Nature Blooms at Castellani House

─ exhibition continues until November 2

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, October 17, 2019

“I love painting! I started painting a lot and I had the pieces in my home and then I thought my friends would like to see what I have and maybe the general public. Because I think there is a message,” Sandra LaRocque remarked, as she chatted with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday evening.

LaRocque, who is from Dominica, is one of two artists, whose artworks were featured at the ‘Nature Blooms’ exhibition, hosted at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton and Ministry of within the Ministry of Social Protection, Hon. Keith Scott [right], intrigued by the exhibits.

Sandra LaRocque, one of the featured artists.

Aelisha Garnett-Williams, one of the featured artists.

Persons viewing the exhibitions at the Castellani House.

Persons viewing the exhibitions at the Castellani House.

Artwork on display at the ‘Nature Blooms’ exhibition at the Castellani House.

The dedicated artist explains that it takes a lot of effort putting together her paintings. LaRocque said the showcasing of her work at the National Art Gallery is a huge accomplishment. She encouraged the viewers to put aside self and patiently absorb every piece on display to comprehend its story.

Aelisha Garnett-Williams, the other featured artist was overwhelmed with the support the event garnered and the compliments she received. “I am still floating a bit on cloud nine… in my wildest dream, I did not expect this to come through but it did with the help of my friend who was very persistent in us demonstrating what we can create and what we can do as artists in Guyana,” a beaming Garnett-Williams said.

Garnett-Williams has been teaching art since 2004 and, according to her, after discovering her natural talent, she realised that it can be used as therapy – something she practices frequently.

DPI team observed one patron Robin Cromer, who was without a doubt connected to every piece of art she came across. Soliciting a comment from her, Cromer eagerly described her experience. “I really enjoyed the exhibits. The colours were very vibrant and I saw some scenes from Guyana that were really nice. For example, the one with the seawall, I really have enjoyed walking on the seawall, so it was fun to see the paintings this evening.”

Enthusiastically declaring the exhibition open, Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton expressed his pleasure with the amazing event. He commended the duo for adding their unique style to the landscape of art and Guyana’s heritage.

“I stand here this evening knowing that the goals of regional culture engagement outside of Carifesta are well represented through collaboration between this evening; Dominica and Guyana in the person of these artists.”

This is the first exhibition in the last quarter of the year, with two more events to complete the year. Persons are encouraged to drop in to view the exhibitions at the Castellani House, which continues until November 2.