The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

ART students on the island of Eleuthera took part in their first Annual Art Explosion exhibition at the Haynes Library, Governor’s Harbour.

The exhibition showcased works by seven through 12-grade students of the Central Eleuthera High School, during this current school year.

Benjamin Ferguson, Art Teacher at the school, said after many lessons and discussions with his students, it was not only time for them to learn of other artists and exhibitions, it was time for them to have their own show for people to view their work.

Mr Ferguson said he had promised his students an exhibition of their own and he had to fulfil this promise.

Mr Ferguson said the exhibition title was well suited for the variety of media that was used in the show.

“Instead of seeing just drawings and paintings, the works displayed exposed the audience to different forms of art. All together the works are explosive as they all hang, look down and pop out at you,” said Mr Ferguson.

Mr Ferguson said around ninety-five art lovers and islanders attended the exhibition in support of the 40 students who took part.

He said the exhibition was definitely an event that the school’s art programme is looking forward to hosting annually.

In fact, a new date is pencilled in for November, so all interested persons can look forward to seeing more from the students later this year.

With the exhibition last Saturday, Mr Ferguson said his goal was to expose the students to something different and practical.

He said: “I have always taught my students that presentation is everything and your art must be seen.”

Mr Ferguson said works were on display that would grab you immediately.

“There were a body of narrative works, Junkanoo pieces, mono-prints, spray painted stencils, paintings, needlework, ceramics and mixed media,” he said.

He said the pieces each had their own personality, as the majority of the students added their own style to the work.

However, Mr Ferguson said some of the pieces were also inspired by local artists such as John Cox and international artists.

Visiting the exhibition was the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas’ (NAGB) Educational Officer, Jordia Benjamin.

She said she was honoured when Mr Ferguson invited her to join the students.

“One of the NAGB’s education missions is to expose what the Family Islands art students are doing and creating. Thus I was very interested to view these pieces, along with reuniting with the Haynes Library staff who worked with the NAGB in its Art Children of the Bahamas last year,” said Ms Benjamin.

Ms Benjamin said members at the Haynes Library are doing great things with the local community along with encouraging all aspects of the arts.

“For Ferguson to be pairing with this vibrant organisation, I knew this exhibition would be a success,” she said.

Ms Benjamin said she felt the community spirit, the encouragement, the welcoming and the creativity, which are all of the elements needed for the art students to excel and thrive.

She encouraged other schools in the Family Islands to tell the NAGB what is going on in their classrooms, as they strive to create an art community beyond Nassau.

Marie Galanis, Acting Principal at the Central Eleuthera High School, said the school is proud of Mr Ferguson and the Art Department.

“Our students are talented but need direction and confidence; in a short time he has motivated the students to produce excellent work. We are looking forward to great results from the Art Department. I am sure that Walter Bethel (deceased), former Art teacher at CEHS would be proud to know that his legacy is continuing,” said Ms Galanis.

The exhibition will be on display until this Thursday at the Haynes library in Governor’s Harbour, and later relocated to the Eleuthera Arts and Craft Centre in Tarpum Bay.