Kim Roberts one of the artists and organizers of the event.

Art for the Parks Abaco

The Bahamas National Trust , Abaco Beach Resort, local Artists and corporate supporters have come together to provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to Abaco to view the works of over 30 talented Bahamian artists on January 29, 30 and 31. All proceeds from the Art for the Parks Abaco festival will go to support the six national parks on Abaco. The event will open on Saturday, January 30 at 10:00 am and Sunday, January 31 at 12 noon at the Abaco Beach Resort, Marsh Harbour. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children u 12.

“Some of the most talented artists in The Bahamas will be displaying original artwork, oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolours, hand turned wood products, dazzling jewelry, and fabulous fabric art. “ said Lynn Gape, Deputy Director of the BNT.

Art for the Parks . a two day event will offer the visitors the opportunity to meet exhibiting artists, see their stunning pieces and sample fine cuisine a the Abaco Beach Resort.

K.Smith the leading pencil artist in The Bahamas and one of the few artists in North America who work exclusively in graphite and coloured pencil will be participating in the festival. He will be premiering the second of his mangrove drawings at Art for the Parks. The first “Mangrove Tranquility” premiered at the BNT’s Annual Wine and Art Festival in October 2009. Kim donated 10% of the sale proceeds from the painting to the BNT and will be doing the same with his newest work” Mangrove Meditation”. His passion and impeccable attention to detail have earned him the reputation of being one of the finest in the field of drawing. His ability to produce lifelike images captures the essence of the natural environment as well as the authenticity of historical architecture .

Jonathan Bethel, a graduate of St. Andrew’s School and Clemson University, was the winner in 2001 of the Eighteenth Annual Central Bank of the Bahamas Art Competition, the most prestigious local competition for young artists. Jonathan feels need to recreate the Bahamas on canvas Today his paintings capture the majesty and character of Bahamian life and scenery. Using acrylic paint as his medium, he explores a wide array of subjects, such as historic Bahamian homes and landmarks, colourful native plants, and of course the luminous waters of the Bahamas.

Also exhibiting will be Susan Roberts, whose paintings of the underwater world reflect her fascination with all that lives under the sea. Susan’s hope is that in visually sharing what she sees, with her style of realism and use of colour, that she has captured images of the amazing world that surrounds us and that you will be as s moved and excited by what you see as she is. If you have never been beneath the waves, her art makes you fel as though you actually are!

One of the many talented local artists who will be displaying at the event is Andy Albury, of Man O War Cay. A master carpenter he has preserved a piece of the pats in the form of his beautiful and handcrafted wooden model boats. His models replicate the Abaco boats of days gone by and adorn some of the most modern homes in the islands.

If fabric art is your thing you will want to visit with Kim Roberts of Bahama Dawn Designs. Her quilts, pillows and framed fabric paintings reflect the vivid beauty of Bahamian sealife and the flora and fauna of our warm tropical climate.

Talented woodturners Stephen Knowles and Robin Hardy will be displaying hand turned bowls, vases and other decorative items from salvaged native hardwoods.

“We have been overwhelmed with the response to Art for the Parks” said Kim Roberts, one of the local organizers. “ We have many artisans as well as artists, and are delighted to have such a diverse group of talent under one roof. Especially exciting is to have uniquely designed jewelry from Marlee Mason, Pirates and Pearls, Marcella Dean, Sea Glass Designs and Amanda Darville.”

The Festival will open with a special gala evening on Friday, January 29^th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Abaco Beach Resort will be offering a special buffet dinner at Angler’s Restaurant with entertainment provided by Stephen Coleb