The programme on cultural development was undertaken in collaboration with the Guyana Women Artists Association (GWAA) under the theme ‘Art: Remembering and Preserving Our Heritage.’
The youths were inspired by coordinator of the programme, renowned artist, Phillip Moore, who displayed some of his art pieces. He told the students he hoped that in the next few years “someone from Lichfield would do something magnificent.”
Moore who only made it to the session yesterday encouraged the participants to “believe in yourselves and express yourselves.” He told them too that “art is a form of visual education to stimulate people.”
He examined the students’ work and told them in what area they needed improvement, while also taking time off to give his autograph.
Co-coordinator, Carol Fraser, a member of GWAA who conducted the other sessions told this newspaper that she was impressed with the talents of the students.
She has recognized at least three potential artists from the batch, including an eight-year-old girl. She has encouraged the girl to sit art at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination.
She also urged the two older participants to join the Burrowes School of Art (BSA) and enhance their talents, but they have said that they may not be able to afford the two-year course.
The first day she taught the students to “mix colours and express themselves. I took them outside and told them to look around, and they were inspired by the natural surroundings.”
The next day the students took “found objects” from their homes and Fraser assisted them to utilize them to create crafts. On Thursday the participants used materials like sponge, straw and tips of paint brushes to create textures.
They also made chandeliers using plastic bottles, bottle covers and calabashes, and Fraser said she was impressed by their ability.
According to her, “the students had the taboo that art was just paint and canvas, but now they would start collecting materials.”
The workshop is the fifth of six that were funded by the IDB and started last year. The other areas where workshops have been held includes Yarrowkabra, Linden Highway and the Essequibo Coast.
Fraser, a fashion designer for 26 years and the owner of Miracle Hands, said it was a privilege to work with Moore on the project and she has learnt a lot from him. She also worked at Courts Furniture Store as an interior designer in the merchandising department.
