OAaSIS International Foundation (Jamaica)

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

ANTHEA MCGIBBON PHOTO: Sophia Brown is mobbed for hugs, autographs.

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

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