Members of the Grand Bahama Artists Association (GBAA) are wearing their hearts on their sleeves - and canvases. This Friday, February 9, a group of about 25 artists from the GBAA will be presenting their work in their Annual Valentine's Day Exhibition at the National Trust's Glory Bank Gallery in the Rand Nature Memorial Centre on East Settler's Way, Grand Bahama.
Grand Bahama-based artist Del Foxton explains that the GBAA have been holding an exhibition on Valentine's Day for many years in order to spread the love for their craft.
"We felt it was for the love of art. It was just natural. We can exhibit what we have love and passion for - art," she says.
Indeed the GBAA, which formed in 1997 to create a community of artists and art appreciation, is all about supporting artists in their careers. In fact, says Foxton, this upcoming show will be a chance to see many emerging artists now practicing on Grand Bahama along with the more established members.
"We want that to be known - that you are coming to see both established and emerging artists," says Foxton. "It's an opportunity for all of us and the community."
For Foxton, the GBAA provides a nurturing environment to encourage artists to pursue their passion - important on an island where artists can be scattered. Besides their two annual exhibitions for Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving, they also provide educational opportunities during workshops, art lectures and art talks that not only include contributions by local artists, but visitors as well.
"When I came here and joined the association in 2004, I was taken in my infancy, really, before my full-time art career," says Foxton. "And I've never looked back because they're inclusive and supportive and there's camaraderie and places to exhibit your work."
"I'm excited to have a place to be a part of - they do say art is a lonely profession but this little network we have offers excitement for artists and the community."
The fact that the association has been growing by leaps and bounds recently is a testament to that encouraging environment that not only welcomes new artists but also members who simply have a great love and appreciation for art. Expanding their membership has also meant the group has been receiving more recognition in the community and opportunities to exhibit their work during many events.
"There is a buzz for us here on the island. People are asking for us as an association to come and exhibit our work," says Foxton. "It's exciting because it's an awareness that art belongs in the community. It's also an awareness that art is here on Grand Bahama."
It is with that palpable excitement on the island that these artists go into this year's Annual Valentine's Day Exhibition, ready to attract more art lovers not only to the GBAA, but to the beautiful art that will be on display as well.
With pieces in a range of media - paintings, wood carvings, tapestries and even handmade paper - and subject matter, those looking for a special gift for the occasion can also rest assured they'll find what they need.
"People are always buying the same gifts - enough with the chocolates and the flowers," says Foxton. "With art, you'll have it every time you walk by in your house. It's an opportunity to get a gift that lives and lives."
The Annual Valentine's Day Exhibition by the Grand Bahama Artists Association will hold its opening reception on February 9 7-9 p.m. at the National Trust's Glory Bank Gallery in the Rand Nature Memorial Centre on East Settler's Way, Grand Bahama. It will be available for viewing free to the public Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the exhibition or the GBAA, visit www.gbartistsassociation.com or call 1-242-353-4333.
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