Tobago
Good luck George
Bishop High School’s Mateya Fraser, with her painting Tobago – Rich Heritage, Bright Future, walked away with $3,000 and $10,000 for her school after being adjudged the winner of the Tobago Secondary Schools Art Competition 2022.
Of the 35 entries, her piece, which earned 270 points, and 11 others will feature in the 2023 edition of the Office of the Chief Secretary (OCS) calendar.
Their work was judged by TT Art Society members Debra Evans, Hudaa Mohammed and Deborah Clement.
Addressing the awards ceremony on Tuesday in Scarborough Library’s Anne Mitchell-Gift Auditorium, THA General Secretary Farley Augustine congratulated all 35 participants.
He encouraged students to pay more attention to visual arts.
“I strongly believe in art in education. Art in education provides an avenue for our youth to be creative, and that goes without saying. They are able to express themselves through visual art, whether they use their hands to sculpt or paint – whatever medium they choose, creativity flows from their hands.
“But there is research that shows there is a strong correlation between academic performance and students being involved in the arts—spending at least three to four hours or so a day in the arts.”
He said there was a culture that was thankfully changing now that said it was not possible to make a living from art.
“I’ve been to a few art galleries and I’ve seen some pieces and I’ll say, ‘I like this piece,’ and when I check the price, it’s more than my salary. So imagine if an artist sells two of them in a month, you are more than well paid.
“The point is that we need to change the stereotype associated with art and artists. We also need to start providing some spaces for our artists.”
He said he was told the quality of all 35 entries was high and believes the assembly should find ways to motivate those who did not make the final 12.
“The competition is really high-quality. Additionally, divisions across the THA will be required to purchase student artwork, outside of Year 12, so that the artwork does not return to schools to collect dust somewhere, but so that it can to appear beautiful to us. public offices.”
His sentiments were shared by head administrator Ethlyn John, who acknowledged the talent of the students. Tobago, she said, stands out for its culture.
“We are one of the most innovative and creative people on this planet. Today, while we have seen the rise of several new artists, I believe there is still a lot of room to develop the visual arts on the island and to preserve and protect the tradition.
“Whether you decide to pursue your education or career in the arts, I encourage you to contribute your creativity and artistic knowledge to the economic, social and cultural development of this island. Tobago needs your talent.”
Following the awards ceremony, the Chief Secretary’s 2023 calendar was unveiled, the large-scale calendar that provides a way to promote Tobago’s young artists throughout the year.
The other 11 finalists:
Scarborough High School: Brielle Roberts and Shade Roberts
Roxborough High School: Keyera Dookhan
Speyside High School: Cey Cey Shanghie, Alyssa Lezama, Shaquel George, Tafique Stewart, Israel Melville, Jahawae Tobias, Kalifa Sylvester and Nikyla Shenice Beckles.
They won $1,500 each.
