Seventeen promising young artists have benefitted from a recently-concluded Visual Arts Mentorship Programme designed to bolster their artistic abilities in both painting and sculpture as they prepare for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations in Visual Arts.
According to Ministry of Education (MoE) release yesterday, this groundbreaking initiative which took place at the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus, was a collaborative effort between the TVET Unit of MoE and the Creative Arts Department at UG, and highlighted continued commitment of both MoE and UG to the fostering of artistic talent.
Over the past two weeks, participants had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in intensive, hands-on sessions led by some of the most esteemed figures in the visual arts community. Renowned painting instructor, Elodie Cage-Smith, and accomplished sculpture mentor, Winslow Craig, guided the students through various techniques and creative processes.
This mentorship, the release noted, provided a platform for these young artists to explore new artistic methods, refine their skills, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals.
Lori Ann Jacobs, the Education Officer for Visual Arts overseeing the programme, reflected on its profound impact. “The quality of work produced by these students has been nothing short of extraordinary. This year’s programme has significantly improved our pass rates in Visual Arts, and we are optimistic about extending its reach in the future.”
She noted that the programme has not only enhanced the students’ practical skills but also instilled a deeper appreciation for the arts, aligning perfectly with the educational goals of preparing students for their examinations.
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Bonita Hunter, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme’s success. “The support provided through this initiative has been invaluable. Art plays a crucial role in helping us understand the world around us, and it is essential that we nurture and support young artists. I hope that the experiences and memories gained here will inspire students to continue pursuing their artistic passions and contribute meaningfully to society.”
And Winslow Craig, the sculpture instructor, praised the students for their dedication and creativity. “Watching the students manipulate unfamiliar materials and produce such aesthetically pleasing results has been truly inspiring. Their commitment to the craft and their ability to innovate with physical mediums demonstrate the high caliber of talent we have nurtured through this programme.”
According to MoE, the programme stands as a testament to the power of targeted, hands-on mentorship in the visual arts, with improved pass rates and a heightened sense of artistic confidence among the students. It posited that as the students return to their respective schools, they carry with them not just enhanced skills, but also a renewed passion for the arts, the release added.
