The Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central presents its fifth annual wine and art event, the first since COVID, tomorrow at Bookland Gardens.
The wine and art event has been the group’s signature fundraiser event since 2015 and this year there will be two live classes and the finest selection of locally sold wines.
Club President Nicole Haynes shared that proceeds from tomorrow’s event will go towards funding the Healthy Me project, which targets childhood obesity in the community of Victoria, East Coast Demerara. Rotaract Georgetown Central is hoping to provide sports equipment to the community centre there so youths can stay fit through sports like cricket and basketball.
With a nutritionist on board, the organisation is also looking to set up some cooking stations at the community centre and have boys in the community learn to cook. Haynes noted that the dishes they prepare will be authentic Guyanese dishes but made in a healthier way.
Haynes explained that the organisation believes that residents of Georgetown and its environs have access to similar opportunities which is why the club focuses on communities away from the city. Having served various rural communities over the years, this time Victoria was chosen because a need exists.
She said the organisation is looking to “provide a platform and generate revenue for local artists, promote culture, provide a space for businesses and provide a market for their products, and build funds to promote community projects.”
Seventeen artists were onboard for tomorrow’s event at the time she spoke with The Scene. Renowned traditional and digital artist Michael Griffith will facilitate a live painting class dubbed ‘Cork and Canvas’. Other artists expected to be in attendance are Mercedes Roberts who specialises in candle making; Maya Hercules (painting, drawing, design of boots and creation of water globes); Leon Hardowar (painting); Zoya Samaroo (handmade jewelry); Milika Stephens (handmade jewelry); Desnetha Croker (tie dye); Asha Kissoon (painting and design); Shaquana Cummings-Seecharan (painting, sculpture, design, drawing, printed work and ceramics); Annastaysha Marcano (painting); Meresa Ramrattan (painting); Bevan Allicock (painting and drawing); Vibert Dummett (painting, design and drawing); Delancia Semple (painting); Shykah Persaud (painting); Kezyah Bhola (painting); and Celeste Hinds (craft, luxury design and signs).
Art and wine events have been known to attract attendance of more than 200 people. According to Haynes, so far, there has been much support for tomorrow’s event. “Come out and support this cause, come out and support young local artists, and learn new hobbies,” Haynes invited.
She also took the opportunity to acknowledge Bistro Wine, Massy Distributions, Kings Liquor Incorporated, Bookland Gardens, Small Business Bureau, Impressions, Star Rentals, Wesley Haynes General and Civil Contracting Services and Twisted Blend which will be responsible for the 360° glam cam at the event. In keeping with COVID guidelines all classes will be socially distanced. Those in attendance are required to be vaccinated.
The Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central was chartered in April 1993. It has coordinated numerous projects, the current one being Professional Me, which targets entrepreneurs. Healthy Me is slated to coincide with the celebration of the club’s 27th anniversary next month.
General admission to the wine and art event is $5,000 while the ‘Cork and Canvas’ Live Painting Class and the Uncorked Wine Tasting Class cost $10,000 each. All wines are locally made.
The event begins at 3 pm. Tickets are available via the club’s Facebook page, Rotaract Georgetown Central.
