Interesting enough, this is a video although posted to You Tube over a year ago, is still being circulated today to stir interest. Journeying through Trench Town
However,
OAaSIS is working in Trench Town encouraging use of creativity, and several kids who do put their creativity to good use – in singing, poertry, drawing.. etc. YET this is not hoighlighted to be encouraged..
AND NOW it’s anybody’s wonder..
1. do we really want change
2. to what end do we highlight these interviews about who’se scared and what..
3. WHY dont we promote change and solutinos that are working so more people come aboard. So you send out a video and rAISE PASSION.. then WAT.. WE CRY WE LAMENT.. then what..
4. With that video going out.. WHAT NEXT for real change for Jamaica—
On Saturday July 17, whilst many Jamaicans ventured to Sumfest in Montego Bay, Trench Town had a super arts day focusing on arts, creativity and culture. Trench Town is the former home to music superstars and reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Dean Fraser and Alton Ellis and well known multiskilled visual artist W Henry Eccleston.
MALIK JOSEPHS photo: Trench Town Youth in a workshop with Jamaican-Japanese artist Rico
OAaSIS team of literary, performing and visual artists made the day special despite earlier heavy showers of rain threatening to postpone or cancel the event. Partnering with the resident children, eager to learn new skills and share the ones they already knew, made the day come alive with exceptional energy.
The day’s activities ran from 2:00 – 6:00p.m. after it got off to a late start. The event was hosted by OAaSIS International Foundation, collaborating with the Trench Town Culture Yard, managed by Ferdie Bent, and the Trench Town Reading Centre run by Canadian Roslyn Ellison.
Just after showers of rain blessed the venue, fifteen children along with a few adults including Roslyn Ellison gathered in the main area of the culture yard for the start at 2:00p.m..
Among the presentations on the stage next to the Bob Marley statue was Ellison who spoke on the work and objectives of the reading centre. Two Trench Town students, Philomena and Monique performed a poem written by Philomena.
By 3:00p.m. the number of children, ages 0-17 swelled to 120 at the Trench Town Reading Centre, where hands-on workshops were conducted by OAaSIS team members.
The children, split in 4 groups, were exposed to the art of papier mache, writing, designing newspaper pages, origami and other varied craft, singing and more up until 4:00p.m.
At 4:15, the performing arts segment opened with Abatua Barrett and his three sisters – the 3-SIS back up singers, who also are the promotion team for the VENT event for teens. The impressed residents called for more after their one-song teaser performance, but they were forced to wait till the end for their return to close the day’s activities. Only once before that did they perform as singers again, and on another occasion they promoted the VENT event with a few dance away steps.
3-sis the backup singers for Abatua Barrett, also are the VENT promtion team and showed their many skills. PATRICK JAMES photo
Artistes Rollie Fresh and Boom Steppa were dynamic and Boom Steppa soon became another favourite with his interactive performance of Nah Stay Poor with a few more songs. Trench Town’s Philomena accompanied by Monique, performed again, this time with more confidence in sending their message about the area’s great achievements and talents and potential.
A soulful Ziggy Soul gave a unique spin to the day with a stirring, and uplifting performance. Belting out his own compositions tailored by the Bible’s book of Genesis complimented the Foundation’s mission to sensitise youth in understanding creation as the greatest artwork.
To assist with refreshments Jamaica Buscuits, Wisynco was aboard and their latest products shared well appreciated and sought after. Berger Paint who donated paints also donned participants in their teeshirts and caps and for the youth there were colouring books, crayons and pens.
Certificates were slated to be awarded at a later date owing to the late start, which forced a short version of the proceedings.
OAaSIS has since been contacted to visit Rema and Boys Town and other immediate environs, but seeks more businesspersons to come aboard. Trench Town itself is to be revisited to ensure tangible progress.
Thanks to:
W Henry Eccleston
Levaughn
Boom Steppa
Rollie Fresh
Philomena
Monique
Roslyn Ellison
Nabby Natural
Stoneman
Patrick James
Abatua Barrett
3-SIS backup singers
Yasco Yasuko Ishige
Rico Reiko Nagase
Malesia Frazer
Dar
Sweets
Culture Yard Staff
Ferdie Bent
Reading Centre Staff
Resurrection House, Savannah, GA
Leo Small
The OAaSIS International Foundation invites all interested artistes to participate in a special fundraiser music video.
According to its founder, Anthea McGibbon, the list of areas seeking the input of the Foundation is growing along with the supplies list and incurerd expenses.
The presenting group is more tightly knitted with some committed to all venues, but the programme is not without its share of expenses such as materials. The current project is a creative workshop series which is only the first phase of the foundation which seeks to empower creative minds.
The impact has been tremendous and all areas visited are scheduled for follow up visits, to ensure the youth makes tangible progress beyond being sensitised to arts, culture and creativity as a combined tool to development.
Other projects slated are special arts online careers library, book publishing and where they can be innovative in earning their own income as indiviuals and a community. By year end the Foundation hopes to open a library in St Catherine where children have to walk miles to school and to seek jobs.
Funds, and more funds are therefore needed for the not-for-profit entity.
The OAaSIS Foundation is in the process of making a music video series for raising needed funding for our projects. The music video is a selected method, as the foundation is all about bridging gaps between professional and successful artistes and the youth, impressing upon them also real talent that exist here. At the same time, business heads are also to be sensitised on our creative talent and what OAaSIS is all about.
Artistes, please join OAaSIS in singing a tune, line or two!
Deejays and musicians are needed too.
Call in your commitment, or sign up on facebook.
PROCEDURE:
Please compose your section of a line, 2, or three
Then contact us when you are ready to sing like a bee
OAaSIS recording team will then pop by
And record you in good time
Then the team will splice it together again
All towards a positive end
For all on and off TV to attend
With all special friends
CONCEPT:
OAaSIS is about empowering the creative mind of the youth, so they understand arts, creativity, culture as an effective tool to development, success, rising
Free from barrel mentality
We all have the creative genius inside us — understanding and utilising our creative tool and Rising to be who we are as a creative nation
THEME: Operate Advance and Serve in Skills
/… to empower the creative mind of today’s youth to see them develop quicker, better
We are inviting persons to support the foundation.
SO FAR artistes confirming are -
Boom Steppa
Rollie Fresh
Sophia Brown
DJ Davonish
Farenheit
Peter Lloyd
Alton Ellis Jnr
Abatua Barrett & 3sis
CONTACT TEAM:
Leighton Levy, Communications Director, 561-4445
Robin Chin, Videographer, 472-9725
Patrick James, Graphic Designer 790-1941
Melhanie Spence, Projects Co-ordinator, 842-1496
Anthea McGibbon, Projects Director 412-9766
OAaSIS moves to improve Trench Town through Arts
… collaborates with Culture Yard, Reading Centre
Tomorrow, July 17 is set for patrons of Reggae Sunfest, Montego Bay.
It is also the day Trench Town gets its Super Arts & Culture Day, one of a series designed for that area. Slated from 11:00a.m. to 4:30p.m., is a creative workshop series by the OAaSIS International Foundation in collaboration with the Culture Yard, Reading Centre and participating artists(es) and artisans.
OAaSIS exists to network members of the creative industry and relating fields to empower the creative mind of youth. Trench Town was slated after W Henry Eccleston, a former resident of Trench Town, and now living in New York, contacted its founder since the Foundation began. Before that he had been encouraging her to do something similar in at least 5 years.
In Trench Town, young residents will have a day of empowerment towards developing themselves individually and collectively, and to understand creativity as a tool in all areas.
Creative adults will get sessions at another date, to enable them to better package themselves as a marketable product as well as being innovative in challenging times. At the sessions tomorrow, they will be allowed basic introduction to understanding their creative power as a skilled and culture community.
The day will involve projects, workshops and motivation sessions in VISUAL, performing, literary and culinary art skills designed to empower the creative mind of approximately 150 youth aged 4-19. Sessions will therefore include writing stories, marketing, product development, origami, papier mache, etching, jingle composition, arts career expose.
Among the presenters are Ziggy Soul, US Embassy’s Emma Caroline Lewis, master painter Bernard Hoyes visiting from Califirnia, Jamaican-Japanese painter and artisan – Rico Nagase and Yasco respectively, Boom Steppa, Abatuah Barrett accompanied by his sisters and chaperoned by their mother Alisia Lawson.
Founder Anthea McGibbon admits that organizing this series has been challenging as sponsors sought either claimed to be affected by recent Coke trauma, or said they were contacted too late. “It seems everybody is seeking donations, especially with more persons out of a job.”
Still with the drive to see more Jamaicans transformed with creative skills, and skills support base, the Foundation will not disappoint the youth nor anxious parents, by postponement nor cancellation of the event. She also says that the list of areas seeking OAaSIS input is rapidly growing, as more realize the value of being creative and innovative and entrepreneurial, so rescheduling will prove difficult.
“A creative community can design their own jobs, and money-making methods without copying each other, and in the end if they overcome challenges together they will only grow and succeed together.”
Donations of all sizes are now being sought in light of all of the above.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Call:
Leighton Levy 561-4445; Anthea McGibbon 797 7297;
OAaSIS operates as a not-for-profit organisation! It networks members of the creative industry to empower youth, while refreshing its members.
WE HOWEVER need funds to continue making a difference in the lives of youth. YOU may have given to our donation tins across Jamaica. Now here’s something designed JUST for you.
Sticky support
ITEMS ARE:
Teeshirts, MUGS, stickers for cars and more, TEESHIRTS, caps, BAGS
With any purchase you will receive a sticker from the OAaSIS, because we value every penny donated to the good cause of empowering the creative minds of youth.
A purchase of two items gives you a discount on one other.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE PRICES:
Teeshirts White – J$999/US$10
Teeshirts Coloured – J$1499/US$15
Bags Regular tote White,Beige – J$1499/US$15
Bags Regular tote Coloured – J$2,499/US$25
Car stickers – J$199/US$2
Mugs – J$399/US$4 personalised with your name on it
Posters – J$999/US$10 (11×17)
Clocks – J$2999/US$30 (8×10)
PLEASE sUPPORT US.. Every dollar counts as we value all support.
SPECIAL ITEMS:
Master painter Bernard Hoyes and W Henry Eccleston, both living the US have kindly agreed to submit special art designs for the above items. ALL PROCEEDS will be towards the OAaSIS>
MAKE CONTACT with:
Melhanie Spence 876-842-1496
Leighton Levy 876- 561-4445
Gallery Barrington 876-978-7424
Patrick Beckford 876-732-801-6747
Order online through the website www.oaasisinternational.org.
Ask for your receipt with every purchase made!
SPECIAL special SPECIAL items. Buy something at low costs and get heightened satisfaction that you helped to empower the creative mind of youth today!
On June 15, OAaSIS International creative workshop series was held in St Ann to honour Christopher Gonzalez, Jamaican artist, but those in attendance received much more. They were also treated to a full inhouse exhibition of the works of Christopher Gonzalez.
Artistes Boom Steppa, Rollie Fresh and Jermaine Gordon offering three distinct styles of performances, gave the guests a dynamic package in making new connection with the Diaspora. All three were humbled to see other great artworks by Chris Gonzalez, who for them is popularly known for the controversial Bob Marley statue, now erected in St Ann.
ANTHEA McGIBBON photo: Artists compliment Gonzalez family in an artist family pose.
Alternating with presentations by visual artists including Bernard Hoyes, Reiko Nagase, Dwayne Hamilton, the three artistes kept the guest which was 70 per cent Jamaicans from within the Diaspora from UK, Canada and USA cheerful and applauding.
It was not just about the delivery but the Diaspora members said afterwards that they were very impressed with the cleverness of the lyrics which they thought was a great refreshing for young minds and older persons together.
Well designed for the moments, Boom Steppa delivered his popular favourite “Mih Nah Stay Poor”, Jermaine Gordon came with “I’ll trust in You (to guide me and for success), and Rollie Fresh sang of “Yutes of Tomorrow”(Youth of Tomorrow). There was no delay in convincing all present of the call to unite to assist the youth in understanding their creative power, as was well demonstrated by the current presenters who understood theirs.
There was much gratitude from the visitors who were principals, art teachers, selected businesspersons and Diaspora members, impressed by the variety in artists and their different works. They were thankful even after the event for being invited to secure connection on behalf of the other Jamaicans.
MALIK JOSEPHS photo: Nailah Gonzalez pays tribute to those who came to pay tribute to her dad, Christopher Gonzalez.
Diaspora head Patrick Beckford from US said he was proud for the OAaSIS Foundation in its thrust to sensitise others to the arts, culture, and creative power of Jamaicans internationally. Art teacher from St Hilda, Aldain Wynt, acknowledged the advantages of partnering the art club of his school with OAaSIS in the shared quest of alerting more persons to the endless opportunities and aspects of the combined fields of the arts
Bernard Hoye, Jamaican master painter from California, made special presentation about his works after he highlighted numbered achievements by Christopher Gonzalez.
Nailah Gonzalez, daughter of Christopher Gonzalez expressed appreciation on behalf of the family in her delivering two of her original piano pieces.
Among the guests were Jag Mehta, a hotelier and ceramicist himself and Andy Jefferson, another well respected artist.
Wisynco donated sodas and water, but it was the mango flavour soda and red cranberry wata products that were better appreciated.
The OAaSIS will be in Florida July 31 for two workshops and an exhibition for adults and children.
Less than ten years ago, Angela Stribling captured many hearts as host of BET on Jazz programme “Screen Scene.” Less than two years ago she began her singing career. As an RB and Jazz singer she already has commanded the hearts of many in Singapore and Japan to her bidding with her sultry voice.
Angela Stribling
Come July 31, the American from Buffalo, New York, will be a part of the OAaSIS network which will be in Florida to present creative workshop series for youth and adults free of cost there. The Super Arts day is titled “The critical role and impact of the Arts,” and is a US installation of the series travelling across Jamaica.
OAaSIS International Foundation exists to network members of the creative industry (literary, performing, visual including culinary) and relating fields to empower today’s youth. More at OAaSIS site.
US and Jamaica shares certain similarities when it comes to the Arts especially considering that in a great number of government-run schools, courses for arts are either reduced or eliminated all-together. Those who network with OAaSIS share the common belief of the arts being critical to one’s development.
Invited by the host, Gallery Art, OAaSIS International Foundation founder, Anthea McGibbon, immediately solicited the assistance of Angela Stribling residing in DC, because of her long time association with Jamaica, and Jamaicans. The Gallery management has paid keen interest in the work of McGibbon, a media practioner and artist with special focus on arts, creativity and culture, and the Foundation’s network in its quest to develop the creative mind of youth.
Stribling and McGibbon have been friends for over ten years. Angela was also for a long time admired by Jamaican Sonny Bradshaw, and still by many other Jamaicans for her role on BET on Jazz when she would highlight the Jazz Festivals of Ocho Rios.
She not only believes in the talents of Jamaicans and has sought to promote them, but she is considered an “uncrowned queen” of the United States of America, for her extensive impact as an African American communities’ builder. READ MORE
More can be viewed on Angela on her website. Angela Stribling website.
Through its sensitisation creative workshop series, the OAaSIS International Foundation has been steadily creating a deft impact on Jamaica’s youth on the island.
At the Biscayne Boulevard location the day will entail:
FREE creative workshop for children at 12 noon
FREE creativity workshop for adults at 4pm
Exhibition by Gallery showcasing local and international talent at 7pm.
Join a dynamic network of creative souls for empowering others on and through the Arts, Culture, Creativity here on this site, Let’s be extraordinaire and super impacting together instead of being just plain ordinary apart. Keep this site alive by placing an inexpensive advertisement on this site or investing your funds through a contribution (See sponsorship and promotions tier chart).
Through its sensitisation creative workshop series, the OAaSIS International Foundation has been steadily creating a deft impact on Jamaica’s youth.
Slated for June and July are workshops to involve adults, both locally and in Florida. Added to that the series, which travel across the island, will also highlight selected artists who have made significant contribution to Jamaica’s culture.
Barrington Watson and Bernard Hoyes meet in Orange Park. ANTHEA McGIBBON PHOTO
On Tuesday, June 15, a tribute will be made to Christopher Gonzalez at the gallery home of the now deceased artist, where his wife and children secure his memories and his works. Christopher Gonzalez is known for the controversial statue of Bob Marley now erected in St Ann. He is also respected for his watercolour paintings and other sculpture.
Among the presenters will be patron to the Foundation, Jamaican master painter Bernard Hoyes, who is on the island, visting from California, to open a etching studio. He recently paid a courtesy call to master painter Barrington Watson, another patron..
He also visited Port Royal and Allman Town schools.
At Tuesday’s workshop to honour Christopher Gonzalez, he will speak on the importance of valued reproduction of one’s artwork, as opposed to giclees, which to some are nothing more than “glorified photocopies”.
The workshop themes include on “Painting”, “Living as a Jamaican artist in the USA climate,” “Etching”. Bernard Hoyes is established and known throughout the United States as a painter, sculptor and printmaker and etcher. (website) His latest exhibition was held in Singapore earlier this year, and he has been featured in magazines such as Afrikan Business and Cultural Quarterly based in London.
See his resume.
OAaSIS International Foundation exists to network members of the creative industry and relating fields to empower today’s youth. More at OAaSIS site.
Other presenters will include Howard Moo Young and young artist Dwayne Hamilton, with performing artists Jermaine Gordon and Peter Lloyd slated. Jap-Jamaican Reiko Nagase will also make special presentation of her captures of Jamaican lifestyle and people.
Patrick Beckford and other Jamaicans from abroad will represent the Diaspora in a discussion on Jamaican artists living overseas, and as Jamaican art relates to the diaspora.
Following this workshop, Trench Town will be visited by the OAaSIS network on July 17, and other locations seeking a visit will be confirmed.
CONTACT for further information or an interview:
Founder Anthea McGibbon, 797-7297; Leighton Levy, 561-4445; Melhanie Spence, 842-1496;
Paralegal Secretary Dwane Forbes, 443-9443; Patrick James, 790-1941
All the way from California, Jamaican master painter Bernard Hoyes, arrived in the island yesterday, Monday May 24 to give back to Jamaica’s youth. He is on the island to begin an etching school for the youth, and as patron to the OAaSIS International Foundation, he will tour specific areas joining in projects towards empowering the development of the youth.
At an East Street location, refurbishing has already begun on the building slated for the etching school. Starting on Sunday, June 6, Hoyes begins his tour with OAaSIS.
On Sunday, June 6, Hoye will pay a courtesy call on the foundation’s first patron, Barrington Watson, a well-known master painter himself whose work is currently hung in the National Gallery.
On Tuesday Hoyes travels to Port Royal Primary and Infant to restore murals along with other OAaSIS volunteers, as well as to do workshops including etching.
On Wednesday, June 9, Hoyes goes to his old school, allman Town Primary to conduct workshops and motivational sessions just a week before he participates in a worshop series paying tribute to Christopher Gonzalez.
The workshop thesemes include on “Painting”, “Living as a Jamaican artist in the USA climate,” “Etching”.
Earlier this year in January Hoyes was among the numbered persons from the Allman Town area, recognized and appreciated with a certificate for their outstanding impressions made through an application of the creative arts.
Others included Donald Oliver, Rohan Daley who through literary expressions have been impacting on the nation.
Bernard Hoyes is established and known throughout the United States as a painter, sculptor and printmaker and etcher. (http://www.bernardhoyes.com/) His latest exhibition was held in Singapore earlier this year, and he has been featured in magazines such as Afrikan Business and Cultural Quarterly based in London.
See his resume here.
OAaSIS International Foundation exists to network members of the creative industry and relating fields to empower today’s youth. More at www.oaasisinternational.org.
CONTACT for further information or an interview:
Founder Anthea McGibbon, 797-7297; Leighton Levy, 561-4445; Melhanie Spence, 842-1496
Paralegal Secreatary Dwane Forbes, 443-9443; Patrick James, 790-1941
Join a dynamic network of creative souls for empowering others on and through the Arts, Culture, Creativity here on this site, Let’s be extraordinaire and super impacting together instead of being just plain ordinary apart. Keep this site alive by placing an inexpensive advertisement on this site or investing your funds through a contribution (See sponsorship and promotions tier chart).
On November 9th, 2009 master painter BARRINGTON WATSON agreed to be one of the patrons within the OAaSIS.
Click to read more
FARENHEIT agreed to be Patron #2 on February 1, 2010, and we are grateful for the expert skills he brings to share. He is known as actor, singer, musician, songwriter and grahpic designer. Click to read more
BERNARD HOYES is Patron #3 Click to read more
The Founder
Through OAaSIS, its founder gives tribute to the input of other foundations such as Issa, Shaggy, UN, Unesco; appreciates those who have been her support; helps to realize the creative potential of youth and artists, most times overlooked especially within Jamaica. Click to visit Anthea McGibbon's website or Click here to contact her.
Ongoing OAaSIS Fundraiser
READ MORE: Marcus Garvey TeeShirts Buy a Teeshirt designed and printed by OAaSIS patron Bernard Hoyes, Jamaican-born master painter living in California.
Ongoing OAaSIS Project
SEE MORE PROJECTS: Latest Project: Arts Careers Library gives overview of careers in creative industry (performing, literary and visual including culinary). See more on being an art critic, actor, singer, architect, and others from an ever growing list of arts careers.
READ MORE: 
READ MORE: 
SEE MORE PROJECTS: 
Englishman identifies with Jamaicans through reggae songs.