With celebrations moved inside at the Rand Nature Centre due to inclement weather on Saturday, April 28, Grand Bahama joined many people and organizations around the world to observe the 40th anniversary of International Earth Day 2012.
The Grand Bahama Branch of the Bahamas National Trust Earth Day events included fresh market vendors providing fresh fruits and vegetables, exotic plants and tasty cakes and the Mobilize the Earth Art Exhibition, with artists on hand to discuss their art and a local wood carver demonstrating his craft.
Presenting the Art Exhibition were the members of the Grand Bahama Artists Association who showcased subjects, styles and techniques that focused on the many aspects of the environment. The works of Sheldon Saint, Gail Woon, Steve Stubbs, Eva Dehmel, Bob Tarzwell, Ken Heslop, June Pelecanos, Portia Colebrooke, Jacki Boss and Del Foxton were on display.
The exhibition included abstract works made of materials derived directly from the earth representing the beauty of nature, marred by the human need for fossil fuel consumption, African masks carved from a cut tree discarded and left for someone else to remove, a 10 pound world globe made from the daily newspapers, a coconut shaft collection, Marilyn Monroe, oil on canvas and many artistic renderings depicting the landscape, flora and fauna of our Earth.
Wood carver Bob Tarzwell gave hands-on techniques on how to take a raw piece of wood and transform it into a beautiful mask. Many observed Tarzwell as he worked his magic with a few trying to master the craft. Tarzwell was careful to present all the safety precautions a beginner should observe.
Although the fresh market or the wood carver will not be present, Mobilize the Earth Art Exhibition is on view until May 31, 2012.
And how does Marilyn Monroe fit into the Earth Day celebration?

Everyone is invited to come and find out. The Glory Banks Gallery in the Rand Nature Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission to the Glory Banks Art Gallery is free.
For more information on Mobilize the Earth Art Exhibition contact 353-4333 or the Rand Nature Centre at 352-5438.
For more images, check out our online gallery at www.thenassauguardian.com.

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