Features
Laurel V Williams
For more than four decades, Sabina Allard has shared her knowledge of the visual and performing arts with many students, challenging and encouraging them to explore their artistic imaginations.
In 2015 after 41 years of teaching, she left the service after reaching retirement age. But this dynamic 67-year-old woman is far from retired.
“I enjoy creating acrylic paintings and pastel drawings as they represent my impressionist style. I also do screen printing and tie dye designs,” said Allard.
Her love for this cultural form is reflected in her paintings focused on the people and things dear to her. Her favorite time of year is Christmas, followed by Carnival.
Allard added, “Most of my subjects are Christmas and Carnival related. I also make custom pieces. I use photography and video to capture what I want to make. I also create ceramic pieces.”
– AYANNA KINSALE
Allard is one of several artists whose work is being featured in an exhibition at Arnim’s Art Galleria Ltd at Gulf View in La Romaine. It runs until January 26 and features a “collection of gems from our local educators and precious paintings.”
Allard is a member of two arts NGOs – Women in the Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT) and Arts by Creative Design (ABCD).
In 1974 at the age of 19, she began her teaching career at San Fernando Boys’ RC School, then went to Teachers’ Training College a few years later.
In 1983, she was posted to the College of St Benedict in La Romaine, where she taught visual arts and art design until 2015.
Allard holds a graduate degree in education in visual and performing arts and a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University of the West Indies.
She also has a studio at the family home in Purcell Street, Vistabella.
The funny and talented woman carried and still carries many wallets.
Allard is a member of the group parang Los Dinamicos which consisted of her siblings – Dr Francisca Allard, Genevieve Allard-Seales, Sepherina Allard and Philip Allard and close friends.
In addition to singing, Allard also plays toc toc.
She scored the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination for Art and Advanced Art and Design in Barbados.
She also served as a judge at carnival events in San Fernando and the surrounding area.
The Allard family is originally from Moruga, where the late patriarch Philip Allard was the headmaster of Moruga RC and Princes Town RC primary schools.
The family moved in the 1960s to the San Fernando area, but often returned to their hometown on Grand Chemin.
“From about 12 I entered art competitions. I won two bikes by entering competitions in newspapers. That’s how we learned to ride bikes. I remember coming third in an art competition by Berger Paints Ltd at the age of 19, Allard. said.
She also recalled her parents’ influence on her passion for art.
“Dad had drawings of plants, so I knew he had an idea about art. Dad went to Catholic Training College. He got distinctions in maths and music and high commendations in art and agriculture. I remember being in the fifth form , and dad asked if I wanted to go to (art) lessons. Mr. Sookoo of Naparima College helped me with the landscape and how to mix colors,” Allard said.
“Mum (Bartholina Allard) had an eye for design. She would sew clothes for us without plans, and they turned out really well. There were seven of us, so she used the same cloth for everyone.”
Allard’s experience and skills in the art form have allowed him to help create designs for members of Los Dinamicos for various events.
She also credited her then UWI lecturers Ken Critchlow and “Mr Ovid” for their input, saying they helped her immensely.
In 2002, Allard won the Prime Minister’s Award for Innovation and Invention in the Artistic Process category.
The ceremony organized by the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst) was an initiative supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education.
Some of Allard’s creations in the ongoing exhibition include images of members of Los Dinamicos, the late “parang queen” Daisy Voisin and several animals.
Other artists in the exhibition are Reita Antoine, Raymond Alexander, Hilma Smith Barnes, Allison S Mykoo, Judy Mungal and many others.
