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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Students present programme coordinator, Mrs. Genevieve Brown-Richards [fifth from left] and resident art instructor, Mr. Timothy Nottage [fourth from right] with gifts during the opening ceremony for the 1tth Annual National Art Exhibition. [Photo: Aletha Cooper]
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Nassau, Bahamas – The foyer of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) was transformed into an art gallery on Friday, 4th December, 2015 for the 11th Annual National Art Exhibition. Each year, the students of the National After-School Art and Craft Enrichment Programme are given the opportunity to showcase their art and craft pieces and in so doing, showcase their talent.
Deputy Director of Education for Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Serethea Clarke in her remarks credited those responsible for the growth and development of the programme since its inception in 2005. One of the many programmes of the Student Services Section of the MOEST, this program was the brain-child of former Minister of Education, Mr. Alfred Sears. Designed specifically for young men from the public schools who were artistically inclined but often negatively labeled, the programmes has now expanded to cater to all art students from both public and private schools. This is a testament of the power of art to motivate and inspire students. Ms Clarke highlighted the benefits of the programme saying, “This programme provides all of its participants with lifelong skills, fosters an appreciation of art and craft as part of the defining characteristic of our culture, nurtures and develops indigenous talent at the high school level and fosters opportunities to showcase the work of young Bahamian artists and craftsmen.” She also highlighted the fact that the programme affords the students the opportunity to interact with renowned Bahamian artists. “Also, through this programme, these young men and women are privileged to have the guidance and advice of some of the finest Bahamian artists, including Antonius Roberts, John Beadle, Jolyn Smith and Mrs. Liz Darling, retired educator. I'd like to thank these persons for sharing their talent and time and for grooming the next generation of artists.”
Mr. Ronnie Butler takes a look at the self-portrait painted by Mr. Timothy Nottage, resident art instructor of the National Art & Craft After-School Enrichment Progrmame. Pictured: L-R Mr. Timothy Nottage , resident art instructor; Mr. Ronnie Butler, God-father of Bahamian Music and Mr. Alton Joseph [Photo: Aletha Cooper]
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Not only were the visual artists being celebrated, but performing artists as well. “The Godfather of Bahamian Music”, Mr. Ronnie Butler was also in attendance and delighted the audience with a heart-warming performance. Mr. Butler was then presented with a self-portrait painted by the programme’s resident art instructor, Mr. Timothy Nottage. “This was created last year but we were unable to present it to you at that time but we were adamant to do so this year. This is a celebration of one of the most acclaimed Bahamian musicians for his contribution to Bahamian art.” In receiving his portrait, Mr. Butler thanked the artist, Mr. Nottage. “Thank you for giving me a nice nose in this painting. I know my nose don’t look like that”, was Mr. Butler’s response.
Also being honoured at the exhibition was Mr. Alfred Seas, who conceived the idea for the programme and was able to convince Mr. Maxwell Taylor, a visionary and patriotic Bahamian artist, to serve as the programme’s first resident art instructor. Mr. Sears was also presented with a self-portrait, painted by one of the students of the programme, Mr. Alton Joseph. Bringing brief remarks, Mr. Sears expressed humble sentiments. “I feel unworthy but I feel so grateful.” Awed by the fact that the portrait was completed in just one week, Mr. Sears commented on what could be accomplished in the years to come. “Imagine what could materialize in five, ten years?” He also paid homage to all the persons who made his vision a reality stating that those in the trenches are the heroes as they mold, encourage and inspire the aspiring student-artists. He highlighted that each of the programme’s participants have been blessed with the “extraordinary gift of creativity.”
Former Minister of Education, Mr. Alfred Sears presented with a self-portrait by one of the students Mr. Alton Joseph. Pictured: L-R Ms. Serethea Clarke, Deputy Director of Education, Curriculum and Instruction; Mr. Alfred Sears; Mr. Alton Joseph and Mr. Marcellus Taylor, Deputy Director of Research & Planning [Photo: Aletha Cooper].
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The accomplishments of the students were also highlighted and recognized. Ms. Clarke was proud to acknowledge the achievements of the programme’s participants both past and present. “I would like to boast that since the inception of the programme almost a decade ago, nearly 300 students (and most of them young men) have been empowered to pursue art as a career and have been able to make a viable living from it.
Former student, Preston Hanna, is now an art teacher at C.V. Bethel; Charlthorn Sweeting is also an art teacher, teaching at T.A. Thompson. Alton Joseph, a former student of C.R. Walker, will take advantage of his double scholarship win from the Central Bank Competition, and attend COB to peruse his degree in art, next year. Pia Ellis, Cherelle Williamson, Walter Evans Jr. and Raymond McKenzie are also just a few who have found fame and a small fortune, in some instances, from their participation in this programme. During the nine consecutive years that the students of this programme have competed in the Central Bank's Art Competition, they have captured top honors for the past eight years.”
Art of the students, on display. [Photos: Aletha Cooper]
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The following students were recognized for their outstanding performance in the competition:
· Miss. Cahline Etienne of C.I. Gibson and Mr. Seth Rollins of Queen's College.
· Miss Shonae Clarke, tenth grade student of St. Anne's School, who won the Governor's Choice Award and a $1000 prize.
· Miss Ebony Miller, grade 13 student of St. Andrews, who won the award for Best Sculptor, a prize of $1500.00 and a tablet from DC Technology.
· Mr. Germeko Lotmore, a tenth grade student of C.R. Walker, who captured the 2nd place win overall, received prize money of $1400.00 and a tablet from DC. Technology.
· And finally, Miss. Reagan Farrington, an 11th grade student of Saint Augustine's College, who won first place at the Central Bank Competition. Miss Farrington was the recipient of a one year scholarship to the College of the Bahamas to study art and a scholarship to study graphic design at Synergy Bahamas. She also won a cash prize, valued at $1800.00.
The National Art and Craft Enrichment Programme’s classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:45 to 5:30pm. Students in grades 9th thru 12th are allowed to enter the programme upon the recommendation of their art teachers and must present a portfolio of their art work. The continued success of this programme is the result of a collaborative effort and the commitment and dedication of Mrs. Genevieve Brown-Richards; programme coordinator and Mr. Timothy Nottage, resident art instructor. Thanks are extended to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Bahamas, Mrs. Wendy Craigg and Mr. Ian Fernander, Manager of Administration, for affording our students the opportunity to showcase their work for the past nine years. Additionally appreciation is extended to the unofficial sponsors of the programme; Dr. Gayle Brown, Dr. Charles Diggis and Mr. Robert D'Albenas and D’Albenas Agency Ltd. for their contributions and unwavering support.
Art of the students, on display. [Photos: Aletha Cooper]
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The students were encouraged to continue in their artistic pursuits and reminded that the evening was a celebration of their contribution to Bahamian culture in the form of the visual arts. Parents were also acknowledged for their support and the attendees were reminded that when we come together to support programmes that benefit our students, we create “partnerships that help to build the self esteem and self worth of our students and in turn our nation.”
The student-artists were given the opportunity to interact with those in attendance and identify their respective pieces and talk about the inspiration behind the work they had created to be placed on display. The exhibition will remain in the foyer of the MOEST until Friday, 11th December, 2015.
Art of the students, on display. [Photos: Aletha Cooper]
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