OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica)

By the cool of the flowing river in the Searganntville Community, OAaSIS volunteers will host a one-day workshop at the church building.
The area is ideal for a picnic and fun day by the river, painting, or a photoshoot and so for everyone there is double gain or more even.
The Seargantville Community is active and has over 1,000 residents.

The date is set for March 28, the last Sunday before Easter Weekend.

Please consider the following carefully and confirm your attendance, as we need to know how many persons to cater for with refreshments, and should anyone need transport to this spot 1 hour from Kingston, please do not hesitate to ask!

TITLE: Creative Workshop Series — “The Critical Role and Impact of the Arts”
LOCATION: Seargantville Community
DATE: March 28 (last Sunday before Easter weekend)
TIME: 1″00-3:30
————————————SCHEDULE——————————————————–
For each day there will be three sections, in which your participation will be required (Motivation; Workshop; Project) in person, video, audio or work.
(1) MOTIVATOR where you can share about your career path, or anything relating and contributing to the development of children
PROPOSED LENGTH (15 minutes)
(2) WORKSHOP where you can make a presentation involving the children
PROPOSED LENGTH (30 min) or (1 hour) or 45 minute slots BUT PREARRANGED beforehand with other workshop presenter
(3) PROJECT where you can display or share your work through audio or video presentation, or as a live performance or exhibition.. or (b) through an actual hands-on-project such as assisting the children to prepare a painting or poem or skit or song etc.
PROPOSED LENGTH (45 mins)
MARCH 28:
01:00 – 02:00: Ceremony
02:00 – 02:05:
02:05 – 2:15 :MOTIVATOR (Life now, then future and you as a creative personality)
02:15 – 02:45: WORKSHOP: What is Arts | Relevance of Arts & Creativity |
02:45 – 03:00: PROJECT: Reading is Fun
03:00 – 03:25: PROJECT: Paint Me a mural on creation
03:25 – 03:30: Ceremony
REFRESHMENTs for presenters/crew!
————————————————RSVP——————————————————
Please confirm your hour of participation and your method and section as soon as possible. We would love to have an idea as to how many persons, and the format. Especially in preparing the certificates.
PLEASE CONFIRM BY Monday, MARCH 12.
OTHER CREATIVE WORKSHOP SERIES are being scheduled for communities, and schools including:
St Theresa’s Preparatory, St Thomas, Port Royal (1-3 days only)
NB: DONATIONS
Where you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation, however small. You will receive advertising space on the website, the event or a small token expressing and confirming the appreciation of those who benefit. Plus proper accounting of the same.
Bless You all!

The OAaSIS Family can have updates through tevelised broadcast, courtesy of the increasingly popular YouTube.com services.
Currently, OAaSIS International Foundation networks members of the creative industry and relating fields in empowering the creative mind of youth; advancing their development in all areas.
Official videographer is Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realism Films, who produces and edits films, and official photographer is Simon Thompson also from Enhanced Realism Films.

On YouTube.com, the foundation’s televised productions are shown under the name OAaSISintTV, abbreviated from OAaSIS International TV.

Here’s the first recording done. The occasion was at the Allman Town Primary, where the Foundation hosted its first in the Creative Workshop Series.

Those featured on the 9:23 clip are:
Kamal Hinds who gave a workshop on his GSAT Games, which enables children to prepare for GSAT examinations while having ‘fun’
Cordel Green (Attorney-at-Law, also executive director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica) who endorsed the event
Patrick James who is a graphic designer
Farenheit (singer, actor, graphic designer, musician, dancer, motivator) who is a patron of the Foundation. He along with OAaSIS founder Anthea McGibbon attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts

Lots of things are in store for all who connect with the Arts this year. For sure good notes were written at the recent Art of Music Festival.

Third World band members revealed in a press conference that they will be publishing two books, one for children as they celebrate their 37th anniversary as a band. Their children’s book will teach about Jamaica’s culture and patriots.

Rebecca Packer, from the Reggae Pickney who will be working on the book in due time, told OAaSIS International about another book that will be published soon. The Reggae Pickney team members, which include Jana and Rupert Bent and Dr Veronica Salter are working hard to publish another book in the Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band series. This time Shaggy Parrot, voiced by Shaggy will have a turtle for a costar. Rebecca, says that another Jamaican singer will be the voice of the turtle, and the book also will be illustrated by a Jamaican. The layout for the colouring book is already finished and will not take as long as the colouring book for the Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae band to be ready.

The team sources their information on the environment from NEPA and uses the books to teach on marine life and animals of both land and sea. This new book will address issues affecting turtles, however. Issues such as the turtles being forced to eat plastic bags, garbage floating in the river that are being ingested by the turtles. Rebecca believes that Jamaicans who are creative are also scientific, and intellectual. Therefore in the future there will be books on the universe and space.

At the Art of Music festival, previously named Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues fest, the visual artists showcased their many skills. A lot of persons loved meeting the characters from the Outamenni Experience who represented different periods of Jamaica’s history. There were sketch artists such as Jeffrey Perry making portraits Buck’s Designs sold souvenirs of Art of Music which they made like teeshirts.

There were lots of craft made from materials like wood and leather and ceramics. Bridgette Sandals showed off her slippers she made for sale. Mutabaruka showed fashion, and Philip Supersad, sold his hand-made drums and ceramic pieces that makes him a master potter. Bianca was one artist who had jewellery like rings and hair pieces and broaches and handbags.

There were artists from Montego Bay like Alpha Arts, and from Ocho Rios like Hopeton Powell. Hopeton Powell and his mother, Eugene Williams brought artworks from different relatives. Some of them were of dance moves, and teansport Jamaicans used through the years like donkey carts.

Ringling School of Arts and Design graduate, Tamika Wright launched “Only in Jamaica” photographs on posters, and books on images found only in Jamaica, like signs with misspelt words that made the signs look funny, and as the house built on railroad tracks.

READ MORE in The Gleaner’s Arts section and the children’s own.

Arts in Harmony.

DAY 6: Creative workshop series at Allman Town Primary concludes

On Friday, January 22 over 30 artists, artistes were thanked for the time they gave to Allman Town Primary. The artists and artistes and others in relating fields were helping the OAaSIS International foundation, in presenting a creative workshop series from January 13 -22 at the school. Each day there was a motivator, a workshop and a project to help the children better understand and use their creative power in life. The overall title of the series was “the Critical Role and Impact of the Arts’.
The six main subtopics were “What is Art?; “Expressions?; “Careers in Arts”; “Linking Arts to Hearts and other fields”; “Productions and Being creative in life.” The students were very enthusiastic and did everything they could not to be sent out of the sessions.
Although they were all impacting, the popular sessions included those by Farenheit, Jermaine Gordon, Peter Lloyd, Melhanie Spence and the mural, Reiko Nagase, Colonel Derby and of course the Kemarch “Wizad the Magician” Dodd.
Four volunteer student reporters from grade 4, spoke on behalf of all the young participants.

 

1. Samantha Vassell said her favourites were Peter Lloyd and Jermaine Gordon. Peter Lloyd told the children, that “they were important as kings and queens, … and that they were get a good education, and focus regardless, as there is nothing, nothing that they can’t do.” Kingston Container accountant Jermaine Gordon taught the children songs, how to make up songs, and played keyboards.
2. Deborah Campbell loved the Shaggy Parrot and Reggae band session. “All the children were glad to be able to sing along from beginning to end” she said. “We enjoyed the musical part, while learning about water polution, and musical instruments.”
3. Kymani Thompson spoke about Careers in the Creative Industry, from the list of careers given to the students. He was happy that he “now knows choices in the creative industry, and in other fields that were not art but art was used like being a pilot, and an architect. When he spoke, the principal’s eyes went wide open, and some of the teachers were surprised.
Kymani also loved Farenheit who came as a writer, actor, singer, musician. He and Jermaine had many artistic skills, and, Jermaine Gordon who taught them to sing “You can’t get a job, without education to the tune of “You cant get to heaven without salvation’” and Oscar Derby.
4. Geovanni Bonito – Grade 4 wants to be a magician after watching Kemarch “Wizad the Magician”, and said his favourite trick was when Wizad turned the paper into money. Farenheit, ‘Sean Paul’s friend’ who taught them to work at all their creative skills and education like he did and the song he sang on the first day was nice, he reported. Before the ceremony began Bonito also spoke of Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Derby, head of Civil Aviation authority, who was investigating the plane crash, and taught them about art, on the airplanes, being a pilot and an architect.

The parents also constantly said thanks all week long, and offered to help in any way they could.
At the closing on Friday, January 22, the principal Kandi-lee Crooks-Smith who thanked everybody said her heart was full as OAaSIS founder Anthea McGibbon was the only person who physically responded to her many requests. In the past two years she appealed for help with the arts for the school, and was also glad because Anthea rallied up additional persons to assist.
The children’s portable mural “Colour Harmony” was given to the Bank of Jamaica’s Sandra Moodie and Ellan Neil. The magician made a dove fly away from a painting. to close the series, artistes Sophia Brown, Cecile, Chris Martin and Iyah Shine spoke of their art, the importance of getting an education and also understanding their skills, and performed songs.
Donald Oliver who won the PM award for excellence was among those, to get a certificate of recognition for achieving with his creative expressions. The certificates were given to recognised persons who were either a former resident of the area or former student of the school. all who helped and participated got certificates of appreciation and participation.

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

DAY 6: Creative Workshop Series at Allman Town Primary ends with Solid memories

Last Friday, January 22, at the end of the creative workshop series for Allman Town Primary, the closing ceremony lasting 3 hours was a display of creative skills, new and experienced. All expressions, performing, literary and visual which included culinary were featured, to the satisfaction of the school’s principal, parents and students.

The gratitude shown overflowed to guest performing artistes Sophia Brown, Cecile, Chris Martin, Iyah Shine who were rallied up by Solid Agency’s Christopher Campbell to assist at the last minute.  They strengthened the impact of other Jamaica’s most popular reggae artists working with children through the OAaSIS Foundation from a creative perspective. During the creative workshop series, other renowned artistes such as Farenheit (backup singer to Sean Paul), and Peter Lloyd, did motivational presentations and hands on workshops to expose the children to their career as an art form, in keeping with one of the Foundation’s objectives.

Over a two-year period principal Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith had been appealing in the media for assistance with the ARTS training at the school, highlighting at one point that classes were being held under a tree. She often noted that the school had been operating without an art and music teacher she considered critical to the development of children. She believes that being creative is a necessary trait for success in any area. At the ceremony she said her “heart was filled with thanks” for the practical work by Anthea McGibbon, who also rallied others to assist through the OAaSIs International Foundation. Before that she had only received verbal committments.

During the programme emceed by radio personality Derrick Wilks, student drummers taught by drama teacher Omaro Mazlyn, performed the second item. Newly-discovered talent Cleshede Williams of Grade 5T, did “Strength to carry on.”  The literary arts were displayed as a poem written by on the certificates of appreciation and recognition, while culinary skills were lavishly displayed by the school’s caterers.

“Colour Harmony’ a painting done by the participants in a hands-on workshop with Melhanie Spence, was given to Bank of Jamaica, collected by Sandra Moodie and Ellan Neil. On behalf of the school Mrs Lorette Griffiths handed over the painting.

In the highly energetic closing entertainment segment, the magician held everyone spellbound in breathtaking moments of illusion. Setting a dove free from a painting of a dove, rendering the canvas all black was the trick much appreciated.

Then reggae sensations Sophia Brown, Ce’cile, Chris Martin, and Iyah Shine impressed beyond expectations with their performances. This they did after equally encouraging the students that while education is key, there was great value in discovering and practising their creative skill(s).

Sophia appearing like a life-sized children’s doll in blue, belted out “Weak to You” and “Come back home.” Sophia Brown recently signed a one-year/one-album deal with the Universal Music Group. Ce’cile changed pace with “Take My Wings.”

2005 Rising Star winner Chris Martin upped the tempo even more with an interactive delivery of “I’m in love with You” and a “Melody of his songs.” Energetic rastaman from the heart, and singer Iyah Shine who barely missed the mobbing and hugging by the students did “Livity” and “Violence no Sweet” as the children were settled again for Burger King snacks.

During the day, student reporters highlighted the favourites presenters, Farenheit, Jermaine Gordon, Peter Lloyd, Melhanie Spence and the mural (painting), Reiko Nagase, Colonel Derby and of course the Kemarch “Wizad the Magician” Dodd.

The creative workshop series were hosted by the OAaSIS International foundation, founded by Anthea McGibbon teaming with over 30 artists and artistes from January 13-22.

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

DAY 3 (Creative workshop series at Allman Town Primary):
It was the final day of the week, but not the final day of the OAaSIS creative workshop series. Being the third day, there was much anxiety to be addressed.
Colonel Oscar Derby , director-general at the Civil Aviation Authority, who has been head of investigations of the recent American Airline plane crash took just 15 minutes from his more recent commitment relating to Haiti issues to address the young participants.
The first speaker on Friday, January 15, he etched five valuable points on the minds of
the students at the Allman Town Primary, where the sessions were held. Firstly he encouraged them to “Get a good education, and not to let anything stand in your way” Then, he encouraged the students to practice their artistic talent, “whether it be drawing, acting, or singing”. The third point was that the children needed to protect their brains or minds from drugs, alcohol, against substance abuse. Fourthly, he encouraged them to protect their bodies and limbs from violence and hazardous activities. Lastly he enforced that they will need “a sound mind and body in the future.”
This was however not before he almost-accidentally discovered a new singing talent
Cleshede Williams (Grade 5T), when he asked for volunteers to show what they could do “artistically.” Williams sang “Strength to carry on”, much to the delight of Peter Lloyd who encouraged her later.
The magician, Kemar “Wizad” Dodd was next in line to address the students who were already held in strict attention. He aside from sharing a few tricks also encouraged the students to become unique in their expressions, and to focus in order to gain success in the creative industry. This he said was important regardless of their choice of artistic expression, literary, performing or visual arts.
After that renowned entertainer, actor Peter Lloyd, whose newest song “Searching” is in the top 10 of numerous charts, stooped and kneeled down to the height of the seated children to get his point across.

Lloyd in relating his own experiences in becoming an artiste, told the children to keep focus on what they desired to be, and to never stop practicing their art. “Discover what area of art you are good at,” he said, while he explained the need to have a skill and continuously practice against all odds.
In standing, the artist who travelled all the way from Montego Bay, got the children repeating “I am a King”, and “I am a Queen”, uplifting their confidence level.
By the time the Jamaica Guild of Artists representatives came, the children had learnt about acting, architecture, being a pilot as career options.
Hugh Hudson and Rico Reiko Nagase represented the Jamaica Guild of Artists well.
Hudson took everyone by surprise when he pulled out his Bible, especially just after the second appearing of the magician. He taught about God being the greatest and most original artist, and their bible being the greatest piece of literary work created.
Then after detailing about the Jamaica Guild of Artists, he spoke of the artists as skilled persons copying God’s original work, already created – NATURE.
There was a slot for as students to explain how they did there art and opportunity to guide the hands of Hugh in doing a piece of work.
The works of Rico, who was born in Japan were on display both physically And electronically, and the children just loved it all.
Rico’s work illustrates her experiences in Jamaica, as well as they explain her observations of Jamaican life, and her pieces of children were especially well received by teachers and students, some wanting to be artists.
OaASIS International Foundation exists to network members of the creative industry in assisting in the development of the creative mind of today’s youth. The project is a demonstration of the corporate and social responsibility of the creative industry as major stakeholders in the Jamaican economy.
At least twenty artists and artistes are teaming with OAaSIS International Foundation in sensitizing the youth about the Arts, that is the literary, performing and visual Arts over a six-day period,” on January 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22.

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

DAY 2 (Creative workshop series at Allan Town Primary):
The second day of the Allman Town creative workshop series mirrored the first day in success, as the students were brought to new horizons by Donald Oliver, Malesia Frazer, Emma Lewis, and Jana Bent, although missing. The creative workshop series titled “The Critical Role and Impact of the Arts” started on January 13.
After the National Anthem, the Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band book was read to just 100 students. An impressive combination of the Arts as a tool to teach about the Arts, the book is accompanied by a CD. The CD contains a narrator who reads the book pages, encouraging students to follow and actual voices are heard animating.

Emma Lewis, public affairs consultant at the United States Embassy, spent some time with the children offering them a workshop in “Writing”. As a member of the creative industry, she herself is a writer and brought her journal as a tool of the trade.

The children were enamoured with the idea of writing about their own lives after she made them reflect briefly about Haiti and their own experiences with their eyes closed. Lewis who had concerns, had her mind put at ease when they responded to questions about her session favourably.
Recipient of the Prime Minister’s youth award for excellence in Journalism, Donald Oliver, then took the students into ta new depth for success. He encouraged them to invest in (D)iscipline; (E)ffort and (E)ducation; (P)atience; (T)ime; (H)eart.
However, not before Malesia Frazer a second year student at the Edna Manley College for the Visual Arts, aspiring to be an art teacher who spoke on her own visual expressions. Malesia’s work was used as the day’s backdrop in the computer lab, where the sessions were held, and included portrait, lifestyle, and abstract done in both sketches and paint.
The day’s spread was ended by another impressive show by Kemarch “Wizad the Magician” Dodd. This time his main trick was making doves fly from his folded gloves. One wonders, art, illusion or craft. Its all art from the heart though!
The presenters were participating in the creative workshop series hosted by the OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica). OAaSIS International exists to network artists. The series continue through to the 22, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only. So far the over fifty presenters include Peter Lloyd, Oscar Derby, Leighton Levy, Jerico Hanson, Anthony Henry, Rhon Bramwell, Derrick Wilks.
The final day, where reports will be offered by the students and teachers will be open to the public.

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

DAY 1 (Creative workshop series at Allan Town Primary):

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On Wednesday, January 13, popular singer Farenheit and Bello, the comedian were two entertainers assuming new roles at the Allman Town Primary. The two addressed the opening of the Creative Workshop series titled “The Critical Role and Impact of The Arts.”
At least twenty artists and artistes are teaming with OAaSIS International Foundation in sensitizing the youth about the Arts, that is the literary, performing and visual Arts over a six-day period,” on January 14, 15, 20, 21, 22.

Following his presentation on Art, his own experience as an graphic artist and actor unknown to many more familiar with his music and songs, and as a back up singer to Sean Paul, Farenheit’s gave a blazing performance, while gliding and “bouncing” alternatively across the school’s compound surrounded by students, parents and teachers.
Aside from his songs, the former Edna Manley College of Arts and Visual arts student who studied graphics, drama and music was very interactive with the children. He also sang Sean Paul’s “Gimmie dih Light” (Give Me The Light), and I want to be Forever Young”. He awarded cds for questions answered about the school and the art and music industries and information shared earlier by other presenters. Dressed in all black, his performance was electrifying and the children laughed, clapped and sang along way until Farenheit led them into the chanting “We want magic.”
Then “Wizad the Magician” in the blink of an eye was on stage to illustrate his art form – magic, professional and entertaining, and of course mesmerising. Even parents were convinced to believe in magic when the magician made illusions by “sleight of hands” tricks in making ribbons appear and disappear. His many tricks also included a frozen glass catching water in midair which everyone showed appreciation with overwhelming applause.
After that the Base drummers of Allman Town knocked up some rhythyms on their drums to which the children were sent to the studio for GSAT computer DVD games that taught about mathematics and english. The Base drummers included Omaro Mavlyn, the school’s drama teacher.
The creative series is hosted by OAaSIS International, Foundation, created by Anthea McGibbon, to members of the creative industry and relating fields to sensitise children especially about the “critical role ad impact of the Arts.”
Through the project children and adults will learn about being creative especially in these economic hard times, while appreciating the relevance of each area of the arts, beyond an entertainer and/or a painter, which most persons really identify with. A list of art careers are also being handed out in the kit given to reach child.

The series’ launch was presided over by school principal Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith. Patron of the OAaSIS International Foundation, master painter Barrington Watson, gave welcome to all in attendance, while official endorsement of the workshop came from attorney-at-law Cordel Green, director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica. Principal of the school, Kandi Lee Crooks-Smith, spoke of the days she herself was an art student of Anthea McGibbon, and the impact her skill has had in her own development and as a vital tool in the other areas especially as a principal experience.
Drama students dramatized the National Pledge, while the life and work of parent and Allman Town resident, Errol Reid, a painter, who is responsible for all artwork on the school’s walls was highlighted. Winston “Bello” Bell was present to speak about his new group I Am The Change which influences Jamaicans to regain pride in their country and national symbols and respect for each other.
“ Through the arts, it is possible for Jamaica to build a sense of esteem in the youth, with a latent effect of bringing about increased academic performance, greater self-esteem, greatly needed creative skills and better skill-building” Bell said.

Master Painter Barrington Watson, the Foundation’s patron spoke on the critical need for recognizing art as a tool in developing the country, as well as speaking of his personal experiences and observations throughout the years dating back to his days as a an art teacher, when Edna Manley was alive.
Presenters slated for the six days include Donald Oliver (winner of the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Journalism), Peter Lloyd, Oscar Derby, Jooky Jam, US Embassy’s Emma Lewis, Solid Agency artistes such as Sophia Brown.

SPONSORS:

(Whistling Frog (Sebastian Odgen)), P Gavin James graphics, Howard Moo Young (master at graphic design and photography, Print Xpress, Hot off the Press, Berger Paint, Burger King, Videographer Robin Chin, owner of Enhanced Realizm Studios and his team, Xclusiv Entertainment, Paralegal Dwane Forbes)

READ MORE:

Jamaica’s OAaSIS International Foundation launches creative workshop series
DAY 1: Jamaican artistes, artists ignite young minds
DAY 2: New creative depth for students through creative series
DAY 3: Colonel Derby, Peter Lloyd, artists time out for children
DAY 4: Creative connections at Allman Town Primary
DAY 5: Workshop stirs creative power at Allman Town Primary
DAY SIX(6): Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
DAY 6: Starry end to inaugural OAaSIS Fdn’s creative workshop series
DAY 6: Allman Town Primary thanks over 30 artists, artistes for creative workshop series
Allman Town teacher reports on OAaSIS creative series

MORE IN PRINTED MEDIA
JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary
SEE ALSO The Gleaner’s Children’s Own issue of January 31 – February 5
Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances

Come January 2010, a series of six creative workshops are being planned by OAaSIS International Foundation. Formally established in 2008, the foundation networks artists to assist with developing and advancing the creative minds of today’s youth especially in Jamaica.

Another focus of OAaSIS is in sensitising Jamaicans on the skills, and critical role of the lucrative field of the combined arts (visual, performing, literary).

Founder Anthea McGibbon is pleased with the increasing base of support so far, and adds that master painter Barrington Watson the Foundation’s first patron has been a strong source of motivation. Watson himself has written and introduced art in the school’s curriculum, through the Ministry of Education in the early 1960s.

The OAaSIS International Foundation operates solely with the input of volunteers, such as artists, artistes, artisans and affiliates including businesspersons.

So far volunteers have come from as far as South Korea via the Foundation’s website. Master painter Bernard Hoyes, residing in California , a former Allman Town resident is also firmly behind the aims and objectives of the Foundation.

Earlier this year, the school’s principal, Kandi-Lee Crooks Smith highlighted the arts as one area that needed assistance in an interview with the Gleaner’s Arts and Education Editor, Robert Lalah.

The sessions by OAaSIS volunteers, are being held to sensitise Jamaica ’s youth on the arts, and better prepare them for formal art classes, and ultimately success whether as a career or hobby.

The sessions of two hours, from 12:30-2:30p.m., each will include motivational speeches, workshops and projects. There are slated for January 13, 14 , 15, 20, 21, 22 daily.

According to Miss McGibbon critical participants in the development of Jamaica ’s art history, the co-dependency of the arts on each other, and a definition of the arts are among topics to be dealt with in the sessions.

Miss McGibbon, after 12.5 years full- time employment, and owning over 30
years of experience in almost all areas of visual and performing and literary arts operates now as an arts and communications consultant. She also dedicates her website to providing art news, reviews and critiques, while contributing to the Gleaner’s art section. She also contributes to other areas such as How to column.

For more information on the project, and methods of participation, please visit the Facebook page, this website. You can also make contact with any of the following persons:

Kandi-Lee Crooks Smith, principal of Allman Town Primary, 967-3385
Anthea McGibbon, Founding President, 876-797-7297
Wazarri 876-388-9428
Melhanie Spence 876-842-1496
Patrick James, 790-1941
Derrick Wilks, 877-2715
Gallery Barrington, 978-7424

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The Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC’s) Festival of Drums and Voices will feature over three hundred performers in the Emancipation Park on Thursday, December 17, starting at 6:30PM. “This festival is a free concert of the best in drumming and voices, through which we are saying thanks to the Jamaican people” says CEO, Angela Patterson.

This festival is the latest activity in the year long celebration of CPTC’s 25th anniversary. CPTC is a multimedia production company with divisions involved in training, the Media Technology Institute, and cable casting, Creative Television. It has been a promoter and producer of cultural and artistic presentations for all the years of its existence.

“It will be a spectacularly exciting evening suitable for the entire family. We expect the park to be full for that evening,” says Patterson.

The festival’s line up of performers inlcludes L’Acadco, Drum Xplosion, Kingston Drummers, the Chinese Dragon Dance Group, the Carifolk Singers, National Chorale, Nexxus, Nomaddz, Michael Pinnock.

Choirs and chorale speaking groups from high schools across the island, are expected to participate.