Culturama Art and Craft Exhibition ends tomorrow!!

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - ART and craft lovers have only tomorrow, Friday, to view and buy the many locally made products on exhibition at the Red Cross Building on Chapel Street in Nevis.

The five-day Culturama Art and Craft Exhibition, which features the work of Nevisians, began on Monday and is said to be attracting many visitors as well as nationals who have returned to participate in the 2008 Culturama activities.

Among those who have booths and are exhibiting their masterpieces is Ralston Elliot of Morning Star. Elliott was first introduced to the art of craft making in the 1970s and finds great fulfilment in producing and selling his products, but longs for the day vendors would be allowed to sell by the sidewalks.

“The authorities should lift the ban and allow us to sell on the streets,” he said.

Elliott has another interest. The craftsman told SKNVibes that he would love to teach students what he knows but since he did not acquire his skills through formal education, he does not qualify to be a mainstream teacher.

Another artisan is Mauricia Claxton, who after starring in “Unshackled” on Monday and Tuesday, is showcasing her talent in making craft from local materials. Claxton had learnt the ancient art from her mother and her use of local raw materials is unique and attractive.

She has made her items from clam cherry seeds, tamarind seeds, palm seeds and many other local raw materials. Sand box jewellery is a common feature at her booth.

Her first exhibition was at the Caribbean Craft and Gift Show held at the Marriott in 2006, and she revealed that her husband was the driving force in the showcasing of her products.

The government-owned Craft House is also exhibiting a variety of products, including processed mango chutney, jams, wines and other indigenous products and items. 

Ruby Parris, who is in charge of the Craft House’s booth, is inviting visitors, returning nationals and residents on Nevis to pay her a visit to get wines, jellies, juice concentrates and sauces made from locally grown raw materials.

The Seniors Recreational Programme also has a booth at the Exhibition filled with unique products. The Programme’s Coordinator, Gloria Sertina, said the Department of Social Services has facilitated the seniors to make baskets and various other items.

In Susan Pollard’s booth, one cannot help admiring the displayed sisal mats, tablemats, cushions and crochet made items. 

Pollard said the challenges of a craftsperson include being able to know what people like and what suits the surroundings in which they live.

Marie Mason’s booth is full of surprises. The seashell mini-water fountain is a major attraction and her locally made soaps are intriguing. 

She also displays soaps made from watermelons, mangoes, aloe vera and floating candles, among many other things. And masqueraders in Nevis have no cause to worry when they need new outfits, for she is very skilful in outfitting them.    ~~Adz:Left~~

Mason’s creativity does not have limits. She also makes jewellery and her latest creation is made from kente cloth. A chair that she exhibits displays her interior design skills. 

Others who have items on display include Vaughn Anslyn, a renowned artist who is displaying classic art pieces depicting Nevis’ landscape and other aspects of the island; Marina Simmons, who is displaying tie-dye dresses, cushions, artistic scroll and pieces of art; while Isaiah Parry displays sculptors and Yejide Parry is exhibiting homemade mirrors. Parry’s latest creation is a T-shirt line.