Mandeville Art Fair is 25

Twenty-five years ago, a small group of persons sought a way to help fund the many charitable projects of the Mandeville Diocese. They decided to promote Jamaican artists from around the island under the umbrella of the Mandeville Art Fair. This year's fair will take place from November 10-12 at St John Bosco Auditorium in Mandeville.

The event has grown from modest beginnings to one of largest art fairs in the Caribbean. Hundreds of original, eye-catching paintings, ceramics, drawings photographs and prints from established and famous local artists mingle with equally impressive pieces from undiscovered new artists.

The three-day fundraiser attracts patrons from Jamaica and overseas who make the annual trek to the cool hills of Mandeville to view and purchase the art on offer.

For its 25th anniversary, there will be a grand opening night celebration, with a live mento band. On the second day of the fair, students from across the island will experience and be inspired by the spectacular display of local creativity. Day three is for families and includes face-painting, art classes, pottery making and a bounce-a-bout for the children.

Junior Competition

A junior art competition was recently introduced to allow talented students to gain recognition. Last year, there were more than 90 entries in both the six-12-year-old and 13-18 age groups and winners received certificates, cash prizes and cameras.

The annual Julie Lyn Scholarship, introduced several years ago, gives financial assistance to a talented final-year student of the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Proceeds from the fair will support the St John Bosco Boys' Home, Mustard Seed Communities, Gift of Hope Children's Home, Retreat Houses and Clinics, Holy Spirit Homework Programme and several educational institutions supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mandeville.