After the screening a question and answer session took place with the filmmakers and featured artists. Left to right:Chantal Bethel, Laurie Tuchel, Karen Arthur, Jackson Burnside, Tom Newirth, and Antonius Roberts at the Regency Theatre on Sunday, January 11th, 2009. Photo: Lyndah Wells

The Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation in conjunction with the Freeport Film Society premiered the documentary film "Artists of the Bahamas" on Sunday afternoon at the Regency Theatre to a full house.   A question and answer session with visiting artists Antonius Roberts and Jackson Burnside as well as husband and wife filmmaking team, Karen Arthur and Tom Newirth, ensured a lively and passionate discussion about the evolution of Bahamian art since 1973 when the country gained its independence.

 "I was truly overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reaction to the quality of the film and to our work" said Jackson Burnside.   Also attending was Therese Taylor, wife of featured artist Maxwell Taylor.

Artists of the Bahamas: features 11 key visual artists whose talents contributed to the initial art movement in the Bahamas.   Along with Antonius Roberts and Jackson Burnside are Amos Ferguson, Kendal Hanna, Maxwell Taylor, Brent Malone, Dave Smith, Eddie Minnis, Stan Burnside, John Beadle and John Cox.

The film is introduced by Bahamian icon Sir Sydney Poitier who discusses the importance and value of Art within our Bahamian heritage.

Proceeds from the premiere went to the Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation, a non-profit foundation set up to raise funds for a future Heritage Museum Gallery.   The Foundation is presently supporting The Freetown Project, a program which is bringing art and history together in a unique way to tell the story of Freetown and its inhabitants.

This program and others like it will be funded by the Foundation to reflect the stories of Grand Bahama's many settlements.   Completed works of art will hang permanently in the future Museum Gallery.

One of the films featured artists, Antonius Roberts answers questions from the audience. Photo: Lyndah Wells

Filmmaker Karen Arthur speaks about her film Artists of the Bahamas. Laurie Tuchel and Chantal Bethel organized the screening for Grand Bahama. Photo: Lyndah Wells

One of the films featured artists, Jackson Burnside speaks to an audience question. Laurie Tuchel of the GB Heritage Foundation stands left. Photo: Lyndah Wells

SLIDESHOW photos: Lyndah Wells

SLIDESHOW Photos: Lyndah Wells

Left to right: Filmmakers Tom Newirth and Karen Arthur; featured artist Antonius Roberts; Laurie Tuchel of Freeport Film Society; featured artist, Jackson Burnside; and Chantal Bethel. Photo: Lyndah Wells

Photo: Lyndah Wells