The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

IN ITS latest exhibit, the Public Treasury Art Programme (PTAP) pays tribute to art teaches across the Bahamas. Artwork from private and public school teachers in the Bahamas Art Educators Association is now being showcased at the Public Treasury Building in an exhibit called “Kaleidoscope”.

PTAP Coordinator Keisha Oliver said the exhibition is a milestone for the Public Treasury Art Program as it demonstrates a commitment to appreciating and recognising art education in the Bahamas.

Ms Oliver said the exhibition, which ends in June, will not only highlight the creative work of Bahamian art educators, it will also celebrate the commitment these creative minds have made in transferring their knowledge to art. She said “ Kaleidoscope” fosters a new generation of Bahamian artists that are helping to build a bright future for the creative industries. According to Ms Oliver, the exhibition is a first for most of the participating teachers.

Neil Cleare, an art instructor at Anatol Rodgers High School said: “The exhibition was rather refreshing for me. It was actually motivational for me to have work displayed with fellow artists who are also art teachers. It was very encouraging to see the support from those who came out. I think the (opening night) was successful because it reminded me that as art teachers, we ought not to lose sight of the fact that we are also professional artists in our own right.”

Ms Oliver said as the title of the show implies, the exhibition showcases a vibrant spectrum of work often reflecting the Bahamian way of life that observes nature, the human figure, and social issues.

The painting by Damaso Gray, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going”, reflects on the string of recent fires in various Haitian communities, and the resilience of the people, who pick up the pieces and start over despite the hardships they face.

“The piece is unique because it explores the reality that the Haitian community is in. The piece intends to enlighten the public of the struggles that exist in the Bahamas,” said Ms Oliver.

She said “Hidden” by Neil A Cleare illustrates a young woman who at first glance seems to depict a sense of desire and allure. “Cleare says the piece is meant to illustrate how life often presents us with situations and circumstances that appeal to our senses. Things may look so good that we may not always stop to consider if they are in our best interest. When we study the piece carefully we notice that the seemingly perfect looking woman is hiding something from the viewer,” said Ms Oliver.

Another outstanding piece is “Cleave 1” by David King, said Ms Oliver. The piece is a part of a series addressing love. She said Mr King explains that love is about coming together uniting, bonding, cleaving, as in a marriage. And the strong colours used is a symbol of how love should be.

For Rosemarie Laing, a participating Government High School teacher, the atmosphere at the opening night was enjoyable. Ms Laing said she received a lot of positive feedback about her work, and she is looking forward to the remaining few months that the work will be on display.

Pamela Chandler, senior education officer, responsible for art and design at the Ministry of Education, said: “I was impressed by this year’s exhibition. It was nice to see that the Family Island art teachers participated along with teachers from private schools.”

“This coming together as art educators displays a progressive sense of unity within art education in our country. It is also exciting for the students to be able to engage with their teachers’ work. I commend the Public Treasury Art Programme in organising student and club tours to assist in this effort,” she said.

Participating artists in “Kaleidoscope” include: Moya Strachan, Peter Otim Angole and Gregory Deane of Queens College; David King, Edward Michael (deceased) and Rosemarie Laing of Government High Schoo; Nadia Smith and Desmond Darville of C C Sweeting High School; Marco Mullings and Trevor Tucker of Saint Augustines High School; Alisa Streather-Robinson, St Georges High School; Neil Cleare, Anatol Rodgers High School; Mary Deveaux, Doris Johnson High School; Tiffany Williams, S C Bootle High School; Stacey Adderley, Agape Christian School; Christina Ashe, C R Walker High School; Wendy Cartwright, substitute teacher Exuma schools; Damaso Gray, Eight Mile Rock High School; and Alfred Williams, South Andros Senior High School.