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.