35th Independence Celebrations Schedule

Rags & Flags

Courtesy of StarVibes Entertainment

Andros is the place to be

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com


When most people think of Andros the words Crab Fest usually come to mind, but just as much fun as you had at Crab Fest, you can have at the upcoming All- Andros and Berry Islands Regatta in Morgan's Bluff, North Andros, over the Independence Day holiday weekend, July 10-12

The food stalls were completely renovated in readiness for the 15th annual event, according to Danny Ferguson of the Nassau committee who was actively engaged in final preparations.

"This is our committee's second year of planning the regatta, and we're excited to be staging a bigger and better event, and we invite all Androsians, people from Berry Islands, and indeed all Bahamians to support the regatta which means so much to the economic well-being of those communities."


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Show your Bahamian pride today

By Chakara Bennett, Guardian Summer Intern


If you see a man walking wearing a cool aqua shirt, blazing gold pants, and a deep black hat shaking some cowbells, singing really off-key and doing a shuffle with a smile caked on his face and there is no sign of a Junkanoo group practicing in the vicinity, chances are, he is either crazy, or he may just be that excited because of what today is. So don't be alarmed when you see a plethora of people in patriotically colored clothing walking around in droves or into your office today!

Rather, I urge you to join him and show your colors! Wave your flag! Lift your head high because today is National Pride Day, and Independence is right around the corner.

And as usual the week before that grand day we show ourselves right off and act like no one ever knew we were Bahamians before today because it is almost that time of year again when Nassau is a sea of aquamarine, gold and black.

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NAGB Events: July 2008

The Nat'l. Art Gallery of The Bahamas
_______________________________________

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

PopopStudios: Summer Exhibition - "Scrimmage 08"

Popop Studios
__________________________________

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

NAGB Needs Volunteers for the Summer

Hello Artists,

The National Art Gallery is in need of volunteers this summer to assist us with our Bahamian Concert Series and the Brazilian Film Series.

If you are interested or know of anyone who is - or if you have any queries - kindly email at your earliest opportunity Miss Erica James, Director of the NAGB at emjames@nagb.org.bs.

Thanks so much for your help and support.

--
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
gallery tel: [242] 328.5800/1
gallery fax: [242] 322.1180
gallery eml: info@nagb.org.bs
gallery web: http://www.nagb.org.bs/

Thoughtkatcher: "Da Spot" - Tuesdays at the Dundas

ThoughtKatcher Enterprises
in cooperation with the Bahamas Junkanoo Summer Festival
presents
Da Spot
Bahamian Sketch Comedy
_________________________________________

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Driving Miss Daisy: July 3-5

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Casting Call for New Film "The Incident"

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

South Eleuthera Mission: Heritage & Cultural Fair - Sat. Jul. 12

The South Eleuthera Mission Project comprises the restoration of the Old Clinic building in Rock Sound to serve as a library, internet café, reading room and museum and provide a cultural, training and mentorship centre for South Eleutherans particularly the youth. Initially a Methodist manse built around 1830, the building was condemned at the beginning of this millennium and following a local petition, the people of South Eleuthera were granted use of the building by the Government in 2003. The restoration of the building commenced in April 2005 and as of today over $500,000.00 has been raised for that purpose. The restoration is nearly complete, and with the roof being rebuilt over the next few months, it is planned that the building will be formally open for business early next year. Its original nineteenth century architecture has already been recreated with a spacious verandah and balcony overlooking the Sound, and wood paneled rooms littered with period furniture in the libraries, reading room and museum.

Whilst the AMMC has provided a considerable amount of the funds, the largest share has been gained through various fundraising activities and the outstanding generosity of local inhabitants and visitors. The South Eleuthera Mission is soon to be registered as a non-profit company affiliated with the AMMC with the intent that the Board of Directors will be representative of all the settlements in South Eleuthera. Currently a committee of local Eleutherans under the guidance of Chandra Sands of The Market Place, Rock Sound, has spearheaded the project with Pat Rose Maclean, a second home owner from the United Kingdom, voluntarily overseeing the restoration work.

The South Eleuthera Mission which is drawing a lot of interest from both the Public and Private sector is a one the most ambitious and noteworthy enterprises coming to fruition in Eleuthera and it is clear that it will be a cultural magnet for not just South Eleutherans but for both national and international visitors. Its primary task however will be to empower the local youth to improve their vocational, personal and professional skills.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Peter Maclean (Press Liaison)
Tel.: (1242) 334 2785/2966
Cell: (1242) 455 0729
E.Mail: pjmaclean@gmail.com
Chandra Sands (President of Project Committee)
Tel: (1242) 334 2254
Cell: (1242) 359 7469
E.Mail: csands@rsp1976.com

Rushing to the beat of Junkanoo Summer

By Staff Writer, Nassau Guardian


Geno D and Avvy are just two of the performers that are expected to entertain residents and visitors to Marsh Harbour, Abaco, as the rush of Junkanoo Summer explodes on the island on Friday nights.

The Abaco Youth Marching Band, Denton's Dance Group, Abaco Drama Club, KB, Terez Hepburn, Estin Sawyer, April and Tika Cultural Skit, Impact Band, Motown Shocker Junkanoo Group, Ophie and the Web, Ancient Man, the New Wave Dancers, Lassie Doe Boys, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marching and Pop Bands and the Central Abaco Primary Junkanoo Group round out the rest of the performers who are certain to keep fans entertained.

Bahamian entertainment and culture through the music, food, dance, and arts and craft that will be on full display at Goombay Park during the remaining period.

The Abaco Junkanoo Summer Festival is being held under the theme, "Rush to the Beat of our Culture."

The festival opened with the world-famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching and Pop Bands, Obeah dancer Mettellus Chipman, fire dancer Fontella Chipman, Spice, New Entry Band, April and Tika Cultural Skit, the Spring City Rockers Junkanoo Group and other festive activities that delivered an Abaco brand of the popular Bahamian festival to the hundreds in attendance.

This year's theme was the creation of Matthew Joseph Grammatico, an eighth grade student at St. Francis de Sales School, who won the Junkanoo Summer Festival theme competition.

The Abaco Tourist Office has infused with this mesmerizing and infectious beat, flavorful and colorful delights that have visitors and locals alike flocking to the festival site week-after-week.

Carifesta X Call for Artists and Filmmakers

Photo by Derek Catalano

Dear Bahamian Visual Artists and Filmmakers:

The National Art Gallery is preparing the Bahamian Visual Arts presentation for CARIFESTA X in Georgetown, Guyana (August 22-31, 2008)

In order to:

1. Highlight the work of as many Bahamian artists as possible,

2. Avoid the expense of packing and shipping work,

3. Avoid the risk of an unknown exhibition space and the lack of insurance on the works in country,


The NAGB has chosen to produce a digital presentation of Bahamian Art.

To that end, the Gallery requests that all artists interested in having their work presented at Carifesta X produce a Power Point slide presentation of 15 to 20 images and deliver it to the NAGB Attn: Erica M. James, Director no later than Thursday, July 31 at 4pm.

The CD should include an opening slide with an image of the artist including his or her name and contacts, followed by images of work. The slides may include details on the work such as its name, media, dimensions and the artists’ name.

Filmmakers should submit DVD copies of their work for inclusion in the festival screening.

Along with submissions, Artists and Filmmakers are asked to submit a one page artist statement and exhibition CV.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Artists to share their work with a wider Caribbean audience in anticipation of the Bahamas' hosting of Carifesta XI in 2010.

If you need help with this request, please contact Jackson Petit (email: jacksonpetit@gmail.com) or Holly Parotti (email: hparotti@nagb.org.bs) at the NAGB.

Please email additional questions to emjames@nagb.org.bs or walklikeagiant@gmail.com


Sincerely,
Erica M. James
Director
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
West and West Hill Streets
P.O. Box SS-6341
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas

T: 242.328.5800/1 ext.227
Fax: 242.322.1180
Eml: emjames@nagb.org.bs (or) walklikeagiant@gmail.com

The Bahamas Top Dance Crew Competition

The Bahamas Top Dance Crew Competition
$5,000 Cash Prize

For Registration and
More Information: 323-4071

Kafe Kalik - Seeking Artwork to Purchase

Dear Artists,

Our client, Kafe Kalik Restaurant, will be opening its fourth location on International Drive in Orlando in August. This restaurant will be a high-end restaurant featuring Bahamian food, culture and artwork and attracting a considerable amount of international customers from around the world.

The owners have charged us with the task to search for quality artwork that will set the decor and theme of the restaurant. They are specifically seeking to purchase paintings, sculpture and ceramics incorporating Junkanoo themes and imagery. The restaurant has generous spaces so large-sized pieces will definitely be considered.

If you possess any paintings, sculpture and ceramics which are available for purchase that fits these specifications, kindly call or email me at your very earliest opportunity as our time frame is very tight to source, purchase, pack, ship to Orlando and install before the opening date.

To save on time and expense, we would very much like to view potential artwork by email (if possible) before we take a look at the work in person to determine if it will be in keeping with the owners' wishes for artwork. Please send photos by email ASAP to: dionne@smith-benjamin.com.

It is imperative you include the following information with the photos:

1. Title of Piece(s),
2. Dimensions of Piece(s),
3. Medium of Piece(s) and
4. Cost of Piece(s).

We encourage all artists to consider this offer as your artwork will be showcased in a high-traffic venue in a cosmopolitan city. Your name and contact information will be included on a label beside the artwork in the event a customer sees your work in the restaurant and wishes to purchase more.

We look forward to hearing from you at your very earliest opportunity. Thank you for your consideration.

________________________________________

UPDATE

These are answers to some questions asked by artists who have responded:

1. Type of Artwork: We are seeking artwork with JUNKANOO imagery. The restaurant is a JUNKANOO-themed restaurant and therefore the client is looking for pieces that clearly depict JUNKANOO or its essence - realistic or abstracted.

2. Abstract: Junkanoo imagery does not have to be literal. We will consider abstract work; but it should clearly communicate the essence of Junkanoo.

3. Photography will also be considered.

4. Deadlines: We will be reviewing submissions beginning now until July 18th, 2008. The deadline for us to receive accepted work will be Friday, July 25th. July 18th is our cutoff time as there is much work to be done after all work has been decided upon and purchased.

5. Cost of Artwork: Because of the number of pieces we require and the budget we are working with, cost is a determining factor whether we will be able to acquire a piece or not.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to email or call; we will be happy to accommodate your questions.

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing your work.

---
Dionne M.R.C. Benjamin-Smith
Smith & Benjamin Art & Design
graphic design + illustration boutique

19 Airport Industrial Park
Windsor Field Road
P.O. Box CB-12077
Nassau, The Bahamas
t: [242] 377.0241/2
f: [242] 377.0242
e: dionne@smith-benjamin.com
www.smith-benjamin.com

Call for Entries - Sotto Voce Magazine

Sotto Voce magazine is looking for submissions from artists and photographers for our first issue, slated for publication this fall. The submissions deadline is August 20, 2008.

Our submission guidelines and a form for submitting work can be found here: www.sottovocemagazine.com/submissions.html.

We are looking for unpublished, original artwork (drawings, painting, illustrations) and photography.

Although this is our first issue, we are paying $10 or more (based on budget) per piece, and rates will increase every issue.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Emily Thorp
Managing Editor
Sotto Voce

editor@sottovocemagazine.com

Bahamian Marine Scientists Fundraiser - Sun. Jun. 22

Please support our Young Bahamian Marine Scientists
This Sunday, June 22, 2008 from 7pm to 10pm
at a Cocktail Reception Fundraiser at Plush Ocean View
East Bay Street
(Just before Harbour Bay, opposite IDB Bank)

Donation: $20 (all you can drink until 10pm)

Mark Redgrave Show: "Jazz et El" - Wed. Jun. 25

The Ladder Gallery at NPCC on Blake Road is pleased to present the artwork of Mark Redgrave

Opening Night: Wednesday, June 25, 2008
7 - 9 pm

"As an art therapist, I believe that creativity and art vitalize and enhance our experience of life. In the same way, jazz can capture all the subtleties, joys and sorrows of existence, represented here in the form of dynamic, colorful imagery." -- Mark Redgrave

Popop Art Conversation with... Jeanne Chiang: Wed. Jun. 25

POPOP STUDIOS center for the visual arts
invites you to an art conversation with...
artist-in-residence - JEANNE CHIANG

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 7pm

(located at 26 Dunmore Avenue, Chippingham)

Bah. Nat'l. Youth Choir - June 21 & 28

________________________________________

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"