We can all agree that the Grenada Cultural Foundation did a great job showcasing Grenada’s culture during the rest day for the cricket.
The weather cooperated and an incident-free, good time was enjoyed by all on the Carenage. The visitors looked engaged and comfortable, of course, due to the warm, welcoming spirit of our own Grenadian people.
One aspect that may have gone unnoticed was all the entrepreneurs who were plying their trade for the event. The food vendors, the craft people, the T-shirt makers, all hi-lighting the best of what is made in Grenada. Nothing imported here, just Grenadian goodness.
- Richie Modeste
Of note, the tent sponsored by the Grenada Arts Council, and organised by Tamika Gilbert. Four young men who have made it their business and their life’s work to be fulltime painters shared their paintings with the audience. And since art always seems to run in families, a jewellery maker and shoe embellisher joined the crew.
John Henry, Denis Lyon “Yankee”, Richie Modeste and Kendal Alexis painted their way into people’s hearts with scenes of the iconic nutmeg, fish, sunsets, and other reminders of Grenada. Most encouraging was to see Grenadians themselves buying the work. It shows that we have begun to appreciate our own. Even our Governor General, Dame Cecile de la Grenade put her hand in her pocket to make a purchase.
- Kendal Alexis
The money generated from the sales of these paintings stays in our local economy. It pays rent, buys groceries, pays utility bills, and provides meaningful work for these young men. And as the years go by, the art will appreciate in value. Today’s purchase from a young artist becomes tomorrows treasure that can be passed from generation to generation. A hundred years from now, these works of art will tell Grenada’s story in a compelling and authentic way. Lucky the great-grandchildren to whom they are passed.
- Grenadian collector purchases from John Henry
Grenada Arts Council will once again hold a pop-up exhibit for a day at Spiceland Mall. Saturday, 6 April is the date. Information for artists to participate can be found on the website, www.grenadaartscouncil.com
Grenada Arts Council
