The Tribune

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

ARTIST Jé-Rome Harris Miller's latest exhibition, "Liquid JOY 2018…A Glorious Expression of Colours," will open on April 5 at the Christ Church Cathedral Church Hall.

Seven paintings by Mr Harris will be available. Part of the proceeds from the show will aid the Winston V Saunders Memorial Scholarship at the University of the Bahamas.

Mr Harris is a Bahamian fashion designer, artist and hair and personal stylist.

He was born on August 31, 1956 in Nicholls Town, Andros and completed high school in New Providence.

Mr Harris credits his grandmother, Netta Riley, with recognising and nurturing his artistic talent.

He further honed these skills through travel, gaining experience in cities such as London, Montreal, and Paris; as well as the United States.

Mr Harris went on to become a top Bahamian stylist and producer of "some of the most sensational" fashion events held in The Bahamas, according to a press statement.

He is a member of the school board of CR Walker High School and a patron of the school band, which is featured every year in the show.

Mr Harris is also on the Programme Advisory Committee at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and a dedicated member of Christ Church Cathedral.

Art teacher Joan Bethel, Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, the late Winton Saunders and his wife Gail, and his rector Reverend Canon Patrick Adderley all encouraged Mr Harris' talent in the visual arts.

Furthermore, Mrs Bethel helped Mr Harris develop his own style -- abstract expressionism. He primarily works in acrylics, using special textures and finishes. His inspirations include Picasso, Rembrandt, and Auguste Renoir.

Mr Harris' philosophy is "to not make my exhibitions commercial events, but an opportunity for patrons to come out and enjoy themselves in an atmosphere conducive to artwork".

In this vein, Mr Harris' works have been donated in support of many local fundraisers and charities over the years. His first show, "Bold", was held in 2006 at the Azure Spa, British Colonial Hilton Hotel.

This was followed by the "Exuberance" exhibition in 2007. Mr Harris auctioned off his pieces during the event to raise funds for the Winston Saunders Memorial Scholarship at the then-College of the Bahamas.

Mr Harris has held exhibitions annually since then, and each year a portion of the proceeds are "earmarked" for the scholarship.

His works can be found in collections around the world, including Europe, and United States, as well as in private collections.

This year's exhibition will explore the following themes: religion, life, the universe, nautical lifestyles, nature, historical Bahamas, Europe, and sexuality.

It will open on Thursday, April 5, from 6pm to 9pm. Christ Church Cathedral Church Hall is located on top of the hill, George Street.

After opening night, the exhibit will remain on display April 6 through April 8, from 2-6pm by appointment only.

For further information, contact 242-466-6996.