Smith & Benjamin’s ‘BAHAMIAN ART & CULTURE’ A Weekly Digest of Art & Cultural News from The Bahamas and the World – Since 2000 • • • • CLICK HERE

          Preferences  
Bah-Art-Culture-Header-421c

Smith & Benjamin’s ‘BAHAMIAN ART & CULTURE’
A Weekly Digest of Art & Cultural News from
The Bahamas and the World – Since 2000

• • • •

CLICK HERE to see online version.

• • • •

Thursday, November 21st, 2019
Issue No. 399

• • • •

COVER IMAGE:
Silkscreen print on paper by Bahamian artist Max Taylor.
• • •
Bahamian artists Max Taylor and John Cox open their new joint
exhibition entitled “Eclipse” at The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Art Center
tomorrow evening, Friday, November 22nd from 6pm to 9pm.

***
***

art & cultural
events calendar

***
***

TONIGHT – Thursday, Nov. 21st:

***

E X H I B I T I O N :

The University of The Bahamas presents:
“To Throw Rocks” – An Exhibition About Black Masculinity

• OPENS TONIGHT: Thursday, Nov. 21st | 5:30–6:30pm | The Franklyn Wilson Graduate Centre, University of The Bahamas

UB-Matthew-Rahming-To-Throw-Rocks

To Throw Rocks, curated by Matthew Rahming, is an exploration of wider Black masculinities. In unpacking the tropes around Black masculine identities in The Bahamas, through a survey of practices ranging from the 70s to now, this selection puts particular focus on love, sex and sexuality, tenderness, labor and violence. The exhibition features work by Rashad Adderley, John Beadle, Justin Benjamin, Tyesha Brooks, Blake Fox, Amaani Hepburn, Allan Jones and Rashad Leamount, Jodi Minnis, Heino Schmid, Jarette Stubbs and Bradley Wood. In an effort to widen the scope of voices present, artwork from the National Collection, The Collection of the University of The Bahamas and the Brenton Story Collection have been drawn from to round out the conversation in its fullness. These voices come together to acknowledge the powers and privileges (or lack thereof) at play, to face the vulnerability, to bring awareness to responsibility, and to address conflicts around what it means to exist as a man, particularly a black man, in The Bahamas.

To Throw Rocks opens tonight at 5:30pm in the Franklyn Wilson Graduate Centre on the University of The Bahamas’ Oaksfield Campus in conjunction with the 8th Annual Critical Caribbean Symposium series. The exhibition will run until December 2019. For more information, please feel free to contact Matthew Rahming at mr.matthew.rahming@hotmail.com.

CLICK HERE for event Facebook page.

***

E X H I B I T I O N :

The Island House presents: “Why Not Pretty” New Works by Janeen Walker

• OPENS TONIGHT: Thursday, Nov. 21st | 6pm–8pm | The Island House, Mahogany Hill, Western Rd, Nassau

janeen art exhibition nov-21

Show is open tonight and tomorrow only.

The Island House is thrilled to host the first solo exhibition entitled “Why Not Pretty” by talented Bahamian artist Janeen Walker. It opens tonight at 6pm in The Island House’s Meeting Room on Western Road.

Walker uses the expressive and gestural technique of acrylic pouring to create both large-scale and intimate works that exude the vibrancy of the painting language. She explores the way in which marks are spontaneously created through a collaboration between artist and art material. Walker draws emphasis on each layered pour, exposing them through the transparency of epoxy.

Walker believes that visual art, just like music, may be appreciated viscerally – She believes there is a seamless transition between music and her art.

Janeen-Walker-Painting

Painting by Janeen Walker.

“Why Not Pretty” is Walker’s commentary on taking things exactly as you see them, as you feel them. Enjoying the moment and connecting with your feelings without analyzing the process or the outcome.

With her technique of layering paint, ink, resin and plexiglass, Walker invites the viewer to look below the surface and get lost in the depths of movement and color, transporting the viewer to a place of beauty.

Please support the artist by attending at the Meeting Room and Events Terrace of The Island House this evening, Thursday, November 21st from 6pm as they celebrate this talented artist with a glass of wine and music by DJ Safire.

• • •

***

S Y M P O S I U M :

8th Annual Critical Caribbean Symposium

• TODAY–SATURDAY: Nov 21st–23rd | University of The Bahamas

Under the theme “African Diasporic Masculinities”, this year’s theme seeks to explore contemporary approaches to the study of Black Masculinities across the Diaspora. The event will examine the ways society shapes and is shaped by the myth of black masculinity.

CLICK HERE for event’s Facebook page.

Critical-Caribbean-Symposium
***

L E C T U R E :

14th Anatol Rodgers Memorial Lecture

• TONIGHT: Thu, Nov 21st | 7pm-9pm | University of The Bahamas

Gutchee-Gullee-Lecture

The University of The Bahamas presents the 14th Annual Anatol Rodgers Memorial Lecture featuring Professor Sunn m’ Cheaux, Gullah Teacher in the African Language Programme at Harvard University. He will present on the topic of the benefits and costs of Creolization as Cultural Preservation in the Context of Colonization.

The event opens at 7pm at the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre Auditorium at the University of The Bahamas.

CLICK HERE for the event’s Facebook page.

***

TOMORROW – Friday, Nov. 22nd:

***

E X H I B I T I O N :

The Current presents: “Eclipse” – New Works by Max Taylor and John Cox

• OPENS TOMORROW: Friday, Nov. 22nd | 6pm–9pm | The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Art Center

CURRENT-Taylor-Cox-Eclipse

An eclipse is an obscuring of light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and its source of illumination. It is a type of coming together – an overlapping, shadowing, crossing-over of something and another.

This new body of work by Bahamian artists Max Taylor and John Cox explores a kind of intersection, where the joining of artists, practices, ideas, material, and imagery brilliantly demonstrate the endless possibilities of art-making and its ability to overlap time and time again.

Eclipse opens at The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Art Center tomorrow, Friday, November 22nd from 6pm–9pm.

CLICK HERE for event Facebook page.

***

THIS WEEKEND:

***

C H R I S T M A S / F E S T I V A L :

The Bahamas National Trust presents: Jollification Christmas Festival 2019

• THIS WEEKEND: Saturday & Sunday, November 22nd–23rd | 11am–5pm | The Bahamas National Trust, Village Road

Jollification 2019-2

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is celebrating 60 years this year and is happy to open its gates yet again to their Annual Christmas Jollification. The festival will feature unique handmade arts and crafts, delicious food, a special children’s crafts and games area and a selection of holiday spirits.

Jollification is one of the most anticipated events of the social calendar year and it supports the BNT’s Retreat Garden and provides a kick-off to the holiday season.

Entrance fee for adult non-members: $10, adult members: $5, children (5–17 yrs): $3, and children under 5 are free.

CLICK HERE for the event’s Facebook page.

***

G A L L E R Y :

The NAGB presents: 4th Sundays

• THIS SUNDAY: November 24th | 12pm–5pm | The NAGB

Averia-Wright-Straw-Paradox

Averia Wright's “The Straw Paradox: The Pig that Built His House of Straw”.

Bring a little rest, relaxation and creativity into your Sunday this weekend at the NAGB. The gallery are continuing to incorporate exciting new elements from their “We Gatchu” initiative into their 4th Sundays initiative where FREE yoga sessions will be offered at 4pm and FREE tours of their current exhibitions “TimeLines” and “The Straw Paradox: The Pig that Built His House of Straw” will be given. Tours will be held every 30 minutes beginning at 12 noon. Sign up at the Mixed Media Store and meet the NAGB team. For more info, contact the Education and Outreach Manager, Katrina Cartwright at kcartwright@nagb.org.bs or call 328-5800.

CLICK HERE for event’s Facebook page.

4th Sundays Nov 24-08
***

NEXT WEEKEND:

***

C O M M U N I T Y / H E A L T H :

ACE Diabetes Health Expo presents:
Know Your Numbers!

• Saturday, Nov. 30th | 10am–2pm | Baha Mar Convention Center

ACE-Diabetes-Know-your-numbers

The ACE Diabetes Health Expo is FREE and OPEN to the public. EVERYONE is welcomed!

There will be a lot happening and being given away: prizes and giveaways • games • grand raffle • educational booths • product booths • physician booths • healthy cooking demonstration • health presentations • relaxation & wellness demonstrations • free routine testing, for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. PLUS free health screenings for sleep apnea; foot screening; vision screening; dental screening; physiotherapy assessment…and so much more. The theme is KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. All aspects of diabetes and the prevention of diabetes are covered, as well as other chronic health conditions plaguing the Bahamian public.

KISS FM Radio DJ Naughty is the emcee and it promises to be an entertaining, resourceful, educational, FUN event open to all ages.

CLICK HERE to visit the event’s Facebook page.

***

C O N C E R T :

Nassau Music Society presents:
A Bahamian Showcase!

• Saturday, Nov. 30th | Begins 6:30pm | The Current, Baha Mar

2019-2020-POSTER-Bahamian-Showcase

Building on the resounding success of the Nassau Music Society’s (NMS) 50th Anniversary Season Finale Concert which featured and all-Bahamian programme, NMS is thrilled to present the First Annual Bahamian Showcase as part of their annual concert series.

Featured groups include: Bahamas Music Academy, musical highlights from Shakespeare in Paradise, the University of The Bahamas Concert Choir and Bahamas Rhythm ‘n’ Youth. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see a diverse line-up of top Bahamian talent performing back to back in one concert. FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY! Come early and enjoy the gallery and a complimentary glass of wine, generously provided by Young’s Fine Wines, served at intermission.

BMA-Group

Student musicians from the Bahamas Music Academy

Voices-from-Shakespeare-in-Paradise

Voices from 'Shakespeare in Paradise'

Restaurant Specials

The evening would not be complete without the special offers from the Society’s Baha Mar restaurant partners. For the last time this year, enjoy 20% off your meal at 3 Tides Fish House, Cleo, Fi'Lia, Katsuya, Regatta Buffet, and 50% off your first cocktail at The Jazz Bar after the concert. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Please present concert ticket stub to claim the special offers.

Concert tickets can be purchased at the link below, at their booth at Jollification, and at three convenient Custom Computers locations (Old Fort Bay Town Center, Cable Beach Plaza and Cottton Tree Plaza just before Harbour Bay). Contact us by email at nassaumusicsociety@gmail.com or by WhatsApp at (242) 805 8049.

CLICK HERE for additional info and to purchase tickets.
CLICK HERE for event’s Facebook page.

***

COMING UP IN DECEMBER:

***

C H R I S T M A S / C O N C E R T :

Jazz at Jacaranda Christmas Special

• Sunday, Dec. 1st | 6pm–9pm | Jacaranda House, Parliament St.

jazz-at-jacaranda-ticket-and-flyer-2

Jazz at Jacaranda presents its Christmas Special! Their roster of super talented musicians are performing gratis in order to raise money for children orphaned by Hurricane Dorian.

Special guest performances by fabulous singer Stazzie Appleyard who will be accompanied on piano by internationally renowned Johnny Schütten. Musical director Adrian D’Aguilar has planned a very different and exciting line up for you. It will include many of your favourite jazz musicians and more!

Space is limited, so do not delay in getting your tickets and reserving your table!
Email:jacarandanassau@gmail.com for ticket information.

CLICK HERE for Jacaranda House’s Facebook page.

***

E X H I B I T I O N :

“A Cultural Art Party” featuring
Cultureware by Gina Luree

• Sunday, Dec. 8th | 3pm–7pm | Plantation Hill, West Bay St.

Gina-Smith-Show-graphic
Gina-Smith-Junkanoo-cowbell-cup

Gina Luree Smith is an emerging Bahamian ceramic artist, entrepreneur and cultural ambassador.

She is an accountant by day and a ceramicist by night and her mandate and purpose is to revive, preserve, educate and promote the culture of The Bahamas to the Bahamian and to the world.

GIna-Smith-Cowbell-C S-New

Junkanoo Cowbell Cup and Saucer by Gina Luree

On Sunday, December 8th, Smith will be hosting “A Cultural Art Party” at Plantation Hill on West Bay Street next to Cave’s Village where she will be showcasing her Cultureware by Gina Luree line of ceramic items, a line of uniquely designed Bahamian ceramics that portray the culture and spirit of a people and the beauty and wonder of The Bahamas.

Over the past 15 years, Smith has emerged from being an amateur to making her mark in the world of ceramics. She has had many firsts; one of them being the first artist to produce Junkanoo dinnerware and in 2009, the Cultureware line was chosen as one of the official state gifts from The Bahamas to the Miss Universe Pageant Competition held in The Bahamas. In 2016, Smith created a one-of-a-kind specially designed mug to support the ongoing fundraising work of The Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

Tickets are $50 per person and includes finger foods, native drinks and teas, plus a special gift from the artist. For tickets and more information, please contact Gina Smith at email: ginaluree66@gmail.com or at (242) 554-0442.

CLICK HERE to visit Gina Smith’s Cultureware page.

***

E X H I B I T I O N :

The NAGB presents: The Opening of “Refuge”

• Thursday, Dec. 19th | 7pm–9pm | The NAGB, West Hill Street

Save The Date Refuge-02

“Refuge” was an ‘open call’ exhibition to all artists – irrespective of how their practice is defined – to think about Hurricane Dorian and its aftermath, this tragedy, and use it as therapy or an opportunity to reflect on how we as a people pull ourselves and bring the pieces back together. Many hearts in this nation have been splintered, but our collective spirits are now called to do the important work of healing, and be grounded even deeper in our communities and to our humanity. Exhibition opens Thursday, December 19th at 7pm. The event is free and open to the public.

CLICK HERE to read more about this exhibition.

***
***

art & culture stories
from the bahamas

***
***
CURRENT-Lynn-Parotti-Scope

Local gallery to represent Bahamian artist at Miami Beach Art Fair

London-based Bahamian artist, Lynn Parotti, will be represented by the The Current: Baha Mar Gallery and Art Center at SCOPE Miami Beach Art Fair where they will be showcasing Parotti’s exhibition “2 DEGREES C” from December 3rd–8th.

If you are in the Miami Beach area during this time, please visit The Current’s booth (C19) on the sands of Ocean Drive and 8th Street.

Known for presenting groundbreaking contemporary work, SCOPE Miami Beach will welcome 134 diverse exhibitors at its beachfront pavilion.

CLICK HERE to view the works from Parotti’s upcoming show in Miami.
CLICK HERE to visit SCOPE Miami Beach 2019.

***
BIFF-FIlms2

BIFF Opening and Closing Films: Top: "Just Mercy" starring Michael B Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson. Bottom: "Pain & Glory"starring Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, directed by Pedro Almodovar.

BIFF announces its 2019 Film Festival lineup

Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) Founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool announced the 2019 film lineup programme. BIFF is celebrating its 16th edition this year and it takes place December 9–December 15. Vanderpool was thrilled to reveal an extraordinary lineup of films to be showcased in and out of competition at Baha Mar Resort.

Two powerhouse studio films will bookend this year’s film festival. Michael B. Jordan, Academy Award® winners Brie Larson and Jamie Foxx star in Warner Bros. highly acclaimed JUST MERCY, which will be the centerpiece of the Opening Night Gala, Wednesday, December 11 at Baha Mar. Meanwhile, PAIN & GLORY (Sony Pictures Classics), written and directed by Academy Award® winner Pedro Almodovar, and starring Academy Award® winner Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas will shine at BIFF’s Closing Gala, December 15 at Baha Mar.

FREEDOM TO PARADISE  Bahamas

"Freedom to Paradise" directed by Bahamian filmmaker Luke Madden. The film is about a man who understands the complexities of handling death on the family island of Eleuthera and the cultural significance of burying a loved one.

Vanderpool calls it the most diverse films to be showcased at BIFF yet. With two of the most talked about films of the year. “As The Bahamas faces a collective resolve to support two economic tourist meccas, Abaco and Grand Bahama, BIFF will assist by donating ticket sales to support students from those islands that were impacted by Hurricane Dorian.”

The Festival will showcase 53 films from 22 countries including: 8 World Premieres, 43 Caribbean Premieres and all Bahamian Premieres.

CLICK HERE to view the BIFF Film guide and to purchase tickets.

***
Del Foxton

Artist Del Foxton

Freeport’s Festival Noël is full steam ahead

Bolstered by encouragement from the Grand Bahama community and stories of what Festival Noël means to the island as the event heralding the Christmas Season for the past 24 years, the Festival Noël Committee has decided to move forward with plans for the event. Not just to help with raising funds to restore the damages to Lucayan National Park and Rand Nature Centre, but to help with raising the spirits of many this Christmas Season and to provide a platform for our Grand Bahamian chefs, artists and artisans to tell their visual stories and gain support for their livelihoods.

DEL-FOXTON2

Del Foxton at work in studio.

The 25th annual Festival Noël will be held Friday, December 6th 2019, 7pm–11pm at the Rand Nature Centre, Cathedral Boulevard, Grand Bahama under the theme “Silver Bells”. Festival Noël is the Bahamas National Trust’s signature and main fundraising event for Grand Bahama’s National Parks and ALL funds raised from ticket sales will go towards the restoration of the hurricane devastated Lucayan National Park and Rand Nature Centre.

One of the most important aspects of Festival Noël is the art and the Festival Noël Committee is pleased to announce that the 25th anniversary’s Featured Artist is Del Foxton. This is a special selection as this year marks Foxton’s 15th year participating in this annual fundraiser. Foxton has been a supporter of the Bahamas National Trust for many years and is also a lifetime member whose art incorporates and brings awareness to sustainable practices. [...]

CLICK HERE for full article in The Bahamas Weekly.

***
Natalie-Appleyard-crop

Natalie Appleyard

Natalie Appleyard: The Bahamian Wildflower

by Shavaughn Moss

Before Wildflowers Events & Occasions was even a thought for Natalie Appleyard, the “creative bug” that would eventually lead her to found what has become the premier décor and floral design company for weddings, special events and corporate affairs was ingrained in her soul – from birth. It wasn’t something she caught like the common cold. And she may have traversed a circuitous road to realizing her passion, but when she did, she stayed the course, and never looked back. Today the name Natalie Appleyard is synonymous with “lifestyle maven of The Bahamas”. When her name is uttered, it’s akin to being dubbed the Martha Stewart/B. Smith of The Bahamas. It’s a compliment that’s not new to her; she’s heard it many times from fans of her work.

At Wildflowers, their imaginative floral works, variety of quality décor and incomparable client service showcase limitless creativity and innovation in making clients’ events memorable and unforgettable. Its reputation as a power player in the events arena that propelled them into a household name, she believes, was their production of the wedding for the owners of Comfort Suites Paradise Island, which was held at the Atlantis resort.

“Once Atlantis saw what I could do, they grabbed me and put me onto their weddings department and it went from there.”

She followed that up with a wedding at what was then The One&Only Ocean Club (current Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort). The resort’s management took note of her work and proceeded to take her on as a preferred vendor. The ride was a wild one for Appleyard and Wildflowers after that. [...]

CLICK HERE for full story in The Nassau Guardian.

***
Rik-Carey Carryin on Bad

The cover of Rik Carey’s newest single, “Carrying On Bad”. (RIK CAREY)

New single, new sound, new look for Bahamian musician

by Shavaughn Moss

The word “twist” would be an understatement in describing Rik Carey’s newest single, ‘cause he sure carrying on bad with a fresh, new sound that’s a mash-up blend that he’s coined “rebel rake n’ scrape” – a twist to traditional rake n’ scrape – while at the same time sharing a message that is all about having pure, unrestricted, unreserved fun – no matter where you are.

When you hear Carey’s infectious single “Carrying on Bad”, you may be inclined to stop whatever it is you’re doing and just dance – which is the unadulterated reaction the singer and producer wants you to take away.

“‘Carrying On Bad’ is about the way people feel when they let go of everything and just have pure, real fun – whether they’re with their crew out on the town, or at home going about their normal everyday activity,” said Carey.

“I always wanted to write and produce a song that would turn the focus to Bahamian dance culture – not just that Bahamian classic heel and toe…mash the roach...” [...]

CLICK HERE for full article in The Nassau Guardian.

***

Exhibit honours Bahamian-American
award-winning actress Esther Rolle

Historic-Ali-Cultural-Arts-Esther ROlle

Award-winning actress Esther Rolle

One of America’s most iconic black actresses is being honored with a month-long exhibit at the Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center, located at 353 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Pompano Beach, Florida.

Running through Dec. 2nd, “The Life of Esther Rolle Exhibit” examines the impact of the late award-winning actress, who was born to Bahamian immigrants, but raised in Pompano Beach, Florida. Presented by the Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center and Rock Road Restoration Historical Group, the special exhibit honors the anniversary of Rolle’s birth and death, both of which occurred in November.

Rolle attended Yale University, won an Emmy Award, and was the first woman to receive the NAACP Chairman’s Civil Rights Leadership Award.

“We are honored that Hazel Armbrister, a Pompano Beach historian, along with Ms. Rolle’s family members, Janice Rolle and Carter Allen, have coordinated this inspiring exhibit,” said Cherolyn Davis, director of programs and facilities. “Pompano Beach is very proud of all of the accomplishments Esther Rolle achieved during her illustrious career.” [...]

CLICK HERE for full article in the South Florida Times.

***
***

our sponsors

***
***

Nassau’s newest Art Supply Store
now open on Cable Beach!

The new Sherwin-Williams’ Art Supply Store is now open at their Cable Beach location. Dedicated to artists and art supplies, the Sherwin-Williams Art Supply Store will carry such supplies as acrylic paints, oils paints, hobby and craft paints, watercolors, illustration and acrylic paint markers, a wide selection of sketch pads and specialty papers, color pencils, pigment pens, art storage cases, sketching pencils, stretched canvases and rolls of canvases, Stencils, a wide selection of artist brushes, inks, and much much more.

CLICK HERE for their Facebook page.

Now-Open-Art-Store
***
***

art opportunities

***
***
Art-from-the-Heart-BA C-ad 19

Call for Artwork from Young Artists

Submission Deadline: December 14th, 2019 at 6pm

After the overwhelming success of Furniture Plus’ first kids’ art competition, the home furnishings giant is hosting its second National Youth Art Competition and its open to children throughout The Bahamas, ages 8–18.

Last year’s competition attracted over two hundred talented entrants from across The Bahamas, with twenty young artists emerging as category winners.

This year’s expanded “Art From The Heart” competition will build on last year’s cumulative $5,000 prize package, and provide additional opportunities for positive exposure and skill development for the winners. The competition launched on Monday, September 9th and will close on Saturday, December 14th, 2019. Category winners will be selected and announced in January 2020, and their artwork showcased for family and friends at an official Art Showing hosted by NAGB in February 2020.

CLICK HERE for more details. Or email Furniture Plus at pac@furnitureplus.com or call 397-7587.

***
***

about us

***
***
SB-BAC-Header2

Smith & Benjamin’s Bahamian Art & Culture eMagazine

Art & Culture were created to
uplift and inspire mankind.

Bahamian Art & Culture eMagazine is an email magazine concentrating on the art & culture of The Bahamas and the world around us. It is published once a week and is a service of Smith & Benjamin Art & Design, a design firm based in Nassau, The Bahamas offering graphic design, custom illustration, fine art, art marketing, art brokerage and publishing.

Dionne Benjamin-Smith, Editor-in-Chief & Publisher:
dionne@smith-benjamin.com
Stephanie Shivers, Advertising/Account/Office Manager:
stephanie@smith-benjamin.com

***

Advertise with us today!

Promote your upcoming art exhibition, book launch, poetry reading,
theatre production—pretty much anything originally created by you—
with The Bahamas’ leading art & culture digital publication:
Bahamian Art & Culture Newsletter.

We offer affordable, artist-friendly rates plus we boast a hand-cultivated database of thousands of people throughout The Bahamas and the world who are specifically interested in Bahamian art and culture. Call Stephanie, our advertising manager, today at 377-0241 or email at stephanie@smith-benjamin.com.

***
Click-Here-Subscribe
facebook instagram
1px