The National Art Gallery Mixed Media Art Summer Camp kicks off its first session bright and early on Monday morning. Looking forward to a jam-packed three weeks, the NAGB team will be exposing campers ages five to 15 to at least three different art forms over the course of each three-week session. For those who missed the chance to register for the first session, space is still available for the second session, which runs July 13 to 31. Contact Abby Smith or Corinne Lampkin at 328-5800 for more information.
Next Thursday at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas sculptor Andret John presents a talk on his contribution to the Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden. Initiated by artist Willicey Tynes and backed by The Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation (BREEF), the underwater park features artificial reef structures and snorkel trails. Along the way, sightseers can take in oversized sculptures, linking visual art with marine conservation. According to BREEF, the garden expands the foundation’s mission to address threats to The Bahamas’ coral reef systems. All members of the public are invited to attend the talk, which starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25.
The NAGB also announces the start of its programming series for its newest exhibition, Celebrating 40 Years of the Central Bank: A Pillar of Arts Commitment. On July 14, a panel discussion on the bank’s mission to serve as both a reservoir of wealth and culture will be held at the NAGB. Panelists will discuss the reasons behind the bank’s commitment to highlight the importance of fine art and develop the country’s visual art community. The history of the development of the bank’s art competitions and its growing collection will also be addressed. All members of the public are invited to attend free of charge. To find out more, contact Corinne Lampkin at 328-5800.
All Bahamians can benefit from Central Bank’s dedication to fine art next month, as the bank covers the cost of admission for locals to visit the National Art Gallery. Normally free every Sunday for residents, locals will be able to visit the NAGB every day of the week without charge throughout the month of July. In the spirit of Bahamian independence Central Bank has pledged to cover the cost of each guest’s visit – usually $7 for adults and $5 for students 12 and over – from July 1 to 31.
At the NAGB, visitors will have the opportunity to take in samples from the bank’s collection, including artwork collected during the tenure of T. Baswell Donaldson, the bank’s first governor. Informative wall text giving historical context to the works and the bank’s annual competitions initiated by Sir William Allen and Antonius Roberts provides guests with an opportunity to find out more about the country’s main wealth reservoir.
“The Central Bank is honored to cover the public’s admission to NAGB for the month of July, to view the exhibits at the gallery, especially the exhibit celebrating 40 years of central banking in The Bahamas and our commitment to the arts. We view the bank’s more than 400 works of art as an important component of The Bahamas’ cultural capital; and the bank’s commitment to and involvement in the development and support of local art and artists continues to be a part of a deeper national commitment to Bahamian excellence,” said Central Bank Governor Wendy Craigg.
Finally, in collaboration with Events by Alexandra and Guanima Press Limited, the NAGB will present a series of culinary experiences at the gallery. The first experience is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30; titled “Through the Kitchen Door: A culinary perspective of Bahamian history and culture”, the evening will feature a talk by Patricia Glinton-Meicholas and food tasting provided by Alexandra Maillis-Lynch. Attendees are asked to make a donation of $15 each on the evening, and all are welcome.
To find out more about upcoming NAGB events and talks, contact the gallery at 328-5800!
