The Visual Arts Exhibition showcases the artwork of students from Senior and Junior High Schools throughout The Bahamas.
Nassau, Bahamas – For the 7th consecutive year, RBC FINCO, in partnership with the Art & Design Unit of the Department of Education, sponsored The Visual Arts Exhibition. The Exhibition showcases art and crafts produced by students in high schools, junior and senior, and primary schools throughout The Bahamas.
This year, the Visual Arts Exhibition was held under the theme ‘Using Colour to Create an Expressive Statement’. As a result of the overwhelming response from students the Art & Design Unit mounted separate exhibitions for the Senior High Schools and the Junior High Schools. The exhibition took place from February 11th – 15th for Senior High Schools students and from March 11th to 14th for Junior High School students. The exhibition was on display to the public at The Mall at Marathon.
Arts education promotes the skills children need to be successful. Research has proven that exposure to art education enhances learning, improves school attendance and sharpens critical and creative skills. The Visual Arts Exhibition reflects the fine quality of art instruction and talent which exist in The Bahamas.
Over the years, RBC has demonstrated its support of the arts and their commitment to youth development in The Bahamas. For the past 30 years RBC has conducted The RBC Summer Arts Workshop. The workshop is the most comprehensive art program for young Bahamian art students. Ms. Tanya McCartney, Managing Director of RBC Finco exclaimed, “We are proud to once again sponsor the Visual Arts Exhibition and in doing so contribute to the creative potential of young people”.
Mrs. Pamela Chandler, Senior Education Officer, Art and Design, Ministry of Education expressed her gratitude to RBC for their support of the Visual Arts Exibition. She explained, “The Exhibition is a valuable incentive for students and encourages an appreciation for the arts amoung Bahamians.” She continued: – “It is important that young artists showcase their talent so that they do not fear criticism, especially constructive criticism. Exhibiting one’s work is equally as important to the development of an artist as the process of producing the work.”
The winning schools and individual awards were presented by Lady Joan Foulkes at a special awards ceremony on March 14th, 2013 at Center Court, Mall at Marathon. The winning students include:
Drawing – Eric Sands – Abaco Central High
Painting – Davette Morley – Preston Albury High School
NEW PROVIDENCE
JUNIOR DIVISION
FINE ARTS AND CRATIVE CRAFT
Abigail Wells – H.O. Nash Junior High School
SENIOR DIVISION
FINE ARTS
Kerri Bascom – Queen’s College
CREATIVE CRAFT
Romario Hacker – C.C. Sweeting Senior High School
Five Family Island schools and sixteen schools from New Providence participated in the 15th Visual Arts Exhibition. Overall winners include:
OVER ALL WINNERS
FAMILY ISLAND
JUNIOR DIVISION
2nd Place – Farmer’s Cay All Age School
1st Place – Spanish Wells All Age School
FAMILY ISLAND
SENIOR DIVISION
3rd Place – Abaco Central High School
2nd Place Acklins High School
1st Place – Spanish Wells All Age School
NEW PROVIDENCE
JUNIOR DIVISION
3rd Place – Queen’s College
2nd Place – L.W. Young Junior High School
1st Place – H.O. Nash Junior High School
NEW PROVIDENCE
SENIOR DIVISION
3rd Place – Queen’s College
2nd Place – C.V. Bethel Senior High School
1st Place – The Government High School
By Jan Knowles
Caption: A student proudly displays her artwork at the 15th Visual Arts Exhibition.
