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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM |
Community activist Clara Evans speaks during International Square Day celebrations in recognition of the winter residents of North Andros. (BIS photo/Gladstone Thurston)
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North Andros, Bahamas - Cacique award winning carver Henry Wallace of Red Bays was featured at the 18th North Andros Music and Arts Festival at Nicholl’s Town Sea View Park last weekend.
His most popular piece was a self-portrait entitled ‘Papa Henry’, carved out of native mahogany. He is working on a hawksbill turtle.
Farm produce was added this year to the North Andros Music and Arts Festival. Pictured from left: BAIC Domestic Investment Officer, Alphonso Smith; farmer Ivy Sergeant; executive chairman, Edison M Key and executive secretary, Lovelee McQueen. (BIS photo/Gladstone Thurston)
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Wilton Russell, also of Red Bays was a hit with his Bahamas Coat of Arms and a scene from the Andros crab festival carved out of native wood.
The festival, organized by community activist Clara Evans and winter resident Doris Hoffman, has become a mainstay on the Bahamian culture calendar.
North Androsians also celebrated International Square Day when they recognize their winter residents.
BAIC executive chairman, Edison M Key (left), Red Bays Cacique Award winning sculptor Henry Wallace, and his most popular piece ‘Papa Henry’ are pictured at the 18th North Andros Music and Arts Festival. (BIS photo/Gladstone Thurston)
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“The artistic expression of culture through handicraft, painting, sculpture and the simple arrangement of shapes, structures and colours to express an inner meaning are important manifestations of growth and development to any people,” said Ms Evans.
Utilizing ingredients found in the local environment artisans created an array of jewellery, souvenirs and household items.
Red Bays with its unique form of weaving was well represented at the 18th North Andros Music and Arts Festival. BAIC executive, chairman Edison M Key admires a piece. (BIS photo/Gladstone Thurston)
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For the first time this year, an agriculture section was created featuring top Andros winter fruit and vegetables at below Nassau prices.
“The future is brighter now for Bahamian artisans,” said Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation executive chairman, Edison M Key, a featured speaker.
“A number of things are coming together to make it easier for artisans to get their goods to where they ought to be.
“Our tourists want an authentic Bahamian experience, including Bahamian-made souvenirs and memorabilia, and not something mass-produced elsewhere with the name ‘Bahamas’ written on it.”
Cacique award winner Henry Wallace shows off his popular piece ‘Papa Henry’ during last weekend’s North Andros Music and Arts Festival. At left is BAIC executive chairman, Edison M Key. (BIS photo/Gladstone Thurston)
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As a result, the Ministry of Tourism has come on as a partner in promoting Bahamian handicraft by way of its public relations department, he said.
The Ministry has also asked BAIC to co-ordinate its annual Authentically Bahamian Craft Show.
Wilton Russell of Red Bays shows off his carving of the Bahamas Coat of Arms to BAIC executive chairman, Edison M Key during the North Andros Music and Arts Festival last weekend. (BIS photo/Gladstone Thurston)
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“For artisans, this will open doors to hoteliers and those who cater directly to tourists,” said Mr Key.
Utilizing their best instructors, BAIC has, over the last two years, trained more than a thousand persons throughout the islands, in the art of creating Bahamian handicraft, using mainly ingredients found in the local environment.
“The result has been a bigger and better BAIC BahamArts Festival at the Arawak Cay Culture Centre where artisans from throughout the islands come each year to showcase their best to the world.
“I am pleased with the quality and standard of work coming out of Andros and this festival is a testimony of that,” said Mr Key. “It tells me that our work has not been in vain.”
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