Elizabeth Berry
& Fritz Keck 'Paintings of Harbour Island'

TOMORROW:
Friday, March 21st, 2014
6pm to 9pm
Princess Street Gallery
Harbour Island, Eleuthera

The Princess Street Gallery invites the public to the opening of an art exhibition by Canadian artist Elizabeth Berry and US artist Fritz Keck at their gallery space in Harbour Island, Eleuthera on Friday, March 21st at 6pm. The focus of the exhibition are the artists' paintings of Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

Elizabeth Berry burst onto the Canadian art scene in 1982, when the former school teacher and book editor entered the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition and won the Toronto Archive Award for her watercolor painting of a local flower shop. Since that time, she has been awarded numerous prizes, including Best in Watercolor at the same exhibition in both 1986 and 1987.

Today, the Toronto-born artist travels throughout the year, setting up her easel in front of the lush, exuberant landscapes that inspire her. Winter finds her in the flamboyant tropical gardens of Harbour Island, in The Bahamas, where she has also begun painting her local friends – Sunday School girls, school children, fishermen and other villagers.

Fritz Keck has returned to his home town of Pennsylvania after many journeys and various career choices to pursue his dream of painting full time. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon, Mr. Keck has spent considerable time in Harbour Island painting the simplistic beauty of island life. Fritz brings these images to life in original oil paintings, allowing his palate to reflect the colour and uniqueness of Harbour Island. With practiced brushstrokes, Fritz’s paintings reveal the charm and vibrancy of this beautiful isle.

CLICK HERE to visit Princess Street Gallery's website.
CLICK HERE to visit Princess Street Gallery's Facebook page.

Eleuthera…
All That Jazz

Wednesday, March 26 – Saturday, March 30, 2014
Governor’s Harbour
Eleuthera

A magical jazz long weekend on the beautiful family island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Make sure to book your tickets now! All profits from the event will be donated directly to Eleuthera’s wonderful Haynes Library.

International performing artists include Bobby Sanabria & Quarteto Ache', the Antoinette Montague Quintet, drummer Winard Harper and his sextet, jazz pianist Samuel Parker, bassist Alexander Tremblay, guitarist and singer King Solomon Hicks, saxophonist Walle Larsson, musician Don Bouchat, jazz pianists Jonny Schutten and Christoph “Stoffi” Steinbach. Bahamian artists include the Vice Versa band with with Clinton Crawford and Naomi Taylor, jazz saxophonist Ralph Munnings, Kevin Dean on Drums, Lamont “Shorts” Gibson on Trumpet, Dion Turnquest on Tenor Sax, the sax/piano duo – the Taylor Brothers, Valentino Richardson on Alto Sax and Rodney Simpson on Guitar…..and special performers coming for Tarpum Bay Festival…..

More artists are being added to the Jazz weekend line-up. Stay posted to their website for more information.

Photos courtesy of the Eleuthera…All That Jazz website.

CLICK HERE to visit the official "Eleuthera…All That Jazz" website.

New York Times lists Bahamian art gallery as a stop to make

Out of the 11 things to do in Nassau in 36 hours, Bahamian art gallery, Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery run by Pam Burnside is listed as a must see in your things to do.

• • • •

36 Hours in Nassau, The Bahamas

by Brendan Spiegel

Most tourists arriving in The Bahamas’ capital city head straight across the bridge to the aptly named Paradise Island, where a glitzy resort scene is anchored by the Atlantis megadevelopment, known for its water park rides, casino and celebrity chef restaurants. While the sensory appeal there is undeniable, those looking for a cultural allure that’s subtler than, say, a 200-foot water slide, would do well to venture beyond the resorts. In addition to serving as port of call for cruise lines (and as a rowdy hub for spring breakers), at its heart Nassau is a laid-back island town. European influences blend with centuries-old Bahamian traditions here, anchored by an innovative dining scene, unique small hotels and, of course, miles of white sand beaches.

FRIDAY
1. First Things First | 4 p.m.
Between Paradise Island and the Bahamas’ more secluded outer isles, the title of best beach in this country is up for endless debate. But if the goal is reaching the most pristine aquamarine ocean water in the least amount of time, it’s difficult to top Cable Beach. Just under three hours from Kennedy Airport and a 10-minute taxi ride from the Nassau airport, the main island’s most popular strip offers powder-fine white sand, see-through blue-green water, and — post-spring-break anyway — plenty of beach blanket space. Enjoy this relatively crowd-free stretch while you can; the sprawling Baha Mar resort is scheduled to open here next winter [...]

CLICK HERE to read full article at New York Times.com.

Bahamian artist gets more press at NY Art Fair

Slick and sleek, cool and enticing, laid back, yet forward thinking, this years VOLTA Art Fair struck gold again as being one of the most cutting edge venues for fair goers to visit during Armory week in the NYC. Located in a charismatic, spacious 2 story building on one of the hippest corners of SOHO, exclusive gallery owners who have understood and harnessed the importance of the dynamic relationship which occurs between the artists whom they represent were invited to participate. A show which supports the passion and persistence of emerging solo artists’ projects and the American incarnation of a successful young fair founded in Basel in 2005, by refocusing the fair-going experience to solo-artist projects, VOLTA’s New York edition promotes a deep exploration of the work of its invited participants and offers the opportunity for new discoveries....

Interview with Bahamian artist Angelika Wallace-Whitfield

By Aurora Herrera

A very fit guy in blue and red spandex called Spiderman once reminisced, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Maybe this is a first, seeing the names Socrates and Spiderman so close together, but these are the two concepts that stayed with me after talking to Bahamian artist Angelika Wallace-Whitfield. Ven con migo and I’ll explain. Trust, it’s a good one.

In my free time on my work breaks I love to look at art. I literally sit at my laptop and Google anything art related. I am not an art critic but I’ve experienced the Stendhal effect before, and I’ve been craving that pure, pleasurable evisceration of senses ever since. If you get off on addiction, toss the cigarillos and instead of walking to the store for a pack, make your fingertips work for it.

Newest Bahamian gospel recording star

The newest gospel recording star in The Bahamas is Anna Calixte. The teen walked off with a $5,000 recording contract from Elevation Records and has already undergone a celebrity makeover for the release of her first single. The ‘new’ Anna was styled by Raquel Pinder of Styles by Kelly P and Kedar Clarke of Kedar In Style. Ooh La Lepeche’s Sarsha Taylor served as makeup artist while Clifton Barry and Vado Culmer captured her images as photographers.

Despite the ‘celebrity treatment’, Anna is also balancing her playtime with production time, having been in rehearsals for her first co-headlining concert, the 242Untapped LIVE Reunion Special set for April 4 at Spirit of Life in New Providence.

Calixte (pronounced Kah-leet) sang her way to success before judges Christopher Huyler, Stacy Campbell-Marshall and Jonathan Farrington, edging out fellow finalists Althea Pinder and Dominyc Rolle [...]

CLICK HERE for full story at TheBahamasWeekly.com.

Bahamian artist to present painting to Pope Francis

Internationally acclaimed musician and composer Mike Oldfield (shown in photo at left) of Tubular Bells fame met with Jamaal Rolle, the Celebrity Artist (shown in photo at right) who has painted Pope Francis. When admiring the life-like painting Oldfield remarked that it was absolutely splendid and described Rolle as a very gifted artist, with a responsibility to share that gift with others and to make an impact.

Future collaborations between The Celebrity Artist and Oldfield are in motion to develop the talents of other young Bahamians who are gifted, but who do not have the necessary resources or support are on the drawing board. “There are so many kids who have a gift and never get to nurture it,” said Oldfield who made a financial contribution to assist Rolle with his trip to Rome.

Jamaal Rolle, along with his publicist, Azaleta Ishmael-Newry are scheduled to present the life-like oil painting to Pope Francis at the Vatican on March 26, 2014.

Garden of the Groves Art Class Exhibition

The Garden of the Groves in Freeport, Grand Bahama has always welcomed artists to work and exhibit in the beautiful tropical botanical garden.

A big crowd showed up recently to admire around thirty sculptural figures made of chicken wire and paper maché covered with paint which were displayed in a bed of decorative agave plants next to the Cafe Garden. Art was made by the Garden's Art Class under the instruction of Angelika Siska and artists featured were Thea Albert, Sharie Benoit, Lisa Codella, Eva Dehmel, Del Foxton, Nicole Krapac, Vicky Leach, Marlena Leonard, Karen Matlack, Gail Woon and Candice Woon.

This is the 6th year of the Garden's Art Class. For the first time, the artists have been working on sculpture, referring to Niki de Saint Phalle who was born in 1930 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France and died in San Diego in 2002. Her famous Nana Figure as well as the beautiful Tarot Garden in Italy where she spent several years and worked while living in one of her figures have inspired the imagination of the artists.

"The variety of works made by these 11 artists has been fascinating a great number of visitors to the beautiful tropical gardens. The inspiration generated by sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle has not lost its power. Though this artist who is especially well known all over Europe where many of Niki's works can be seen in public spaces, is not so famous in our region or in the United States.

"The results show the enthusiasm with which the group has worked and the joy of creating they have developed," said instructor Angelika Siska.

RBDF Marine explores new horizons with art show

Emerging artist Abrian Rankine is looking to take his place in the local art world with his first exhibition, “Something On The Horizon”, which opened March 20th.

The 21 expressionistic paintings featured in the show are part of a collection of scenes Abrian said he has witnessed during his time at sea serving as a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marine. The show was held at the John Watlings Distillery on Delancey Street from 6pm-10pm.

“Over past ten years, I have proudly served my country as a member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Being a member of RBDF has awarded me the opportunity to travel throughout the Bahamas and abroad, which has allowed me to express my artistic abilities through visual art,” he said.

As a child growing up in Eleuthera, Abrian discovered that he had the ability to capture two-dimensional imagery of his surroundings. This revelation of his artistic ability led to him develop his skills through various classes and practice sessions. Despite having been fully aware of his artistic abilities at an early age, the 31-year-old believes that now is the time to share what he has done with others [...]

CLICK HERE for full story by Jeffarah Gibson of The Tribune.

Intnl Bahamian model stages “Fashion for a Cause"

Having witnessed what living with a HIV/AIDS diagnosis is like through the experience of a family member, Bahamian model Kendrick David Kemp has set out to once again stage “Fashion for a Cause”, an event aimed at creating continued awareness of the issue.

“Fashion For A Cause” (FFC) was introduced to the Bahamas in 2010 by Mr Kemp and was intended to be an annual event that brings together local fashion designers and retailers for an evening dedicated to bringing awareness to the HIV/AIDS under the theme, “Live. Love. Care”.

During a brief break since its last staging in 2011, Mr Kemp, along with his team, took a step back to refocus their efforts.

Now, they are more than excited than ever to present the show for a third time on March 30 at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel beginning at 5pm.

Mr Kemp signed with the Irene Marie Modelling Agency in South Beach, Miami, when he moved to the US to advance his career. He has walked for such designers as Sean John, Parke & Ronen, Heatherette, Louis Vuitton, Joann Berman, L&H and more.

“When Kendrick Kemp won a modelling competition he was charged with giving back to the community a portion of his earnings,” said Lakeithra Taylor, FFC director of media [...]

CLICK HERE for full story by Jeffarah Gibson of The Tribune.

Fresh Milk XIV

TONIGHT:
Thursday, March 20th
6pm to 8pm
Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc.
St. George, Barbados

Fresh Milk is pleased to invite you to their first public event of 2014, FRESH MILK XIV, which will be held tonight, Thursday, March 20th 2014 from 6pm to 8pm at the Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc., St. George, Barbados. The event is free and open to the public.

The value of artist residencies
FRESH MILK XIV welcomes Nick Whittle, Mark King and Versia Harris to give artist talks, all of whom took part in a number of artist residencies locally, regionally and internationally last year at Fresh Milk, the Instituto Buena Bista (Curacao), Alice Yard (Trinidad), Ateliers ’89 (Aruba) and the Vermont Studio Center (USA). The artists will share the work they created while in residence and talk about the overarching impact of these experiences on their practice, framing residencies as free spaces for artistic growth, experimentation and cultural mobility and exchange. Fresh Milk will announce at this event, the chosen recipient of the Fresh Milk ‘My Time’ Local Residency 2014 selected from their recent open call. This Barbadian artist will be awarded a one-month residency on the platform and a $1,000.00 stipend towards artistic production.

A new regional museum
We are very pleased to feature visiting Chief Curator at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Tobias Ostrander, who will speak to the new Miami museum’s design and program with the Barbadian audience. He will discuss from a curatorial perspective the opening exhibitions and projects currently on view, and the museum’s current research and programming related to the Caribbean, including the upcoming presentation of the exhibition “Caribbean: Crossroads of the World.” Tobias will also discuss his interests in developing future collaborations with art institutions across the Caribbean region as part of his thinking on a “Strategic Regionalism” which seeks to create increased dialogue between the Southern United States, Caribbean basin and Central and South America.

The Fresh Milk Art Platform Inc. is a Caribbean non-profit, artist-led, inter-disciplinary organization that supports creatives and promotes wise social, economic, and environmental stewardship through creative engagement with society and by cultivating excellence in the arts. Critical. Creative. Fresh.

CLICK HERE for full story at Fresh Milk's website.

Ephemeral Portraits

Using a process that could be the new definition of meticulous, Korean sculptor Seung Mo Park creates giant ephemeral portraits by cutting layer after layer of wire mesh. Each work begins with a photograph which is superimposed over layers of wire with a projector, then using a subtractive technique Park slowly snips away areas of mesh. Each piece is several inches thick as each plane that forms the final image is spaced a few finger widths apart, giving the portraits a certain depth and dimensionality that’s hard to convey in a photograph, but the video below shows it pretty well. Park just exhibited this month at Blank Space Gallery in New York as part of his latest series Maya (meaning “illusion” in Sanskrit).

CLICK HERE to view video of Park at work.
CLICK HERE to view more work by Park.