Dr. Emmanuel Francis to Launch Book on The Saxons!

Just in time for the Junkanoo season, Doongalik Studios announces the Book Launch of ‘The History of the Saxons Junkanoo Group (The Early Years) Stories of a Forgotten Bahamian Culture’ by Dr Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Francis on Friday, December 13 from 6-9pm. Dr Francis stated that “the book is dedicated to the memory of the late Jackson Logan Burnside III, a brilliant and gifted Bahamian architect, artist and cultural activist. The hallmark of his legacy lay in his belief that, by 2020, more tourists would come to the Bahamas for our art, culture and heritage than for sun, sand and sea. Jackson constantly admonished us to tell our stories. His zeal for the preservation of our cultural identity and the revelation of its importance to our national development has inspired me to write this historical account, as well as my junkanoo handbook. “This historical publication on junkanoo was produced at the behest of Hon. Desmond Bannister on the occasion of presenting him, as then Minister of Education, with copies of my first publication, Manual of Junkanoo Costume Construction–A Beginners Guide to Junkanoo Design (2011). The goal of that exercise was to provide a simple instructional handbook which junkanoo group leaders, teachers, parents and craftsmen could use to educate group members and students in the basics of junkanoo costume construction. This would ensure that costumes be custom made and that participants be more responsible for producing their own costumes. Minister Bannister intimated that a book on the history of Junkanoo groups was also necessary to augment the manual as the first true textbooks for the practical and didactic components of a long overdue junkanoo curriculum.” Dr Francis’ goal in writing this Saxons’ historical account was to present the Bahamian public with an accurate account of the group’s formation and early days (up to the 1970s). Hopefully it would also inspire others to chronicle the group’s development from that point onwards. Dr Francis intends that the book, as the former Minister of Education stated, would be used as a junkanoo textbook in the classrooms. The book is self published and only a limited amount of copies will be available for sale at the Launch, along with his other publications. Dr Francis also stated that “Jackson’s insistence that we “see what you’re looking at” was the inspiration for my newest publication, ‘Morning Meditations in Paradise: Bahamian reflections at Sunrise’, which presents 99 images of our beautiful country along with meditations on the God who created it. I thank you, Jackson for showing me how to see the real purpose and value of the things we too often take for granted: Our rich, unique and fascinating cultural heritage.” Dr Francis, a professional Dentist, is the brother of the leader of the Saxons, Percy ‘Vola’ Francis and was intimately involved in the development of the group as a designer and builder for 20 years. In 2003 he left the popular ‘A’ group to become a part of the ‘B’ group, One Love Soldiers. For further information please contact the Gallery at 394-1886 or doongalikart@batelnet.bs.

Father Knowledge Mother Tongue OPENS NEXT THURSDAY!

Doongalik Studios announces their final Exhibition for the year, Father Knowledge, Mother Tongue, a contemporary art show by Angelika Wallace-Whitfield which will open on Thursday December 5 from 6-9pm.

Slated to be an interesting glimpse into her life’s journey, this vibrant 20-year old Bahamian artist spoke in depth about her experiences whilst preparing for Father knowledge, Mother Tongue. She reflected that the title “came about during the production of the art pieces for this show. The process was one that allowed me to explore myself as a mixed raced Bahamian-Jamaican who was raised in a broken family, and to delve into my own social and self-perception. “I have always been interested in exploring contemporary reality, as well as the subconscious and social identity of individuals and how they interact. Our perception of ourselves can be identical or the opposite of the perception we give to others. Within the contents of the show, I have attempted to reveal the concealment of certain identity issues to create a confrontation of these issues that we tend to ignore.

“The first gesture, instinctive and simple is what interests me more than painting an intricate detail. My ‘style’ has moved from picturesque to instinctive and fluid, and I have been able to find a release within my work. This development has allowed me to take the realistic and abstract it, placing it next to another object or in another position to change its meaning. “Working large will always be my first love. It allows the viewer to appreciate the image from a distance but as they move closer, the image distorts and leaves room for further interpretation. 

As an artist, limitations are death to creativity and by breaking down these barriers - creation, invention, and beauty are born. “I always remind myself to stay malleable. The creative learning process never ends. When working on my pieces, I know they’re done when they aren’t done. I love the concept of process, and showing process through my work. By leaving my work undone, I leave it vulnerable and open for my audience’s imagination to engage in my work.”

Angelika has lived between The Bahamas and the United Kingdom. She has been immersed in art from early childhood, first by her mother and then by Sue Bennett-Williams, who, along with others have been strong inspirations for the concepts behind her work. Totally immersing herself in the local art scene, Angelika is also exhibiting in a collaborative show, “New New” at Popop Studios which opened last week, as well as displaying work at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas as a part of the ASMAC 20 year Student Exhibition mounted by Sue Bennett-Williams.

BahamaScape Opens Tuesday, November 12th!

Doongalik Studios announces the Opening of “BahamaScape” a collaborative show of photographs by Rashad Penn, Shane Pinder and Guilden Gilbert on Tuesday November 12 from 6-9pm. As the name implies, this exhibition focuses on The Bahamas and the many wonderful ‘Scapes’ (landscapes and seascapes) that can be found throughout the islands.

Each of the artists is passionate about photography – they all participate in a very active facebook group called ‘Photographers of The Bahamas’ (POTB) that was created by Rashad Penn. Three members of the group - Rashad, Jeff Major, and Guilden - initially got together after a group photo-walk. The photographers discovered that they had very similar photography interests so, for safety reasons, they decided to get together to shoot on a regular basis following this first photo-walk, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history!

Shane was invited by Guilden to become a member of POTB after he presented some of his work, and he eagerly accepted. The group has spent many hours shooting together and presenting their work to each other for critiques, input and advice. Their ease and familiarity with one another has reached the point where sometimes it appears that they think alike. In fact some of their images were so similar that during the selection process for the show, they had to remove photos which seemed to be duplicates of another’s work which led them to ponder which attributes could have led to such conditions -”Great minds think alike” or “Fools seldom differ”!

“The public can look forward to an amazing selection of breathtaking ‘Scapes’ captured in film and presented in both traditional, and not so traditional ways,” stated Gallery owner, Pam Burnside. “This is the first time that the POTB Group has held an Exhibition, and I am pleased to provide the opportunity for them to show their work. In the mad rush and haste of modern life, we often take Nature for granted. This Show, I think, will allow us to take a moment to stop and appreciate the exquisite beauty that surrounds us 24/7!”

As an added benefit to the Exhibition, the photographers will be donating part proceeds of their sales to the Children’s Emergency Hostel and Great Commission Ministries International during this season of giving. Patrons who purchase art work will not only obtain beautiful photographs but will also be contributing towards these noteworthy charities.

“BahamaScape” will be on display until Tuesday, November 26. For more information contact the Gallery at 394-1886 or visit our facebook page, here!

ACE 2013: My Flamboyant Teacup & Bowl OPENS THURSDAY!

 

 

 

'My Flamboyant Teacup and Bowl’ is the theme of ACE 2013, the third biennial All Ceramic Exhibition. As with the two previous shows in the series, ACE 2013 will feature the art of a number of highly creative Bahamians.

A thematic spin off from ACE 2011, which showed that utilitarian objects, such as teapots could become high art in the hands of the truly creative, this year’s event promises to be even more exciting. It will feature the work of a diverse group of thirteen talents, including Anina Banks, Sue Bennett-Williams, Jessica Colebrooke (event organiser), Lisa Cordella, Mary Deveaux, Gina Luree, Tina Maycock, Vincent McWeeny, Neko Meicholas, Jeffrey Meris, Quentin Minnis, Nadine Munroe and Imogene Walkine.

The All Ceramic Exhibition was founded in 2009 by well-known Bahamian ceramicist Jessica Colebrooke who felt that ceramics in the Bahamas was not getting the attention that it deserved as a beautiful fine art form. She decided to create an event that would help to raise its public profile.

Apart from my desire to develop in the Bahamas an appreciation for the beauty and artistic merit of ceramics, I also wanted to work towards ensuring the sustainability of the art form in our country. This can only happen if we encourage younger Bahamians to become ceramic artists, so a scholarship award became an essential part of ACE,” said Ms Colebrooke.

Since its inception the All Ceramic Exhibition has been able to give two scholarships. The first was awarded to Alistair Stevenson who has now gone off to China to continue his studies and the second award went to Jovana Sands,” said Ms Colebrooke.

The ceramicist added that although teacups and bowls may seem to be extremely utilitarian products, the goal of ACE is to demonstrate that they can be so much more. “We hope to raise a plain everyday item to the level of fine art collectable” said Ms Colebrooke.“The key word flamboyant is basically the artists’ license to raise the production of the mundane teacup and bowl to the level of fine art. We challenged these artists to take their designs to wherever their imaginations led them,” she said.

We would like thank our sponsors: DanBrad Ltd; Dawn Davies; The D’Aguilar Art Foundation; Neko and Patricia Meicholas and Jessica’s Tileworks Studio Ltd for their ongoing support of the All Ceramic Exhibition.

The opening reception of ACE 2013 will be held at Doongalik Studios on October 24, 2013 at 6:30pm. The exhibition will continue until November 9. The general public is invited to come and view the pieces during normal business hours from Monday to Friday.

THE DGLK FARMERS' MARKET RETURNS SATURDAY!

We hope that you have been enjoying the end of summer!  We're happy to finally announce the new start date for the Doongalik Farmers' Market!  We'd like to start the new market season on September 28th, and hope that you will be able to join us! 

The Sew 'n' Sew Quilters

Doongalik Studios announces the Opening of an Exhibition of Quilts by the Sew ‘n’ Sew Quilters on Tuesday, October 8 from 6-9 pm.

The Sew ‘n’ Sew Quilters are a group of ladies from diverse backgrounds who meet on a weekly basis to share their ideas and skills in the “art” of quilting as well as to get together and socialize – which was the purpose of quilting circles when they were first formed by ladies, particularly in the island communities, whose husbands were out at sea for long periods of time.

The ladies work independently on their own quilt projects within the group. Sometimes they have formal lessons, but more often they spend their time helping each other with a project, whether pertaining to a quilt or assisting with a particular charity event. At their meetings, books, movies and news are discussed, jokes are told and treats are shared – the purpose is to have a relaxing and pleasant time together.

“Quilting in The Bahamas has become popular once again,” stated Doongalik Manager, Pam Burnside, “and I am happy to see this form of communal activity returning to the country as we can certainly use more of it. The quilting community is also becoming more integrated into the ‘fine art scene’ and I think that it is important to embrace and showcase those persons who produce high quality work. There is no need for there to be a separation between ‘fine art’ and ‘folk art’ because we can all benefit from our creative talents if we focus on excellence.”

President of the group, Margaret Finlayson stated, “Many of us have been quilting for more than 20 years while others are just beginning, but collectively we are proud to be able to show our work at Doongalik Studios.”

The Exhibition will be open to the public until Saturday, October 19. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. For further information please contact the gallery at doongalikart@batelnet.bs

This Back-To-School Season, Doongalik Studios Art Gallery and The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas will each adopt a government high school in their community and bolster their art programs by providing much needed supplies to their students.

Artist materials are expensive and many students cannot afford even the most basic supplies.  We are therefore encouraging the community to donate unopened/gently used art supplies (i.e. sketch paper, pencils, charcoal, paint, brushes etc.) during the month of August. Materials can be dropped off at either gallery location and 100% of the supplies will go directly to the art departments and fuel the creative expression of young Bahamian artists.

Help put a paint brush or pencil in the hands of an art student.  Help us drive the dream.

For more information, please contact Orchid Burnside at 394.1886 or Jordia Benjamin at 328.5800.

EMBLEMATIC OPENS TONIGHT!

Please join Doongalik Studios Art Gallery tonight for the opening of "EMBLEMATIC," a celebration of 40 years of Bahamian Independence.  All works will feature one of the Bahamian National Symbols - the lignum vitae, the yellow elder, the flamingo, the blue marlin, or the flag.

The Artists featured in tonight's show are:


John Beadle 
Dionne Benjamin-Smith
Chantal Bethel
Dede Brown
Jackson Burnside III
Eric Ellis
Amos Ferguson
Del Foxton
Brent Malone
Paulette Mortimer
Livingstone Pratt
Antonius Roberts
Kim Smith
Alistair Stevenson
Tavares Strachan
Dorman Stubbs
Harl Taylor Bags
Rembrandt Taylor
Elyse White

We hope that you can join us!  7.25.13. #20 Village Road. 6pm - 9pm.

For more information, please view the article in The Nassau Guardian here or The Bahamian Art & Culture Newsletter here!

Final Farmers' Market of the 2012/2013 Season!

Thank you to everyone who has supported our Farmers' Market this season!  We look forward to bringing you the same great service in the fall!  Be sure to stock up on your favorite locally grown/sourced products this Saturday, July 27th, 2013! 9am - 1pm!

EMBLEMATIC

Please join Doongalik Studios Art Gallery for the opening of EMBLEMATIC, on Thursday, July 25th, 2013, in celebration of 40 years of Bahamian Independence.

Maeter Design Life on My Island

The 2012 Fash|Art "Jackson Burnside Emerging Visual Artist" award winner Attila Feszt will host his solo show. Fash|Art organizers (Kedar In Style & Stylezine Magazine), along with the Burnside family invite you all to join this amazingly talented young man as he takes you on a journey of island life on Abaco, through his creative talents.

Upcoming Events! Save the Date!

  FRIDAY, MAY 24th, 2013

The Ria Georgina May Soiree is a spotlight event and fashion exhibition for Ria Georgina (Kenria Smith).  The soiree is designed as an intimate, fancy wine party where you can engage the designer and her pieces for the show. There will be a wine bar, courtesy of Island Wines & Spirits with part of the proceeds going to The Cancer Society of The Bahamas. 

Showtime is at 7pm at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery on Village Road - there is no cover charge for this event. Dress code is 'Smart Casual'.  Music will be provided by DJ Ampero.


 SUNDAY, MAY 26th, 2013
 

 

Meet Netica Symonette, accomplished artist, hotelier, restauranteur and now, author. Doongalik Studios Art Gallery is pleased to host this informal afternoon of signing and reading from, "A Girl Called Nettie:" A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love. This the story of a Bahamian Out Island girl who dared to reach beyond her circumstances and persisted in moving forward, against all odds and the prejudices of mankind, to experiences and successes never imagined.

"Despite the adversity which I faced in accomplishing what I set out to do, the book is truly meant as an inspiration to those generations after me which may feel there is little hope of advancement, achievement or recognition in their own country. Persistence and your own sense of self-worth are critical to your success and accomplishment." - Netica Symonette

 FRIDAY, MAY 31st, 2013

 

In his second book, Dr. Jonathan Rodgers offers a long overdue introspective look at critical aspects of the Bahamian economy and society.

Dr. Rodgers makes the case that, if we continue along the same socioeconomic path of our forefathers, we can only therefore reasonably expect outcomes similar to those achieved in the past. However, we must recalibrate (in many cases...radically) in order to remain relevant and sustainable in the new world order.

Central to our economic recalibration is the necessity to: challenge the status quo, think out of the box, and possess the courage to implement change. To this end, Dr. Rodgers identifies what he sees are the core problems facing the Bahamas today - the pervasive degree of foreign ownership; an under-developed and un-diversified economy, and a weakness in human, institutional, financial and social capital.

To solve these problems, the author argues for a new fiscal plan, a reduction and restructuring of the national debt; tax reform, a new land reform policy, an alternative energy plan and the introduction of a national food security programme.

Inwhichin Tings Bahamian Craft Fair!

An enthusiastic group of Bahamians is putting the finishing touches on their plans for the first annual “Inwhichin Tings Bahamian” Craft Fair next month to benefit the public and Bahamian artisans during this 40th anniversary year of Independence. The brainchild of former Insurance executive, Maude Lockhart, the Fair will be held on Saturday, May 4th at the Doongalik Studios grounds on Village Road and the public is invited to come out and “Buy Bahamian by Bahamians’. The Fair will feature a wide rage of artisans selling their unique gift items, crafts, household items, jewelry, straw work and so much more in addition to food  stalls (including fresh conch salad, homemade ice cream, cakes, breads, pastries, preserves), as well as native produce and plants grown by local farmers. Patrons of the Doongalik weekend Farmer’s Market will be in for additional treats as the variety of items for sale will be expanded for that day.

“This has been a dream of mine for such a long time”, stated Maude Lockhart, the event’s founder, “and it is so exciting to know that it is finally happening!” Having retired from the insurance field in 2008, Ms. Lockhart, who is multi-talented and well known as a singer and former fashion designer who had been developing her hobby of working with burlap to make hand bags in her spare time, was now able to devote her energies full time to her craft. “I started out using ordinary burlap, i.e. crocus sack - which was considered the poor man’s fabric, but nowadays it is much more refined and comes in a wide variety of colours that make amazing gift items. I also designed my own line of hand stamps so I have added a variety of household items to the line such as cushions, placemats and curtains. I wanted to be able to showcase these products to the public so in September 2012 I got a group of my friends together: Angela Rahming, Joan Lockhart-Culmer, Gathnie Chea and Jarissa Backford and we started making plans for this event and decided to invite other artisans to join us.”

Manager of Doongalik Studios, Pam Burnside stated, “We are always pleased to encourage and promote Bahamian talent because we believe in the natural creativity of the Bahamian people. We are all still feeling the effects of the economic recession which is not going to abate anytime soon. It is crucial, therefore, that we concentrate on doing more for and by ourselves - looking inwards to our own people to make things happen. If we really want to celebrate 40 years of independence then we have to ‘walk the talk’ at our own doorstep. We can make things happen on a smaller scale right here at home by helping and supporting one another more and keeping the money circulating in the country. This Craft Fair is a step in the right direction, because not only are the artisans developing self sufficiency and pride in the creation of high quality work, but it is also promoting the support of local industry. This conversation needs to be expanded because it can make the world of difference in this Bahamas. I congratulate Maude and her team for taking this bold step which we support 100%.”

The Fair will take place from 10am – 6pm. For more information please contact Ms Lockhart at inwhichin@gmail.com or Doongalik Studios at telephone 394.1886 / email: doongalikart@batelnet.bs.

Save The Date!

Fash|Art 2012 Jackson Burnside III Visual Artist Competition Winner, Attila Feszt, to show at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery in June!  Watch our website and facebook for details!

TALKIN’ ‘BOUT CHINA

Under the patronage of many art enthusiasts and supporters, Alistair D. Stevenson had a fantastic opportunity to visit the People’s Republic of China during the summer of 2012, experiencing the world of the ceramic arts there. For six (6) weeks, Stevenson along with 10 peers and 2 guides from across North America traveled to four (4) provinces in China (Shanghai, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Beijing), weaving in and out of historical and contemporary aspects of Chinese ceramics and culture. Three weeks of this time was spent as an artist’s residency living and working at the JDZ-WVU International Ceramic Studios in JingDeZhen City, a place known for producing approximately 90% of the world’s blue and white porcelain.

Amongst other mind-blowing events, Stevenson visited tombs housing the renowned terracotta warriors in Xi’an, combed ancient pottery villages, walked through massive dragon kilns, climbed the Matianyu Great Wall and to top it off celebrated a birthday with fellow Chinese artists in Beijing’s 798 Art District.

As an expression of gratitude for his many supporters who continue to believe in his progressive success as an artist and as a contributor to his community, Stevenson will be sharing his experience as a digital presentation along with several articles accumulated during his travels throughout China. This event will take place on Friday, the 19th of April, 2013 at 6pm at Doongalik Studios Art Gallery on Village Road, New Providence. All interested persons are invited to attend.

For more information please contact:
Alistair D. Stevenson at 448.7209 or astvnson@gmail.com
or Doongalik Studios at 394.1886 or doongalikart@batelnet.bs

 

 

Doongalik Studios Gears Up for Transforming Spaces 2013!

Transforming Spaces is back, Nassau!  One of the highlights of the Arts & Culture Calendar in The Bahamas, Transforming Spaces is an awesome artistic adventure.  Patrons are treated to an air-conditioned bus tour of several galleries on the island with featuring new artists & exhibitions uniquely for the annual event.  This year's tour, to be held on March 16th & 17th, 2013, features the following galleries:


Doongalik Studios
The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Antonius Roberts' Studio and Gallery at Hillside House
The D'Aguilar Art Foundation
Liquid Courage
Popopstudios International Center for the Visual Arts
Stingrae Studio
The Harry C. Moore Library & Information Centre at the College of The Bahamas

Tickets are available now at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and Doongalik Studios Art Gallery for $30.  Tickets normally sell out so be sure to purchase early!  See you on the bus!

For more information on Transforming Spaces, contact us at 242.394.1886 or at tspacesbah@gmail.com! 

Purchase Tickets at Doongalik Studios for UWC Fun'd'raiser!

The Bahamas National Committee (BNC) of United World College (UWC) is launching its first formal fundraising campaign in aid of their Scholar-Ambassador’s Scholarship Fund as they approach the close of their 40th year of service to students of The Bahamas. Entitled “The Spirit of The Bahamas” this unique fundraising event, which will be held under the distinguished patronage of the Governor General, Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes, will be officially launched on Friday, the 22nd of March at 6:30 pm at Doongalik Studios on historic Village Road.

The public is invited to join the UWC National Committee along with UWC alumni, their parents and supporters for an evening of ‘fun for the fund’! Patrons are encouraged to come casually dressed, prepared to be delightfully entertained by Bahamian bands, singers, and entertainers, scrumptiously fed with delicious Bahamian cuisine, and to participate in an evening of activities, games, dancing, prizes and surprises in true ‘down home’ Bahamian fashion, because the evening promises to be a lively one!

The United World College programme is an educational organization that was formed 50 years ago to offer high school students placements within 12 UWC colleges in 12 countries around the world in order to pursue a two year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB is one of the most well regarded and widely known secondary school qualifications in the world and as such is accepted by the world’s most selective universities. All United World Colleges share the UWC Mission of “making education a force to unite, people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future”. Students who attend a UWC therefore have an amazing opportunity to participate in a positive, life-changing academic experience.

To date the BNC, which consists of 14 dedicated volunteers (7 of whom are alumni of the programme) has provided over 90 scholarships for Bahamian students to attend UWCs abroad. For the first thirty–six years of the BNC’s history one or two scholarships per year were funded through the kind assistance of donors. In the last four years scholarships and placements increased to four to five per year thanks to a generous grant from The Cable Cares Foundation, the substantial support provided by The Ministry of Education, and the sound management of the BNC’s finances.

The Committee’s ability to continue at this level, however, has been severely dampened due to the international economic conditions which have reduced the UWC’s scholarship offerings to The Bahamas. The need for the BNC to raise additional funds has become crucial and “The Spirit of The Bahamas” will be the BNC’s inaugural fund raising event.

Tickets are now available at Doongalik Studios, #20 Village Road and the public can visit the web site for more information.

How to Be A True-True Bahamian 2!

Esteemed writer and orator, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas launched the second edition of "How to Be A True-True Bahamian" at Doongalik Studios on February 17th, 2013.  This hilarious and introspective book explores the various aspects of our culture that make us laugh (and shake our heads) but also identify our unique characteristics.  Accompanied by the drawings of Neko Meicholas, this latest publication of Guanima Press is not to be missed!

Pictoral History & Memories of Nassau's Over-The-Hill Book Lanch A Success!

The long anticipated launch of Rosemary Clarice Hanna’s book, “Pictorial History and Memories of Nassau’s Over-The-Hill” will take place at Doongalik Studios, Village Road on Thursday, 28th February, 2013, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Rosemary was born on 22nd August 1942. She is the sixth of seven children born to Percival James and Leona Aurelia Hanna (née Butler). The author was born and grew up Over-The-Hill in New Providence at a time when relatives were within short walking distance and neighbours and friends socialized on their front porches. It was also a time when most people shared common values through the church, lodges, friendly societies and social clubs and took pride in keeping their surroundings clean.

Since retiring from a forty-year span in the financial services sector, Rosemary has been involved in the social outreach ministry of St. Agnes Anglican Church. The book, “Pictorial History and Memories of Nassau’s Over-The- Hill” came about as a result of her weekly travels throughout the old neighbourhood. She observed the most of the once lovely and immaculately maintained homes of her childhood had either disappeared or were in a state of disrepair. She noted that only a few of the homes remained as oases in the midst of decay and thought it important to record the Over-The-Hill story for those persons who remember and for future generations.

She began by taking photographs of the old houses and then developed the idea of telling stories about some of the families who occupied them. She thought it important to put a face to some of the families who lived in the area before they began to move out to the newly developed suburbs, and also to highlight the tremendous contributions that Over-The-Hill people made towards the development of The Bahamas.

The book paints a picture of what life was like in the Over-the-Hill area of Grant’s Town and surrounding areas on the Island of New Providence, The Bahamas, beginning in the mid-nineteenth century following Emancipation, when the area was settled by freed slaves. It includes a brief history of the settlement and development of the area and the role of the Church in that process. It also contains over 300 colour and black and white pictures of churches, homes and families and introduces some of the people who lived Over-The-Hill. Much of the information contained in the book was obtained from family members and friends as well as through interviews with more than eighty present and former Over-The-Hill residents to whom the author is very grateful for their enthusiastic support.

Nature's Blessings Opening!

Missed the Opening of Nature's Blessings - works by the late Josephine Sherman? View the video of the opening remarks!

Saltwater Healing Book Launch at Doongalik!

Poinciana Paper Press is pleased to announce the launch of "Saltwater Healing" by Bahamian poet, scholar and community worker Angelique V. Nixon.

This myth memoir and poetry collection use the Bahamian landscape to explore difficult personal stories as a way to heal.

Printed in full color with a letterpress-printed cover and bound by hand, the books will be available as a limited edition offered by the press.

Please join us on Sunday February 3rd at Doongalik Studios where Angelique will share her poetry and revisit the "Saltwater Healing" art installation. Books will be available for purchase.

"My vision for this work grew out of the ways I engage with home as a Black mixed-race queer Bahamian woman living abroad. It grew out of troubled women's stories (herstories) too often left out of our "history" books. It grew out of messiness—the stuff we don't often speak about--poverty, domestic violence, drug abuse, disease, mental health, sexual trauma, sexuality, race and color, class and privilege, and environmental crisis. It grew out of my desire to speak and share hard stories through a visual medium, using a story-telling poetic form and collage of materials and found objects. And it grew out of my visits home over the years to reconnect with homespace, and this not only involved spending time with my loved ones, but also going to the sea, laying in sand, breathing in salty air, and soaking in the ocean’s healing embrace. It grew out of all the stories my grandmother told me as a young child - many which centered on the healing powers of our land and seascape. It grew out of me depending on my visits for rejuvenation, but also experiencing the difficult memories of my childhood."
 
-Angelique V. Nixon

To find out more about Angelique V. Nixon and to read more of her works, follow her here.

An Inspiring Exhibition to Open at Doongalik!

Doongalik Studios announces the Opening of their first Exhibition for 2013 on Friday, January 18 from 6-9pm. Entitled “Nature’s Blessings”, it is a collection of floral paintings and Bahamian scenes by the late Josephine Marie Sherman, daughter of the late John Alfred Sherman Jr CPM, QPM, MBE, the first Bahamian Fire Chief, and Mrs Aurelia Levittie Sherman, nee Rahming, the sister of the late Sister Maria Rahming, one of the first Bahamian nuns.

Born on 19th February 1948, “Joey” (as she was affectionately called) attended St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School and then went on to Xavier’s College on West Bay Street. She was a superb athlete and always won top prizes in many sports events. In 1966, she was presented with a sports trophy by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during the Queen’s visit to Nassau.

Following her graduation from Xavier’s College, she attended St Benedict’s College in Minnesota, USA, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree. She then returned to the Bahamas and taught at Xavier’s Lower School. As her ambition was to become a medical doctor, she applied to study medicine at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom and Meharry University in Nashville, U.S.A. Since Meharry was nearer to home, she accepted a place there.

Having completed her medical training, she interned at Hurley Medical Centre in Flint, Michigan where she specialised in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She then settled in Beaufort, South Carolina, where she eventually became Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. She also had a private practice at the Medical Arts Centre on Ribaut Road in Beaufort. She was much loved and respected by her colleagues, staff, patients, and the many children she helped to bring into this world.

Josephine never forgot her roots. She regularly visited The Bahamas, and it was on one of these visits that she decided to start painting flowers and flowering trees as well as the lighthouse out east. She found it relaxing and was soon invited to put on an exhibition in Beaufort. However, as she got older the desire to return home to exhibit her paintings became stronger. Unfortunately, during this period she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she died on 27 July 2004 at the age of 56 years without ever realising this dream.

Just before she died, she asked her sister, Effie Sherman-Wallis, if she would try and arrange an exhibition of her paintings in Nassau. “Nature’s Blessings” is the fulfilment of that promise by Effie, herself a cancer survivor, who has travelled from London specifically for the Exhibition Opening, paying homage to her sister’s talent as well as promoting further awareness of breast cancer. Effie also plans to donate a portion of the proceeds from sales at the Exhibition to a local cancer charity in her sister’s memory.

Pam Burnside, Manager of Doongalik Studios stated, “This Exhibition is quite a poignant one for me in several ways as my late husband and I met with Joey several years ago to see her work and discuss planning the Exhibition. It is amazing how life happens….Joey is no longer with us, neither is Jackson and February 19 and 14 are their birthdays. This month I am celebrating 30 years as a breast cancer survivor and I originally met Effie through my cousin because of the cancer connection even though she is living all the way in London! It is an honour in more ways than one, therefore, to be hosting this Exhibition. Coincidentally since a segment of the Marathon Bahamas Race which focuses on breast cancer awareness will also be taking place that weekend and they are located just around the corner, we hope both local and visiting participants will come and view the
Exhibition.”