OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica)

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.

Founder Anthea McGibbon

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.

Principal Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith photographed by Omaro Mazlyn

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

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Allman Town paints for the Bank of Jamaica
Creative workshop series end with Solid performances