One of several initiatives undertaken by Atlantis, Paradise Island to bring the culture and vibrancy of The Bahamas to its guests, Art Walk at Marina Village celebrated its first year anniversary recently with many of its local artisans and musicians hailing it a success.

The bi-monthly event – held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month – in addition to showcasing Bahamian talent, fosters economic opportunities for Bahamian entrepreneurs and furthers Atlantis’ stance of commitment to helping develop local communities and improving the lives of the residents that live in those communities.

Atlantis Senior Vice President for Retail and Public Affairs and brainchild behind the event, Ed Fields, expressed his delight at what he feels is a goal accomplished.

“When Art Walk was conceptualized, we not only wanted to give our guests a real feeling and memorable experience for what we as Bahamians know is truly unique and wonderful about The Bahamas, but we also saw - and jumped at - an opportunity to provide an economic avenue and wider exposure to some of our local entrepreneurs – and as far as I am concerned, it’s working.

Our guests love this experience and the vendors, whether their business is in Food & Beverage, Arts and Crafts, or Music, are benefitting in a positive way,” he explained, adding that the event has also attracted support from the local community since it’s inception.

Cultural advocate and gallerist, Pam Burnside agrees. Wife of the late Jackson Burnside – noted Bahamian architect and painter who is credited with designing Marina Village, she called the event an “enlightening experience.” She added that she is grateful to Atlantis for having the vision to host Art Walk.

“A year in and it has been an unbelievable journey. Art Walk has expanded the presence of the art community in The Bahamas, taking us to the visitor as opposed to the visitor having to come to us because they are already in this setting.

Having the artists and craftspeople and even people who are selling things like papaya and dilly gives them easy access to that tru tru Bahamian experience.

This is what my husband wanted to see for Marina Village – these sort of things happening where the visitor is able to interact with the Bahamian and get a really good feeling what Bahamian art culture is really all about.

They are to walk through Marina Village, which has its own appeal, and they are able to speak with the artisans and engage them about their craft and in turn create beautiful memories.

Every time they wear that piece of jewellery or look at the art piece they purchased, there is a story that goes with it and that makes it that much more special.

An added benefit has been the support from the local community. To see Bahamians here supporting their fellow Bahamians, whether they are buying pieces of art or the handmade jewellery or pottery pieces, or eating at the Bahamian-owned restaurants, shows just how necessary Art Walk is. It has been an enlightening experience.”

For the vendors participating in Art Walk, the idea is pure gold as it not only gives them access to a wider audience in a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere, it also allows them to be more easily accessible for repeat business.

For some, it has given them a newer appreciation for their craft by allowing them to engage, and in some instances even share ideas, with guests of Atlantis.

“Art Walk has taken my business to another level. It’s been a godsend and has given me the opportunity to parlay into international shipping,” shared Lorette Evans of Sasha’s Foxy Paws, which offers cute pet clothing and accessories created with Androsia and Batik print fabric.

Nouveaux Art’s Don Adderley who creates items like Jewellery and fashion pendants from recycled glass, said feedback from his customers who appreciate the fact that his craft employs an environmentally-friendly concept, has served as a positive marketing aid.

“We use recycled glass from things that are so easily left as litter like beer and wine bottles, broken glass… The visitors really like that aspect of what we do and so it’s like a piece of lost and then found treasure they get to take home.”

Astrid Pinder’s Fine Ocean Jewellery features earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and anklets made with real sea glass, pieces of conch shell, shells from wilks and nickel-free wire wrapping. Art Walk at Marina Village, she said, is one of her favourite venues. “It’s been a great experience. I do this full time and because I’m a pop-up business, I show in a lot of different places. This is definitely one of my favourites. How can you beat this atmosphere? And the time – from 2pm to 10pm… I’ve found that the evening hours work best for my business. The tourists staying at Atlantis, and even locals, who come to Marina Village for dinner are able to walk through and see what’s available. I’ve even had customers who’ve purchased pieces from me previously come back and ask me if I remember them. It’s great!”

Tina Maycock, representing Jessica’s Tileworks – a newbie to Art Walk – said in only two showings, the increase in traffic and even repeat business is already evident. “We have a studio off Prince Charles Drive, but Art Walk makes it easier for new customers to see what we have to offer and we’ve also seen people who have previously purchased pieces from us turn up so it’s been great.”

Art Walk typically hosts some 40 – 50 local artisans showing off their wares which include jewellery, pottery, and paintings, among other things, as well as local farmers who get the opportunity to sell their fresh produce, and Bahamian entertainers.