Art for the Parks Planning Committee Left to right: Standing: Kevie Thomas, ABR Rooms Division Director, Monica Higgs, Abaco Gold, Tara Lavelle, Roscoe Thompson III, Chairman Marsh Harbour Spring City Township, Terrence Roberts,Master Marine and Cycle, Bo

Abaco Beach Resort’s Art for the Parks is a new partnership which brings together the Bahamas National Trust and local artists to support the National Parks of Abaco. Art for the Parks will premiere on January 30^th and 31^st, 2010 at Abaco Beach Resort and the event promises to bring some of Abaco’s most talented artists and artisans together under one roof.

“We are delighted to partner with the Bahamas National Trust with an event that will raise much needed funding for the five national parks and protected areas that are in the Abacos. Local artists approached us and the BNT with the idea of taking our Annual Abaco Art Festival and turning it into a fundraiser for the national parks,” said Emmanuel Alexiou, Director Abaco Beach Resort.

“Art for the Parks is the BNT’s first event in Abaco and we are excited to have the support of Abaco Beach Resort. Their Marquee is perfect for the festival and we have some new ideas for activities that we hope over the next few years will turn the festival into one of the major art events in The Bahamas,” said Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director, BNT. This will be the 13^th Art Festival sponsored by Abaco Beach Resort featuring local Bahamian artists.

“Community involvement in this event is going to be key to its success.” said Kimberly Roberts of Bahama Dawn Designs. “We want to showcase art and high end crafts, but we also will have a special area for local charities to showcase their good works.”

Abaco is home to five national parks and protected areas: Abaco National Park, Black Sound Cay Reserve, Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, Tiloo Cay Reserve, and Walker’s Cay National Park. All are managed by the Bahamas National Trust.