Anthea McGibbon

There is a lot to appreciate on the total arts and Jamaica’s culture have a few things to look forward to this year, with good notes been written at the recent Art of Music Festival.
At that festival Third World members hinted at their upcoming children’s book on culture and patriots, while revealing that in the shorter term a pictorial book on their travels and development will be forthcoming. Both are part of the band’s 37th anniversary celebrations, this year, as one of the oldest reggae bands still operating.

Meantime Rebecca Packer, as one team member of the Reggae Pickney slated to work on the children’s book spoke on another project, to be made available sometime this year. The Reggae Pickney team members, which include Jana and Rupert Bent and Dr Veronica Salter are busy working on a new addition in the Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band series. Only this time the co-star to Shaggy Parrot, voiced by Shaggy himself is a turtle, and the illustrator will be a Jamaican making the team all Jamaican.

YUSEF THOMPSON PHOTO: Gregory Brown made sketches of patrons all week long.

Rebecca, is cautious about revealing the Jamaican artist who will act as the voice of the turtle, but she spoke further on the book. She did mention however that the layout for the colouring book is already complete, and will be published quicker than the colouring book for the Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae band.

 Again sourcing information on the environment from NEPA the book will educate persons to marine life and animals of both land and sea. With her firm belief that creative people are also scientific, and intellectual, the series will in the future introduce books that deals with the universe and space. The book series continue how creative minds in Jamaica are superbly scientific and intellectual she said in a brief reference to the likes of Professor Rex Nettleford. For now this new book will deal with issues such as the turtles being forced to eat plastic bags, garbage floating in the river and ultimately being ingested by the turtles.

All this is being done as Walter Elmore once again made way for visual artists to showcase their skills as part of his vision for Art and Music. Two years ago, he envisioned hosting an entire festival for the visual arts, and the professional package of the artists this year surpassing other years is evidence that this might be a great idea.

Navigation around the location was easy, made easier my tasteful visual signs. Although the skybox area was strictly for high-end sponsors and their creme de creme guests, they along with sponsors made the entire event very friendly creating much hype with the energy placed in ensuring designs were appealing. Decor was impressive, and at the Smirnoff tent, where especially young patrons were joined by young at heart in indulging in “Spirits of Jazz”, Sheila Blair did a remarkable job with only the Smirnoff colours. The line mural of jazz players along the wall was superb, and if nothing else did made one feel jazzed up, even as they passed it on their way upstairs to the Smirnoff tower. (See full review by Yusef Johnson on this boothe)

ANTHEA McGIBBON PHOTO

At the Art of Music festival, previously named Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues fest, the artists made the canvas complete with their physical jots. They were strategically plotted across from the talent stage exposing new and not so new performers and even nearer to the food court which proved to be to their advantage.
Among them was Mutabaruka who displayed fashion. Phillip Supersad, who usually attends Jazz as a patron this year participated as an artist, and his hand-made drums are ideal for wakes at which he also performs on contract. He also had a few signature ceramic pieces that has declared him to society as a master potter.

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Sketch artists were on hand to capture images of patrons in charcoal and pencil. One of them is Jeffery Perry who sold his oils and watercolour paintings of Jamaican lifestyle from his boothe, the other Gregory Brown.
Bridgette Sandals had exquisitely made sandals that arrested the attention of patrons as much as the original hand made clothing line of Cleopatra.
Artists from Montego Bay included Alpha Arts. From Ocho Rios Hopeton Powell and his mother, Eugene Williams had a collaboration boothe of works by at least six family members. The subjects ranged from lifestyle to scenes done mostly in the primary colours and black. Dance moves from early and modern Jamaica were among the main themes, as well as ancient living modes such as donkey carts, Uncle Sunny bus, Beverley’s bus, and typical roadside market. He was one artist who spoke of Billy Ocean, Gladys Knight being among his favourite artistes although he never really left his boothe.
Ringling School of Arts and Design graduate, Tamika Wright launched “Only in Jamaica” at jazz with her display of posters, coffee tables books of photographs from images found only in Jamaica. Some candid, some comedian, but reflecting the concept “Only in Jamaica” such as the house built on railroad tracks. Her boothe was shared with Bianca . Her “Pieces of Bianca” included hand made jewellery such as hairpieces, broaches and also handbags.
Buck’s Designs were responsible for the souvenir wearables for Art of Music which were all a designers delight, from the caps to the variety of teeshirts.
The most interactive activity at the Art of Music was the fully costumed team from Outamenni who took patrons on a visual tour of periods in Jamaica’s history starting with the Tainos. These were present to welcome jazz patrons, even as persons made their way to pledge their assistance at the Haiti boothes. So aside from a full dosage of the performing arts international visitors got immersed first hand into the culture and skill of Jamaicans through the visual arts.

SPONSORS:
Ibostar, Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamrock, Air Jamaica, Flow, Fame, CVM, Gleaner, Half Moon, Riu, Holiday Inn, Miladium, Sunset Beach, Jamaica Pegasus, Courts, Jablum, Hype, RE, 106, Heineken, Klas, RJR, Hype TV.

READ MORE:
Jazzing Walter Elmore Style
Third world celebrates 37 years
Arts in harmony in Jamaica
Hanging with Billy Ocean
Questions for Jon Secada
Saturday night was the night to remember

See the Gleaner’s Art Section, Jazz Report(Cdn), Street Hype(NY), The Gleaner’s Children’s Own for more.

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art of music, haiti, interview, jon secada, phillip supersad