OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica)

Games played by Jamaicans affect their upbringing and are a critical part of their culture. “Brown girl in the ring” puts focus on brown-skinned Jamaicans.

Brown-skinned Jamaicans always got special attention throughout Jamaica’s history, and a song was made about such girls. Brown girl in the ring calls for light skinned Jamaicans to show their steps and could be seen as a sign of competition from way back then, when dark persons sometimes wanted to feel superior – but its all healthy.

HOW TO PLAY Brown girl in the ring [1. All players form a circle. 2. All sing, and, one or two girls walk about outside the ring, 3. entering at the last line. 4. Each chooses a partner with whom she "skips" etc. when directed to do so at the relating words of the song.]

Lyrics to the song:
(Jamaican Creole)

Dere is a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Dere is a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
Shi luk lakka sugar and a plum
Plum plum.

Show mi yu motion
Tra la la la la
Show mi yu motion
Tra la la la la la
Show mi yu motion
Tra la la la la
Shi luk lakka sugar and a plum
Plum plum.

Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la la
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la
Shi luk lakka sugar and a plum
Plum plum.

Lyrics to the song:
(English)

There’s a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
There’s a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la la
Skip across the ocean
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum.

Here’s another version from ” Folk-games of Jamaica”, Issues 1-7 (1922) by Martha Warren Beckwith and Helen Heffron Roberts…

Dere’s a brown gal in de ring, tra la la la la.
Dere’s a brown gal in de ring, tra la la la la.
Dere’s a brown gal in de ring, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Den yo wheel an’ take yo’ pardner,
Den yo wheel an’ take yo’ pardner,
Den yo wheel an’ take yo’ pardner,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Dere’s a brown gal in de ring, tra la la la la,
Dere’s a brown gal in de ring, tra la la la la,
Dere’s a brown gal in de ring, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Den you wheel an’ take yo’ pardner, tra la la la la,
Den you wheel an’ take yo’ pardner, tra la la la la,
Den you wheel an’ take yo’ pardner, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

There’s two girls in the ring, tra la la la la,
There’s two girls in the ring, tra la la la la,
There’s two girls in the ring, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum (or rum).

Then skip across the ocean*, tra la la la la,
Then skip across the ocean, tra la la la la,
Then skip across the ocean, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Then show you me your motion, tra la la la la,
Then show you me your motion, tra la la la la,
Then show you me your motion, tra la la la la.
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Then run and take a partner, tra la la la la,
Then run and take a partner, tra la la la la,
Then run and take a partner, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Then dance with your partner, tra la la la la,
Then dance with your partner, tra la la la la.
Then dance with your partner, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

Then jig with your partner, tra la la la la,
Then jig with your partner, tra la la la la,
Then jig with your partner, tra la la la la,
Fo’ she like sugar an’ I like plum.

*The “ocean” is the space within the circle. The “motion” is a kind of cake-walk.
Many thanks to Glasceta Honeyghan for contributing this song.

For more Jamaican folk songs for children

Depending on how you connect with her, you may label Anthea McGibbon as a journalist, wedding photographer or English and Maths tutor. However, there is more to this unassuming, but energetic woman who recently started a Foundation.
She spent 13.5 years working full time at The Gleaner filling many roles from subeditor, feature co-ordinator (Religion), writer, photographer, to reporter. After that she became an art critic and writer for the Arts and Education section of the Sunday Gleaner.
Beyond that however, she is a multiskilled, multidimensional artist. One of the main reasons she started the OAaSIS International foundation after she realized how little connected Jamaicans were to the Arts. Through the Foundation and her media website she promotes the Arts, Creativity and Culture. She also is dedicated to empowering the creative mind of youth.
Speaking with her one will come to understand her intense love affair with deft skills she possesses in the Arts. As a consultant, she charges very little to assist others to understand their own genius and how to better package and market themselves.
It is important that artists recognise the value of being independent and hence their creative power.

In a recent interview she speaks on her varied commitments.
These (writing, art, foundation, website, services and products) are her extended tools aside from writing for the Gleaner’s art section, she says to sensitise others to Jamaica talent and culture. She says not enough is being done to bring Jamaica ’s treasures to the apex of the world.
“Right now the numbers of singers who seem to understand themselves as a product and global commodity are few. The visual artists who understand this are even fewer. Jamaica has so much talent, but lack the understanding of themselves and their creative power. They dont quite get it about seeing their talents and services as a product to be packaged and marketed like any other business,” she opines. She, a multiskilled artist herself resorted to writing as she felt their was a serious lack especially among government and media personnel, two crucial entities to sensitise and adequately promote the talent and culture of any people.
She insists that more artists need to realise however that their own success is their responsibilty and no one else’s.
About her MEDIA WEBSITE she explains that “in no way it competes with any existing mediahouse, but rather it compliments what they offer by providing added space to zero in on the arts, creativity, and culture she believes in.”

Eventually her writing earned for her much interest among a global audience, and serving her readers, she temporarily abandonded her own art. Then with limited space available in mediahouses to highlight the total of creative output she upon the encouragement of others formed her own website and dedicated its focus to arts, creativity and culture. The site is hosted by Michael Conally and maintained by Shane Strong, who both have been cornerstones of encouragement from first world countries. Michael Conally himself once worked at the Gleaner while living in Jamaica, and now owns the popular media website Yush.com operating out of the United Kingdom. Click here for more.
The year-old OAaSIS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, a not-for-financial-profit entity, has approximately 700 members since it went public. Its list of patrons includes Barrington Watson, Farenheit, Bernard Hoyes. Canadians Bill and Kris King owners of the Jazz Report magazine that publishes much about Jamaica ’s music scene are the only international patrons.

Interview with Anthea McGibbon

WHERE, WHEN WERE YOU BORN?
November 10, St Anns Bay hospital

WHERE DID YOU ATTEND SCHOOL?
St Theresa Prep, Edna Manley, Jamaica Paralegal Institute, Instituto de Venezuela, Internships

HOW SIGNIFICANT IS ART AS A FACET IN YOUR LIFE?
Very significant. I see the combined arts in everything. Without creativity to make things unique and compete positively, I cant beautify.

HOW DID YOU LEARN OF YOUR ARTS SKILLS?
It wasn’t a matter of learning. As soon as I could read and write I was drawing and dabbling in paint as well, I suppose like other children. I think I just did it more as I always tried to design my own clothes, shoes and later sketch cartoons and write little stories. At every age I was always doing something real creative or artsy, even modeling and choreography – so many things at all ages.
I also remember mathematics always bein g my favourite subject, and that I always viewed as a language and expression of arts or interrelated with especially visual arts somehow. You know for example calculating designs for a shoe or piece of clothes or working out some choreography.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST DRAWING?
Bwoy… I really don’t remember the first, but I remember my doodling days in church and after school. I used to just love designing and getting all dolled up too.

WAS IT EASY TO ATTEND ART SCHOOL?
No, I had little support. I remember not being able to finish my homework because my aunt thought I was wasting her electricity on art. Everyone recommended me for either law or the sciences because I excelled at many subjects and they were also fitting my personality. I had to do all sorts of odd jobs to send myself through school to support my decision.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY?
I majored in Graphic Design, but in our days we had to excel in a wide variety and Creative writing also at the Edna Manley College . We also had selectives at the other schools and I did a year at each while attending art school. Later I studied paralegal studies, completed Spanish courses and did interns aside from varied art related jobs until I worked full time at the Gleaner doing many writing text related jobs.

HOW MANY ART FORMS DO YOU PRACTISE?
Ahh so many. At all ages, I was either adding a something or expanding on some form. I’ve done painting, faux finishing, graphics, writing, pagination, photography (varied kinds including weddings, commercial, events) modeling and even choreography for a start.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE ALL FACETS?
It comes easy when you use creativity and needs as the bonding factors complimented by the joy of satisfying the needs of others.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT CAREER?
I mainly earn from consultation, writing, web content development and a bit of painting. Click to see Anthea McGibbon catalogue of paintings I also earn from other areas such as teaching varied subjects. People approach ME FOR DIFFERENT THINGS AS they know my skills from my varied backgrounds.

WHAT OF THE FOUNDATION YOU STARTED? HOW DOES THAT FIT IN?
OAaSIS International Foundation is just a year old and is not-for-financial gain. Projects are worked out to develop the creative mind of youth and now adults affecting youths are served. It’s actually a more structured way of doing what I did in creating several art clubs around Kingston and St Catherine.

WHY DID YOU START THE FOUNDATION?
I have always started art clubs at schools, churches or communities across the main metropilitan areas, Kingston and St Catherine. The volume of work and increasing demands on my finances and time influenced me to start the Foundation to more adequately achieve my objectives. I also was motivated by the obvious lack of proper focus on the Arts in schools and the struggles I observe in children in understanding mathematics and English.
Creative puzzles for example helps one to understand maths, language and art.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT PROJECTS?
Among the projects are creative workshops and libraries, arts careers libraries. The Foundation is also collaborating with Pickney International in hosting a creative youth club.

HOW IS IT FUNDED?
OAaSIS only recently started seeking sponsorship, as during the set up stage, I relied heavily on my savings. We have a range of products that we offer, and some artists have given designs for these products. We are in the process of planning g fundraising ventures, but for now we seek donations, and have strategically placed pans for this

HOW DO YOU CREATE BALANCE AS AN ARTIST, WRITER AND PARALEGAL AMONG OTHER THINGS?
A detailed time table is crucial, a good writing team with multiskilled members and flexible personalities. It is also important to keep everything working parallel with each other towards obtaining the same objective and focuses.

HOW DO YOU VIEW JAMAICA?
Jamaica is the best, and has the best, but its people needs to first understand this before they can have visions, develop strategies and work towards bringing it all out for common good and advancement. I believe whether we travel or not we need to develop a first world way of thinking to enhance the way we approach especially challenges. More persons need to learn and understand better our laws, our talents, our rights, our God-given.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY ART SCENE?
I am both impressed, motivated and elated as the contemporary scene gives us, especially Jamaicans, avenues to be real in a bold way about who we are. We are given chance to express our creativity, yet speaking volumes on our culture and our talents just the same. We are not bound, but directed and inspired by tradition. A visit to the recent graduation show at the Edna Manley and also the National Gallery where the works were out of the box confirms my beliefs.
I also believe it allows us to enter and perform within the global market with more confidence.

WHO WAS YOUR ART MUSE?
Several persons from different genre and styles. Writing and critiquing exposes me to so many aspects that just makes me fall in love, and heightens my inspiration. Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Jozza on the international scene. Locally Gene Pearson, Barrington Watson, Alphanso Blake, Garth Sanguinetti, Hope Wheeler, Beverley Oliver to name a few. Of course performing literary and culinary artists also impress and influence me. I am a sucker for real talent that massages my mind.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON ART EDUCATION IN JAMAICA?
That’s a tall order to answer in limited space. In summary it’s not where it should be. Far more persons especially among the young need to be more familiar with what the Arts are about, the critical role it plays in one’s development even beyond being an artist. It is so important in maintaining our unique characters, and in assisting our youth in better understanding the world around them, especially when it comes to learning academic subjects such as numeracy and literacy, science and performing in business – when understood properly.
I also cannot deny underlining Rex Nettleford’s statement “To know where you are going you must understand your past” and he also said “Creative people should be among the leaders, as they are the ones who see beyond the surface, interpret and translate through their arts so others can better understand and relate”

ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Get yourself involved one way or another with the Arts. The one thing about us that cannot be sold is who we are, and our innate talents. WE cant prostitute our culture, but we sure can use it as the critical tool that it is in earning money, effecting POSITIVE change, for ourselves and our country.

Visit Anthea’s media site
Click to see Anthea McGibbon catalogue of paintings

Come April 25, Howard Moo Young, one considered a master photographer by many, will be among the participating artists at the Liguanea Arts Festival.

Those who employ his skills however, will confirm the welcome surprise to many, that Moo Young is far more than just a photographer. He’s destined and now making plans to open his photography school, the first ever in Jamaica. However, his mastery skills vary from illustration, graphic design and more recently brought out – calligraphy.

Mastering photography, Moo Young is popularly known for his highlighting the historic and iconic collection of images of the 1978 Bob Marley One love Peace concert.
With one roll of film, one camera, one lens, he produced photographs that are fast becoming a worldwide must have souvenir of the reggae legend.

Moo Young’s other side is reflected on many buildings across Jamaica, and especially logos. Among them are NCB, HEART Trust, Barclay’s Bank, and a look at his designs reflect much happening in Jamaica’s advertising history.

Moo Young is trained in Advertising and Graphic Design. He attended the School of the Visual Arts in New York, and worked at major design studios and advertising agencies in the Big Apple. However, Howard decided to return to his homeland and to share and pass on his skills to his fellow Jamaicans.

Before that he remembers his ‘early art days in Jamaica’. In 1960, Howard had to seek permission to sit the Art exams at Wolmers girls school, next door to his alma mater, Wolmers Boys. Permission granted from headmaster Col Norman Jackson to a 17-year-old boy, who never had an art teacher, yet passing with flying colours he made the school’s history record. He became the only Wolmers boy ever to sit an exam among the girls.
That year after, he became apprentice to Gerry Dunlop.
He wasted no time in seizing the opportunity offered by Gerry Dunlop who had just recently launched his advertising agency, Gerry Dunlop & Associates with his wide Carmen. Dunlop was art director at Art and Publicity which later became Stewart Johnson and Associates before being bought by McCann Erickson (Ja) Ltd.
Moo Young continued his apprenticeship for two years.
In 1962, Jamaica’s first television, Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, was about to be to be launched. A design competition for its TV “ID signal” was announced, and Moo Young entered three days before the deadline and forgot about it. Three weeks after, he was declared the winner of 300 entries, with the logo that is still in use today.
After that his mark was continuous. He was an outstanding creative director, and copped many creative and top-billing awards.
His first major logo was designed for the Victoria Mutual Building Society, and the rich burgundy colour of “VM” adorned every branch and appeared on all stationary. The chairman then, Vayden McMorris loved it for its design and not because it represented his initials.
Later on, Moo Young designed another outstanding landmark, the Jamaican government- acquired Barclay’s bank for US$1(one dollar). After that, a call from Maurice Clarke opened the door for his assignment to design logo ands corporate image for National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd.
Of course the history of advertising could be looked at through the history of Moo Young’s logos.
Of the challenges faced, especially when the new NCB board and management headed by the chairman Douglas Fletcher, were among clients who did not want their company names changed, forcing the artist to be creative in designing logos.
A brainstorming session with Jeff Cobhan, marketing manager of the new bank gave birth to the “NCB” concept. He also created stationary, and typeface for the stationary. Among the bank’s list, Moo Young has designed cheque books, pass books, interior signs and of course exterior signage for over 40 branches islandwide. Almost a sign maker’s nightmare, but he worked closely with Karl Lazarus of Sign Craft, and met the desdlines set for all above and especially the signs across the island.
NCB again created history in introducing Jamaica’s first credit card and Moo Young was ready once again to be part of the process. Moo Young set about designing not only the logo for the keycard, but the card itself. He captured a photograph of the early morning sun rising over Jacks Hill with a starburst filter on the lens of his Nikon F camera. That image still graces no.1 credit card in Jamaica, and the Caribbean, exactly as it was taken and portrays Sunshine Bank theme, that was being used at the time in the banks general advertising.
“When I penned the keycard slogan “Why bother with cash, use keycard instead!”… it fit like a glove. Howard also created press ads, billboards, TV commercials etc. to launch the successful campaign which set the stage for the Gold keycard and later on lovebird keycard with Moo Young overseeing all designs.
He remembers Joan Duncan drafting him for the Jamaica Money Market Brokers corporate image. JMMB’s logo done by Moo Young is now become he icon in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Over twenty five he did Pan Caribbean Merchant Bank’s logo, and, the credit card for Manufacturers Merchant Bank – ADVANCE and the advertising to go with it.
Kenny Benjamin of Guardsman created a wildlife and fishing sanctuary in St Carherine introducing llamas and ostriches to Jamaica. ‘Security’ came to life and Howard created the logo incorporating photographs of some of the species found there.
After firmly establishing Cactus in Portmore and creating the Asylum nightclub in New Kingston, Ribbie Chung and Chris Cargill revolutionised the night club scene with a brand new concept – one nightclub with four different areas of entertainment. Moo Young was contracted to design two logos/signs for Quad and Christophers Jazz Café, and the signs were built by Dieta Wilson of Sign Art to specifications supplied by the designer.
National Works Agency was formed to replace the now defunct PWD (Public Works Department) and it was again Moo Young created a new design, stickers, stsationary and all for the agency, but still incorporating SOME COLOURS OF BLACK AND YELLOW.
Among other logos created by this gifted designer were the original HEART TRUST symbol with three human figures across a heart, passion of then Prime Minster Edward Seaga Prime Minister. There were also Jamaica Stock Exchange, Apex, Eden Gardens, and more recently the visual and Performing Arts Cluster for Jampro, and Pet Vibes.
He also created ‘Perky Parrot’ for PALS Jamaica.
Outside of graphic design, Moo Young gave over 25 years as part time lecturer at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, and, over 33 years working with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission with the photography and fine arts committee.
He was honoured by the Advertising agencies Association of Jamaica, ands was the Musgrave Silver Medallist for Photography in 2008. He is a board member of The Jamaica Guild of Artists. Howard teaches photography at Sanaa Studios and at CARIMAC, and is about to establish FOTOScHOOL .
The expert at many skills, is consulted to create logos and corporate images and to undertake the design of advertising concepts for products and servicers.
However as an expert calligrapher who designed with the writing the national motto, anthem, and pledge (MAD) for ‘Hands across Jamaica for Righteousness’
His motto remains “Creativity in my mind is invisible, but God has made it visible through my work.

Hang with the write lovers and consultants of the Arts, Culture, Creativity here on this site, for reviews, news, updates, announcements as well as great services and products in arts and communications.

Loyal to Jamaica will join forces with the “Lawman Lynch Foundation” to host “MUSIC for LIFE” as we focus primarily on Jamaican Children in need (May 29th 2010).

MUSIC for LIFE will feature some of Jamaica’s best headline entertainers as together we raise well needed resources in child’s month for some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable children attending The Salvation Army Basic School in Allman Town.

Before the Media/Press Launch later this month, The Jamaica Association of Young Professionals (JAYP) will partner with us to host a “soft launch” of MUSIC for LIFE next week Friday April 9th at Fiction @ the Market Place Constant Spring Road, featuring Rising Star Jodian Pantry and others.

Together we will make “MUSIC for LIFE” a success… Together we can, together we will; our Jamaican children need our help.

Pass on this information to everyone you know and ensure you visit the “Lawman Lynch Foundation” on facebook and also the event’s page on facebook “MUSIC for LIFE”, and confirm your attendance.
Enjoy the holidays.

Loyal to Jamaica

In a meeting on Thursday, March 18th the Honourable Minister Andrew Holness commited support for the Foundation. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Education at its Heroes circle location.
The move will be reflected in a letter to the foundation heads and official placement on the ministry’s website.

The overly cautious and critical thinking Minister was quick, in the meeting, to pledge support only after months of deliberation over information he had already received on the entity. The onus is now on the Foundation to ensure that the decision will not “turn around to bite him.”
It is also hoped that the Minister will be able to make official visits and presentations to those recognised, participating or rewarded during the phases, especially at the creative workshop series.
At the meeting principal of Allman Town Primary, Mrs Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith also shared very briefly on the impact of the foundation, and its networking of members of the creative industry to answering her many calls for assistance with the Arts.

The Foundation’s current project is a creative workshop series for as many schools, communities, churches as possible where youth (0-19, 19-21) can be found.
The main objective of the series are:
1. engender the arts (literary, performing, visual) in education, recognising its importance in personal development
2. empower creative minds of today’s youth, and towards success in all areas they explore
3. execute fundraising projects with relating persons for the purpose of sustaining the foundation, and funding the creation of needed educational material such as books on our culture, arts and creativity.
4. assist in spreading the brand of sponsor company(ies)
5. incorporate computer skills with the Arts
6. provide basic mobilisation for developing a healthy appetite to learning
7. provide services geared to assist in career building and development in careers related toward involving the arts, in collaboration with Pickney International

Till year end, 12 areas have been slated. They include:
Allman Town, January 13-22
Sargeantville, Edward Piece community, St Catherine March 28
Port Royal, April 21,22,23
St Theresa’s Preparatory, May 4,6,7
Trelawny(at the Town Hall), June
Trench Town, July 17
St Thomas
Tivoli Gardens
Jones Town
New Hope Preparatory(Downtown Kingston)
Clarendon
Sligoville
BACK at Allman Town Primary

At the first workshop series held at Allman Town in January Mr Cordel Green, head of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica endorsed the Foundation, and its slated activities. Former broadcaster, Mr Green is also an Attorney at law.

Read more on Creative workshop series for Jamaica

Creative persons by nature speak their minds and set their souls free.. and indeed much progress is made. However, when it comes to children in learning, and under development we must teach them that without high grades in academia, skills etc, they cant even think about attending the “Feisty College.”

So good manners should be taught to children. For sure enough when good manners are learnt, children -
feel good about themselves
are less disruptive
are better focused
have a sense of pride and purpose
deal with life easier
learn socially acceptable and responsible behaviour
are less selfish
get along better with friends, family, foes.
Respect, kindness, courtesy, love, sensitivity, thoughtfulness overcomes a multitude, and believe it or not, most times makes the individual child motivated creatively to achieving.
This is what can unite us, as unique individuals and make us truly creative.
Every adult, regardless of circumstances should strive to be a role model, in at least one principle, for the sake of the present and future generation and advancing the same. In at least one principle lets give one child something to emulate!
Lets do it consistently as repitition of anything makes it second nature.

In the end encourage a balance in their lifes with positive reinforcement, through praise and recognition.

You see him often enough with Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques, and as a spokesperson he does very well in underlining the tunes and messages of “Sean Paul.” He is, however so much more than a back up singer.

Terrence “Farenheit” Harold has agreed to fill the role of second patron, and OAaSIS is thankful. As a singer, musician, actor, dancer, graphic artist, writer, he understands well about the Arts and the need for children to be exposed. As one who travels immensely, he is also passionate that music classes should be properly returned and maintained in the classroom.
At the first project held, he was one who made a remarkable impact and his indellible marks are still being spoken of. The first project, a creative workshop series titled “The critical role and impact of the Arts” was held at the Allman Town Primary School, and five other areas are slated for similar visits.

Through BRAND NEW MACHINE at Fiction, he also exposes new artists and artistes weekly. Events such as fashion shows, exhibitions are facilitated.

The multiskilled artist attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual asnd Performing Arts (EMSCVPA), at the same time as OAaSIS founder, and two have remained friends since. Formerly the Jamaica School of Art, past students of the EMSCVPA students are usually bonded in one way or another, most times by the similarities of challenges in the quest to become artists(es).
In the OAaSIS Farenheit will share his expertise on varied expressions, and relating, especially when events are being planned. All his skills are expressed with equal passion as those who know him and watch his career can testifiy.

So thank you Farenheit.. more creative power from another generation!

 Barrington Watson, Jamaica’s master painter, who has produced 1st and 2nd generations of visual artist is the first patron.

READ MORE:
Click to read “Terrence Farenheit Harold holds at the right degree”

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 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

MORE REPORTS ON FARENHEIT

Feature on Terrence Farenheit Harold

JAMAICA STAR: Sophia Brown heads to Allman Town Primary

Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances
Terrence Harold is OAaSIS patron 2
Read more on Farenheit’s artistic productions

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.

He achieved the three score years and ten promised by the Bible, but just 4 hours before his 77th birthday, Professor Alston Miller “Rex Nettleford” died in the Washington Hospital where he lay.

His vision though of Jamaicans being free from mental slavery and realising their identity to live on through instituions such as the OAaSIS International Foundation. After all, his discussions with its founder was one influence of its creation.

OAaSIS Founder remembers the culture icon always reiterating that a country’s progress is mirrored by how it treats its artirtist(es).

She was once a creative writing’ student ofthe Professor, and remembers he always being warm even when he would extol disciplinary measures to the unsettled. She also will never forget his words etched in her heart that artists(es) should be among the leaders of society as they are the ones who can observe, interpret, translate, mirror what’s happening in society. Only then do some persons actually understand what is going on.
These words should present challenge to any member of the creative industry, especially as they were among the many last warning-filled words of one so greatly honoured as a Caribbean National.
His life, no matter what he did as both a culture icon and as a colourful intellect was dedicated to exposing Jamaicans and challenging them to realise their own identity and setting internationally.
Many are his writings which will be sought out, published and circulated. Even if its in capsulated forms, these well researched, and put together messages of encouraging wisdom will be useful.

The Vice-chancellor Emeritus at the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford died late Tuesday evening at the George Washington Hospital in the United States six days after collapsing in a US hotel. He was there at the Hospital on visit for a fundraising gala for the UWI.

The Jamaica Observer reported through its webpage that “Nettleford, who reportedly suffered a massive heart attack and was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit, never regained consciousness and finally passed at 8:00 pm.”

The achievements of Rex Nettleford in the arts, culture and academia are innumerable and well revered.
His greatest achievement so far is his co-founding of the National Dance Theatre Company(NDTC), along with several others including Bert Rose. Added to that his work and contributions to the Company, which include director, dancer, co-director.
Professor Nettleford is the recipient of Jamaica’s third highest honour – the Order of Merit, and, is a cultural advisor to the prime minister. He graduated from the University of the West Indies with History (honors).
He is a Rhode Scholar who attended Oxford University with postgraduate studies in Politics. Ironically, he also has a created word which he has contributed to the Oxford dictionary.

He’s also the author of several publications including, “Manley and the New Jamaica”, “The African Connexion”, and “In Our Heritage”. His latest published book is “Caribbean Cultural Identity, the case of Jamaica”.

Professor Nettleford is also a member of the Inter-American Committee on Culture, founding governor of the Canada-based International Development Research Centre, and had acted as expert/consultant to the government of Ghana, FESTAC, CARIFESTA and UNESCO. Professor Nettleford is a radio and television commentator and has lectured in many countries including India, the Phillipines and Israel.

Up to his death he remained prolific in his expressions – visual, performing, literary and as a highly respected intellect. All Jamaica will be affected by his death in one way or another. Still although he will no longer be physically seen nor heard, his visions will live on, as many will strive to carry on the baton.

JAMAICA LEADERS REACT

See “Icon lost – Golding, Simpson Miller mourn Nettleford”:

PRIME MINISTER BRUCE GOLDING said he was deeply saddened at the news of Nettleford’s death.

“Jamaica and the entire world have lost an intellectual and creative genius, a man whose contribution to shaping and projecting the cultural landscape of the entire Caribbean region is unquestionable,” Golding said.

“Rex Nettleford was an international icon, a quintessential Caribbean man, the professor, writer, dancer, manager, orator, critic and mentor. He has left a void in our world that will be a challenge to fill.”

MINISTER OLIVIA GRANGE (minister of youth, sports and culture): Nettleford, who had been in the intensive care unit at the hospital since last Wednesday with catastrophic brain injury following a cardiac arrest, died at 8 p.m., four hours before his birthday.

“The nation, the wider Caribbean and beyond mourn the loss of this great Caribbean icon,” Grange said.

OPPOSITION LEADER PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER (president of the People’s National Party and opposition leader): expressed con-dolences to Nettleford’s family, friends and colleagues.

“I am very deeply saddened by the news of Professor Nettleford’s passing. This is a national loss and one that I feel personally. Words are inadequate to capture the extent of the grief I feel,” Simpson Miller said.

Simpson Miller hailed Nettleford as a son of rural Jamaica whose life’s trajectory testifies to the success that is possible through grit, determination, resilience and ‘smadification’ – local parlance for self-actualisation – within the Jamaican cultural environment, of which he wrote so eloquently.

AMBASSADOR ANTHONY JOHNSON (Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States): Nettleford never regained consciousness.

FORMER JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER, EDWARD SEAGA (who first met Nettleford in the early 1960s): Nettleford was the “quintessential Caribbean man”.

“There was a strong willingness on his part to absorb Jamaican culture, which I believe is his greatest contribution. It’s on that basis that the NDTC became such a force,” Seaga said.

THE PEOPLE:
Many tributes have come in for the Trelawny-born Nettleford, who excelled as an academic, cultural activist, historian and remained an unapologetic regionalist.

ART COMMUNITY:
More on Professor Rex Nettleford can be seen in the Alexander Cooper Gallery and Museum, Coopers Hill Kingston. Both master painter Alexander Cooper and the Rex Nettleford were close and culture icons together.

[caption id="attachment_586" align="alignleft" width="672" caption="JOHN POWELL PHOTO: US Ambassador to Jamaica Her Excellency Brenda LaGrange Johnson stands beside her portrait superbly done by master painter Barrington Watson."][/caption]

Among the works of Master Painter Barrington Watson, patron of the Foundation is the portrait of US Ambassador Her Excellency Brenda LaGrange Johnson, done ealy 2009. A very appreciative audience gasped as one, at its revealing at the Gallery Barrington, Hope Road in February.

No doubt the master painter demonstrated that he’s still got the talent and from the proof of this pudding it would appear that painting his favourite subjects … women… keeps him young.

For the event Jamaica’s former Prime Minister Honourable Percival James Patterson and Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Jesus daSilva were among the appreciative and honoured guests.

See more at Negril.com Arts and Culture