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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Grand Bahama
Freeport, Grand Bahama - Bolstered by encouragement from the Grand Bahama community and stories of what Festival Noël means to the island as the event heralding the Christmas Season for the past 24 years, the Festival Noël Committee has decided to move forward with plans for the event. Not just to help with raising funds to restore the damages to Lucayan National Park and Rand Nature Centre, but to help with raising the spirits of many this Christmas Season and to provide a platform for our Grand Bahamian chefs, artists and artisans to tell their visual stories and gain support for their livelihoods. The 25th annual Festival Noël will be held Friday, December 6th 2019, 7pm – 11pm at the Rand Nature Centre, Cathedral Boulevard, Grand Bahama under the theme “Silver Bells”. Festival Noël is the Bahamas National Trust’s signature and main fundraising event for Grand Bahama’s National Parks and ALL funds raised from ticket sales will go towards the restoration of the hurricane devastated Lucayan National Park and Rand Nature Centre.
Grand Bahama is invited to celebrate the opening of the festive season with an evening of wine tasting of over 25 special selections from Bristol Wines and Spirits, fine art from local artists utilizing various mediums, live entertainment and a culinary showcase. One of the most important aspects of Festival Noël is the art and the Festival Noël Committee is pleased to announce that the 25th anniversary’s Featured Artist is Del Foxton. This is a special selection as this year marks Foxton’s 15th year participating in this annual fundraiser. Del Foxton has been a supporter of the Bahamas National Trust for many years and is also a lifetime member whose art incorporates and brings awareness to sustainable practices. “My artistry is about protecting our natural resources. I use my art making process to bring to the fore my belief that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. My goal is, that interest in my art draws attention that will lead to informative and constructive conversations that generates a culture that cares enough about our environment to become part of the solution, in their own special way.” Says Foxton. ***image3***For almost 20 years the ancient art form of handmade paper is the language that Foxton uses to be a part of the solution. As a self-proclaimed paper junkie Foxton repurposes paper and garden discards into handmade paper to create artistic constructs. “Now as we come together to rebuild our island and our lives after Hurricane Dorian, it is imperative that we all take a hard look at how we as a nation and as individuals can adopt a more environmentally sensitive attitude to make the difference that is needed. Our lives and those of generations to come, depend on us.” Foxton continues “For this special anniversary I am offering my artistry for sale with all proceeds being donated to further the humanitarian works of our local Crossreach outreach campaign that was established over 20 years ago and who provide ongoing distribution to some of the island’s most needy residents.” In addition to Foxton, there will be several other talented exhibitors at Festival Noël such as Ashley Comarcho, Alisa Robinson, Jujukanoo Ink, BahaGala, Sylvie Carey, Candace and Gail Woon, Caroline Anderson, Brendan Mcarthy, Ken Heslop, The Craft House, Sophie’s Beauty Collection, Shauna Joseph, Debbie Borsetto and Mary Ann Belvin. Tickets for Festival Noël are $40 in advance for BNT members, $45 for non-members and $50 on the day of the event for all. Tickets can be purchased at the event’s major sponsor, Bristol Wines & Spirits, and at Rand Nature Centre. Biography Del Foxton whose work in handmade paper meets one of the most pressing challenges of our time with color and flair, embodies longstanding commitment to sustainable practices that make a strong statement about the human responsibility to the environment we inhabit. Del’s eco art journey began as a result of wanting to do something about the mounds of paper and garden discards produced by her family. Aware of the many "Lessening Carbon Footprint" initiatives, her research was captured by the fascinating stories about the ancient art form of hand paper making that began circa 105 AD in China. Handmade paper making spread around the world as a result of the silk trade and over time the process has been industrialized. However the original method is kept alive today by global artisans. Del connected with these individuals, attended conferences and joined their associations. Del is now one of the global artisans keeping this ancient art form alive. She is delighted that in her small way she lessens her carbon footprint while indulging her passion for making beautiful paper that becomes sculptures and wall hangings. According to a client, “Trends come and go, but Del stays true to her creative vision while finding new ways to not only surprise and delight but address present day challenges.” To see more of what’s in store for Festival Noël, visit the Festival Noël event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/366765384234684/?active_tab=discussion which will also give daily updates on all participants, sponsors and entertainers. For more information contact the Rand Nature Centre at 1 242- 813-5913 or email rnc@bnt.bs
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