They appeared over the summer with steady pace and heady feel — 15 murals and sculptures that have transformed historic sites in downtown Nassau into photo-worthy stop-and-gaze destinations of their own. Now, the collection of art known as Love My Bahamas will be officially opened Monday evening during an unusual ceremony that involves dignitaries, a cocktail reception, artists, bus tour and more.
Minister of Culture Charles Maynard and Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace will both be on hand for the invitation-only event along with international and local executives from Love My Bahamas co-sponsor Coca-Cola, and other sponsors including the Ministry of Tourism, Downtown Nassau Partnership and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
The unveiling begins with a reception at the newly-remodelled British Colonial Hilton where artists will mingle with dignitaries, business and civic leaders. Also on the agenda in addition to formalities — a brief video of the various works and an optional bus tour following the reception with artists describing their pieces.
Love My Bahamas is the result of the single largest commitment with the city of Nassau in the more than 70-year history of Caribbean Bottling Co.
Company President and CEO Walter Wells called it “one step on a long journey transforming downtown Nassau into a vibrant, exciting city.”
Fifteen artists, including two from Grand Bahama and two from the United States, toiled for months creating murals that depict Bahamian themes and scenes. Artists include Antonius Roberts, John Beadle, Chantal Bethel, Lillian Blades, John Cox, Claudette Dean, Tyrone Ferguson, Maya Hayuk, Jace McKinney, Toby Lunn, Kishan Munroe, Jolyon Smith, Allan Wallace, Arjuna Watson and Daniel Weise.
Diane Phillips & Associates
