RBC Summer arts workshop students participate in the “Paint Like Amos Ferguson” hands on activity at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

Nassau, Bahamas - On July 24^th, 2012 students of the RBC Summer Arts Workshop visited the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB). The visit to NAGB enhanced the ongoing partnership between RBC and the arts community. “We are now in the 31^st year of the summer arts workshop and every year we strive to enhance the program” said Ms. Tanya McCartney, Managing Director of RBC Finco. Ms. McCartney continued “we felt that it was important to have the students visit the National Art Gallery so they could see the work of local artists and be inspired by them.”

Students of the RBC Summer Arts workshop display their work for viewing by Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education and Technology.

The RBC Summer Arts Workshop is a testament to RBC’s support of the arts and their commitment to the growth and development of arts in The Bahamas. The workshop is the most comprehensive art program for young Bahamian art students. Through its partnership with the Ministry of Education, the RBC Summer Arts Workshop course aligns with the requirements of The Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) and Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exams.

During the workshop students are able to work on coursework pieces and readily prepare themselves for these important high school art examinations. In an interactive and creative environment, participants are trained in various art styles and techniques by a cadre of art instructors and local professional artists. The visit to NAGB is a natural complement to the goal of the workshop to help young artists to improve their art techniques and showcase their work.

RBC Summer Art Workshop Students

At the National Art Gallery the students toured the Permanent Gallery Collection and viewed works by several renowned Bahamian artists, some of whom were past coordinators and alumni of the RBC Summer Arts Workshop. The students also viewed the ‘Amos Ferguson Bahamian Outsider Exhibition’ and learnt about Mr. Ferguson’s style, design and technique. Students then participated in a hands-on activity where they were invited to paint using Amos Ferguson’s signature style.

2012 RBC Summer Arts Workshop students view the ‘Amos Ferguson Bahamian Outsider Exhibition’ at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) guided by NAGB education coordinator, Jordia Benjamin.

Jordia Benjamin, NAGB Assistant Education Officer, expressed her pleasure in hosting the students of the RBC Summer Arts Workshop. She outlined the importance of young art students visiting the National Art Gallery explaining that “by visiting NAGB students gain insight on viewing Bahamian art and become familiar with the Bahamas’ master and contemporary artists.” Ms. Benjamin encouraged RBC Workshop students to visit The National Art Gallery frequently and told them that as Bahamians “they have a responsibility to educate themselves about their culture and keep abreast on what is taking place on the Bahamian art scene”.

RBC Summer Art Workshop Students

The 2012 RBC Summer Workshop was held from July 2^nd, 2012 to July 27^th, 2012 at Government High School. More than 100 students attended this year’s workshop. Participants come to the programme from schools throughout the islands of The Bahamas. The RBC Summer Arts Workshop culminated on July 27^th, 2012 with a special closing ceremony and awards presentation at the Mall of Marathon.