The Transforming Spaces Committee held a Press Conference today at the Towne Hotel to explain its mission and to introduce its new branding campaign whilst announcing plans for the new and exciting TS2016 Art Tour entitled “SWELL – Community + Collaboration” scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13.
Attired in their branded TS2016 logo shirts, the TS Committee shared their plans for this year’s Art Tour which will take place for the first time at the main venue of the Towne Hotel on George Street. Towne Hotel owners, Ron and Isabella Overend were honoured to partner with the Committee to host this year’s art event at their venue which already displays pieces of their personal collection of Bahamian Art. “We have always attended the Transforming Spaces Art Tour and now we will be hosting it at our establishment!” stated Ron. “The Tour will take place in five rooms on the upper floor, as well as the landings and the ground floor pool area which will all be transformed for the event. It is very exciting to be involved and we look forward to hosting the many visitors during that weekend, whilst also exposing our regular hotel guests to the beauty of Bahamian Art!” The Towne Hotel Exhibition will be open to TS2016 patrons from 1pm until 10pm on Saturday and from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday. Food and drink will also be available for sale.
The Transforming Spaces Board, who extended an Invitational Call to artists, will be curating the Towne Hotel exhibition along with Dede Brown and Holly Bynoe. John Cox explained the rationale behind the theme’s title: “The word “SWELL” refers to not only the powerful image of the motion of our ocean’s waves, but also the increasing growth of the Bahamian artistic movement, which we, as an art community, have been encouraging for decades. Recognizing the importance of strengthening the community through working together, we have encouraged the artists in this exhibition to collaborate with other artists in designing their pieces.”
Antonius Roberts added, “We continue to mentor and promote the younger generation of emerging Bahamian artists as well as push the boundaries of artistic expression so that we stay in tune with global trends.
Having catered to over 4,000 appreciative patrons over twelve years of hard work, the time has come for us, as Bahamian artists, to make our voices heard within the international arena by showing the world that Bahamian art has a powerful role to play. ”
On Saturday morning, patrons are invited to once again visit the satellite galleries to enjoy an additional cross-cultural artistic event at their leisure. They will have the benefit of moving between the various venues by shuttle buses provided by Bahamas Experience Travel and Tours, who have been a sponsor of the TS events since its inception. Trained TS Ambassadors will be available at all of the locations to offer assistance throughout the day.
TS President, Jay Koment stated “We are looking forward to another creatively uplifting event for 2016, and we invite the public to join us for this experience.” Tickets, still priced at $35, will afford patrons entry into all the venues and events and will be available for purchase at the beginning of February at Hillside House, Cumberland Street; the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, West Hill Street; and Doongalik Studios on Village Road.
