us here in Iowa. The two landscapes are so very different and everyone is now eager to visit The Bahamas!” Youth participating in a Junkanoo workshop presented by WCA education staff also took part in the festivities on Saturday. NAGB’s curatorial assistant/ videographer, Jackson Petit accompanied the artists to document the entire trip and the video will be available for viewing shortly.



Well known Bahamian sculptor, Antonius Roberts travelled to Iowa earlier in order to complete a one week’s residency at the University of Northern Iowa. He worked with art students to create sculptures using wood and river stones salvaged from the 2008 flood in Sans Souci and Chatauqua park neighborhoods, in Waterloo, Iowa. Roberts also produced three sculptures of his own which he donated to the Center. As a result of this endeavour, plans are underway to host an Iowan sculptor here in Nassau next month to work with Roberts in an exchange programme. “Art is a universal language”, stated Roberts, “and it is an excellent way to develop and promote links around the world. I am sure that this Exhibition will be the start of many more exciting collaborations.”



For further information on the Exhibition please log on to the WCA’s website at www.waterloocenterforthearts.org

The All Ceramics Exhibition at Doongalik Studios!

ACE is a bi-annual exhibition that started in 2009 bringing together Bahamian Potters and Ceramicist under one venue. Although a public call was sent out, very few of the Professional Ceramicist and Potters (those who hold a Degree in this area of Art) participated. Instead, those persons with true dedication and passion for this art form was in full attendance; among them was Sue Bennett-Williams, Imogene Walkine, Neko Meicholas, Mrs. Mary Deveaux, Tamara Russell, Monika Minnis and Maxwell Taylor.

The first ACE also took the opportunity to honour Denis Knight for his pioneering
contributions in bringing to light and appreciation in the Bahamas ceramics as fine art consistent excellence in their ceramic work. This summer the first person to receive this award was Mr. Alistair Stephenson.

For the 2nd ACE a theme was strategically chosen “My Flamboyant Teapot”. As the decision was made to have the 2nd exhibition at Doongalik Studios (Village Road), Jessica thought it only fitting to put on an exhibit of just teapots influenced by Mr. Jackson Burnside several years prior. In 2003 Mr. Burnside visited Jessica’s studio, then in Arawak Avenue, and proposed to her the idea of developing a line of teapots specifically for the Marina Village Gallery. At the time she had left her teapot making days back at RISD (The Rhode Island School of Design).

However, Mr. Burnside being a man of vision and persistence came fully equipped with a book entitled “100 Teapots” produced by Larks Publishing. Well, after that meeting and several teapots later, Jessica has yet to exhaust the possibilities of this domestic icon.



The exhibition opens the evening of October 06th, 2011 and will feature works by Mrs. Sue Bennett-Williams, Jessica Colebrooke and Quentin Minnis.

The Great Eye Lecture

On March 23rd, 2011, Jackson Burnside delighted the crowd at the D'Aguilar Art Foundation gathered to hear the story of the Vincent and Marina D'Aguilar Collection. Burnside curated a show at The DAF that highlighted the evolution of the collection and demonstrated the passion D'Aguilar held for the proliferation of Bahamian Art.



Doongalik Studios is pleased to be able to share that lecture with you here on our website for a limited time. Just click above to play. Enjoy!

Transforming Spaces

Thanks to everyone for supporting the Quilt Show and Debate! In future, we look forward to seeing more art quilts being produced here in The Bahamas, but right now Doongalik Studios is turning its attention towards TRANSFORMING SPACES 2011.



Doongalik Studios’ Village Road Gallery is proud to present “WASTE” for this year’s Transforming Spaces Art Tour. This exhibition is the result of a design challenge to over twenty artists to create fine art, to design objects or to express ideas, primarily using materials thrown away or destined to be thrown away. The public will be amazed at the degree of creativity that has been produced by John Beadle, Sue Bennett-Williams, Chantal Bethel, Margot Bethel, Jackson Burnside, Orchid Burnside, Stan Burnside, Jessica Colebrooke, John Cox, Claudette Dean, Tyrone Ferguson, Del Foxton, Kendal Hanna, Robin Hardy, Andret John, Toby Lunn, Melissa Maura, Troy Nixon, Antonius Roberts, AJ Watson and Averia Wright.

Gallery owner Jackson Burnside stated the impetus behind the theme of this year’s Exhibition: “Our environment has become polluted with waste materials of diverse descriptions that have been thrown away without regard for its negative effects. These discarded materials, whether garbage or trash, organic or synthetic may themselves be transformed into works of art as evidenced by the amazing work on display which includes sculpture, installation, fashion, furniture, painting, ceramics and more.”

“Doongalik Studios believes that Design is a celebration of our Art, Culture and Heritage, transforming and improving the quality of our physical, economic and social environment. Artists have a responsibility to question the obvious and challenge presumptions of what constitutes “Bahamian” style or aesthetic.”

Gallery Manager, Pam Burnside added: “Transforming Spaces is continuing to grown and we are constantly reexamining and refining the event content to give patrons a new experience each year. This year we have six galleries showcasing over 40 artists – this will allow patrons less travel time, more time to spend at each stop to interact with the artists. In addition this year we are pleased that there will be several art events leading up to the weekend Tour. The Transforming Spaces Committee is definitely repositioning the event to appeal to a larger audience including persons outside the country by making Art, Culture and Heritage a focal selling point.”

“WASTE” will be on display Mondays to Fridays 9 am – 5pm until Friday, May 13, 2011. For more information contact the Gallery at 394-1886, email doongalikart@batelnet.bs or visit their Facebook page.

The Great Quilt Debate

When it comes to quilting there are two schools of thought - that quilts do not have a place in the category of fine art but belong in the world of craft - and the other which believes that quilting can transcend its traditional boundaries into the world of fine art.

To which school do you belong?

Join Doongalik Studios Village Road WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2011 to share your thoughts. The guest panel of artists will include Sarah McLean, Holly Parotti, and Heino Schmid.



Hope to see you there!!

Doongalik Studios on TheArtTrade

Doongalik Studios is honored to have gallery owner, Pamela Burnside, selected for a feature video on TheArtTrade!

TheArtTrade presents Doongalik Art Gallery-The Bahamas from TheArtTrade on Vimeo.

video credit: Jennifer Lindsay Sullivan

TheArtTrade.com is a unique website with allows artist and aficionados alike to connect in the same space and in doing so has created a rich artistic community. "It is [their] goal to educate, inform and inspire [their] viewers."

To learn more about TheArtTrade, their inspiring work, events, featured artists and galleries please do visit their website at

In Other News

Doongalik Studios Marina Village was recently featured in Air Canada's prestigious in-flight magazine - enRoute!

The article lists the favorite spots of famed chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, when he is visiting Paradise Island, Bahamas and his restaurant, Dune, at the One&Only Ocean Club.

View the article here.

A Quilt Show: OPENING THURSDAY

Doongalik Studios is pleased to present a one-of-a-kind design challenge - A Quilt Show - "Variations On A Theme."

Quilting guilds were invited to choose a photograph as the inspiration for a theme and develop FOUR 16"x24" quilts as hanging artwork based on variations of this theme.

Meet the quilters tomorrow and celebrate their design talent in this wonderful and comforting tradition.



A Quilt Show - "Variations On A Theme."
One Photograph -> Four Quilts.
Where craft becomes Fine Art.

02.24.11. 6pm. Quilts will be on sale.

Coming Soon to Village Road

Our first ever quilt show! It promises to be quite exciting...



We hope you will be able to join us!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Moving Forward In 2011: The Decade of Creativity

Doongalik Studios Art Gallery opened at Marina Village in 2005. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our many faithful patrons who have encouraged us by showing appreciation for, and purchasing Bahamian Art over these five years. We look forward to your continued support as we move ahead into the new year and enter the “Decade of Creativity” as outlined in our Vision Statement.

We also send special thanks and appreciation to our 70+ local artists who have entrusted us with the consignment of their superb artwork, thereby helping us to take Bahamian art to the world—we could not have done it without you!

Bahamian Art is poised to make a significant impact on the global scene and we are proud to have been one of the vehicles to make this happen! We look forward to presenting you with the events that will be leading the way this year, so stay tuned for more exciting Bahamian Art Experiences!!