On Saturday December 1st, a group of High School students from Governor’s Harbour visited the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas in Nassau to see their digital photographs on display. The 36 photographs, taken by 18 students at the Haynes Library Summer Programme 2011, have inspired a new educational initiative of NAGB called “Art Children of the Bahamas” – an opportunity for Family Islanders to showcase their work at the gallery to promote talent and mentor their passion for the arts. The collection made its debut in Nassau on the 15th November at the opening of the NAGB sixth exhibition – NE6 – and occupies the Project Space downstairs along with the Permanent Exhibition. The photographs were also very well received at a one day exhibition at the Haynes Library in February this year.

The shots were taken in and around Governor’s Harbour. Common themes throughout the collection include: Architecture, Nature, Textures and Beach Debris. It is hoped that this exhibition will spark young people’s interest in photography, art and culture, see the beauty around them in everyday objects and draw attention to environmental issues, as well as being a learning experience for the students to see digital photographs become pieces of art which can not only be hung on walls but also sold as a business. The photographs are 16” x 20” and framed and double matted.

Whilst at the NAGB, Tyler Johnson and Zephania Cambridge were interviewed for Guardian Talk Radio 96.9 Blank Canvas. They were able to describe the benefits of participating in the Digital Camera Workshop and how they might best direct their new found talents.

Students also got the opportunity to tour the NE6 and view contemporary work to get a feel for the world of art in the capital city of the Bahamas. They thought the ideas inspiring and plan to use some of them in their photography.

The NAGB exhibition marks the culmination of over a year from the time the photographs were taken in July 2011. 13 students from Governor’s Harbour agreed the wait was well worth it! The photographs will remain at NAGB until the end of December, so everyone is encouraged to go and see the first display of Family Island students work “Art Children of the Bahamas.”

Public reaction has been wonderful as most are surprised to discover that the photographs were taken by students and not by professional photographers.
Haynes Library would like to thank Daniel J Roberts and Nina Wheeler Roberts for sponsoring the Summer Programme and Jackie Miller for conducting the Digital Camera Workshop. The Haynes Library relies on donations and fundraisers along with a Bahamas Government Grant to keep the doors open.

Upcoming events include the Annual Silent Auction on March 16th and Eleuthera All That Jazz on March 22nd – 24th For more information please contact (242) 332 2877 or e-mail hayneslibrary [at] coralwave.com

If there are any other Family Island schools interested in showcasing their student body art work, please contact Ms. Jordia Benjamin, Education Officer at NAGB at 328-5800/1 or e-mail jbenjamin [at] nagb.org.bs