The Tribune

An enthusiastic group of Bahamians is putting the finishing touches on their plans for the inaugural “Inwhichin Tings Bahamian” Craft Fair next month, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary year of independence. The brainchild of former insurance executive Maude Lockhart, the fair will be held on Saturday, May 4 at the Doongalik Studios grounds on Village Road and the public is invited to come out and “Buy Bahamian by Bahamians”.

The fair will feature a wide rage of artisans selling their unique gift items, crafts, household items, jewellery, straw work in addition to food stalls, including fresh conch salad, homemade ice cream, cakes, breads, pastries, preserves, as well as native produce and plants grown by local farmers. Patrons of the Doongalik weekend Farmer’s Market will be in for additional treats as the variety of items for sale will be expanded for that day.

“This has been a dream of mine for such a long time”, stated Maude Lockhart, the event’s founder, “and it is so exciting to know that it is finally happening.” Having retired from the insurance field in 2008, Ms Lockhart, who is multi-talented and well known as a singer and former fashion designer, has devoted her energies full time to her craft.

“I started out using ordinary burlap, i.e. crocus sack, which was considered the poor man’s fabric, but nowadays it is much more refined and comes in a wide variety of colours that make amazing gift items. I also designed my own line of hand stamps so I have added a variety of household items to the line such as cushions, placemats and curtains. I wanted to be able to showcase these products to the public so in September 2012 I got a group of my friends together: Angela Rahming, Joan Lockhart-Culmer, Gathnie Chea and Jarissa Backford and we started making plans for this event and decided to invite other artisans to join us.”

Manager of Doongalik Studios Pam Burnside said, “We are always pleased to encourage and promote Bahamian talent because we believe in the natural creativity of the Bahamian people. We are all still feeling the effects of the economic recession which is not going to abate anytime soon. It is crucial, therefore, that we concentrate on doing more for and by ourselves - looking inwards to our own people to make things happen. If we really want to celebrate 40 years of independence then we have to ‘walk the talk’ at our own doorstep. We can make things happen on a smaller scale right here at home by helping and supporting one another more and keeping the money circulating in the country. This craft fair is a step in the right direction, because not only are the artisans developing self sufficiency and pride in the creation of high quality work, but it is also promoting the support of local industry. This conversation needs to be expanded because it can make the world of difference in this Bahamas. I congratulate Maude and her team for taking this bold step which we support 100%.”

The Fair will take place from 10am – 6pm. For more information contact Ms Lockhart at inwhichin@gmail.com or Doongalik Studios at 394.1886.