ABACO - This January, some of the most celebrated Bahamian artists will gather at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina to share the beauty of their work while protecting the beauty of The Bahamas.
Now in its 6th year, the Art for the Parks Festival will take place January 23-25, 2015 and is a collaboration between Abaco Beach Resort, the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and corporate sponsors. More than 30 artists and artisans will exhibit their work providing both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to view and purchase artwork, while raising awareness and funding for the preservation of Abaco's six national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
"We look forward to once again hosting this wonderful event and are proud to play a part in the preservation of our natural environment," said Manny Alexiou, owner of Abaco Beach Resort. "What makes Art for the Parks so unique is that it not only showcases the natural wonders of the Bahamas through the work of our talented art community, but it also reminds us of the importance of protecting these areas so that future generations can enjoy them."
Event attendees will enjoy viewing and purchasing works in all mediums including oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, handcrafted wood products, dazzling jewelry and incredible fabric art. Art for the Parks commences with a cocktail reception on Friday and continues through the weekend with musical entertainment, local cuisine, a fresh market on Saturday, side-walk chalk art competition on Saturday, live art demonstrations by select artists as well as a natural history lecture about the region.
Back by popular demand on Sunday, January 25, is 'Drama and Comedy in the Park' featuring David Wallace, well known playwright, comedian, actor and former MP. Known for his political comedies, Wallace promises to bring his own unique spin on the environment, national parks, 'conchservation' and the Trust to 'Drama and Comedy in the Park'.
"The Art for the Parks event was the idea of local Abaco artists who wanted a show that would allow them to promote and display their art while supporting the national parks on Abaco," said Lynn Gape, Deputy Executive Director of the BNT. "It has been a great partnership as the artists participate in the planning, and we continue to receive amazing support from the Abaco Beach Resort and local corporate partners."
Local students will also have the opportunity to demonstrate not only their artistic talent but also their commitment to the environment by creating art out of 'rubbish'. The BNT will announce the winners of the Reduce - Reuse - Recycle Art Competition at the Art for the Parks event on Saturday.
Art for the Parks opens on Friday, January 23, with the gala cocktail reception from 6 to 9 p.m,. Saturday events open at 10 a.m. - 6 p.m; and Sunday events are from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission to the cocktail reception is $10 BNT members, $15 non-BNT members; Saturday and Sunday is $5 for adults and $2 for children under 12 years of age. Visit the BNT's Facebook page to learn more about this year's Art for the Parks.
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