Mandeville Art Fair to see more than 80 local artists on show, exhibit opens tomorrow
Published:Wednesday | November 11, 2015 | 12:00 AMKeisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
A spectacular display of some of Jamaica’s finest art works will be featured at the 24th staging of the Mandeville Art Fair that will have it’s opening night tomorrow at the St John Bosco Boys' Home auditorium in Hatfield, Manchester.
Over the years the event that has attracted patrons from Mandeville and the wider society will feature some of the best of Jamaican art organised to raise funds for needy charities.
It is anticipated that more than 80 artists will present their work at the Fair which will continue through to Friday and Saturday.
Several institutions have benefitted from proceeds of the Fair including St John Bosco Boys Home, Saint Vincent Strambi Catholic School in St Elizabeth, The Catholic College of Mandeville, Mustard Seed Communities: Gift of Hope, Spur Tree, St Vincent de Paul Society, St Paul of the Cross Chapter, Mt St Joseph Catholic High School and the Julia Lyn Scholarship Fund among others.
The Julia Lyn Scholarship Fund valued at $150,000 and named in honour of deceased Mandeville businesswoman Julie Lyn is each year awarded to a student of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts based on revenue from the art fair.
The 2015 awardee will be final year student Jamar Allen.
According to Marcia Tai Chun, Sponsorship Coordinator for the Mandeville Art Fair the event has continued to highlight the work of young and upcoming artists and has encouraged the purchase of local Jamaican art.
“We have consistently been able to achieve our objectives, raising money for worthy causes, appreciation of Art, exposure for our sponsors, sale of Jamaican Art and the promotion of up and coming Jamaican artists, especially in this part of Jamaica where events of this sort are usually focused in Kingston,” Tai Chun said.
In addition to the art sale all students in the general vicinity and schools as far afield as Hampton High School and Munro College are invited on the Friday of the Art Fair to view the artwork free of cost.
“This has been invaluable in encouraging Art in the schools as we now have former students exhibiting with us. We have also added a School Art competition which is judged by the staff from the National Gallery of Jamaica. This portion of the Art fair has been sponsored by Jamaica National,” Tai Chun said.
The Mandeville Art Fair was started as a fund-raiser in 1992 by Paul Boyle, the late Roman Catholic bishop, to assist the poor.
The high quality of the art works displayed over the years has attracted art lovers and renowned artists to participate in the event, making it also a place to interact, learn and exchange ideas. This year, the fair will also include a craft exhibition, workshops and interactions between artists and students.