College of The Bahamas (COB) student Jodi Minnis knows it isn't easy starting an artist's career. President of the Pro Society, COB's art society, Minnis understands the vitality of a strong social support network for up-and-coming artists. As a Popop prize winner, she's been given a broad platform of exposure by some of the country's most respected visual artists.
Taken under the wing of Antonius Roberts, as his curatorial assistant at The Central Bank of The Bahamas, Minnis' experience working with Roberts has afforded her the opportunity to mature as an artist and future professional curator. That's why she vouches for the importance in recognizing some of the most significant mentoring relationships in The Bahamas' visual arts community. Now, Minnis, along with Pro Society Vice President Celeste Harding, are paying homage to these bonds with the Pro Gallery's most recent exhibition, The Past that Sharpened the Present.
Featuring the work of four Bahamian artists, John Beadle, Stan Burnside, John Cox and Antonius Roberts, The Past that Sharpened the Present opened this past Wednesday. The exhibition reflects Harding and Minnis' desire to "give the students an idea of the richness of the art community and how closely related the college is with the wider art community" while also highlighting the role that mentoring has played within the quartet.
"I know what having relationships with seasoned artists and people in the field that you want to be in can do for young artists," said Minnis. "I know through research. And through listening to Mr. Beadle talk, I know what his relationship with Mr. Burnside did for him. I went to Schooner Bay with Mr. Roberts and Mr. Cox for the Popop prize, and through listening to them and seeing them engage, I know what their relationship is about. It's more than a professional relationship."
Curated by Minnis and Harding, inspiration for the exhibition came out of the students' eagerness to develop the space as a gallery that professional artists might use. It would be easier said than done. With the Pro Gallery needing a little TLC, the society leaders took matters into their own hands. Thanks to a little elbow grease, cosmetic repairs and a private donation, the space can now proudly host the works of some of The Bahamas' legendary visual artists.
The Past that Sharpened the Present is getting the ball rolling with the first chance to see works by the four artists displayed together at The College of The Bahamas. Minnis hopes that the show will serve as a stimulant "for the renewal of the integrity of the gallery and the exposure to the student body" of the local art community's intellect and talents.
The exhibition's opening coincides with the beginning of COB's academic year - this timing is not by chance. Minnis believes in the importance of giving new art students an opportunity to see the art department's capabilities.
"I've encountered a lot of students who have fallen into other majors because they were unsure of the art department, unsure of what we do, unsure of the type of relationships they would form while being here," said Minnis. "We're having a series of shows to highlight the potential of the department."
Artist and COB art lecturer Michael Edwards finds Minnis and Harding's initiative an encouraging move for the art department.
"I think it's pretty good that students are engaging in curatorial work and taking an active role in the gallery, in running their own space, in galvanizing support for The College of The Bahamas and for the Pro Gallery," he said. "I think it sets a precedent for this art department moving forward."
The Past that Sharpened the Present will be open to the public until September 6. The Pro Gallery's visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Those interested in learning more about the Pro Society and Pro Gallery are encouraged to visit their Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/ProSocietyCOB and https://www.facebook.com/ProGallery, respectively.

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