All-star Amateur Artists Night Review

The event was a success. Artworks were sold; amateur and professional artists mingled, classical music filled the air, family, friends and the local community came out to support the gallery and All-star Amateur Artists Night participants. In preparing for the event, there was a lot of behind the scene work and high expectations that needed to be meet. 

It all started with an idea that the Education department had in creating an event for artists to showcase their work within a museum setting. The Education Department wanted to create an event that will appeal to nontraditional gallery visitors and encourage creative production in the art community. With the approval and support from the gallery’s director, staff and board members, the construction of this idea began. 

The call for artwork went out in November of 2011 and received a great deal of enquiries from the public. The gallery specified that the artwork must consist of the following themes that reflect the current exhibition at the time: abstraction and portraiture. The information about this event was all over the web and other media outlets such as the NAGB’s web page, the NAGB’s Mix Media Blog, NAGB’s facebook, NAGB’s twitter, advertised on Bahamas weekly’s website, Bahamas Local’s website, the Nassau Guardian and on NB-12.

After the submission deadline the gallery received over thirty pieces of artwork to be viewed for the event. The curatorial department did an excellent job in selecting artworks that not only fit the themed guideline but also were of gallery standards. The artwork chosen reflected the influence Kendal Hanna has had on the art community and most importantly the emerging artists that the gallery seeks to promote.

The week of the event quickly approached, there was artwork to be collected, easels that had to be re-supported and painted, caterers to be called, quotes demanded and drinks to be supplied. The list continued with the creating and printing of the evening’s programs, lights check, sponsors, donors and volunteers called, invitations created and sent and most importantly the red carpet pulled for the selected artists and of course, Kendal Hanna.

As guests arrived they were greeted and handed the evening’s program along with live music being played by Gray’s Virtuoso Strings. As the music decresendo Jackson Petit, Curatorial Assistant opened the evening, welcoming guests to the closing of Kendal Hanna’s exhibition. Jordia Benjamin, Assistant Education Officer spoke about the importance of the AAA Night and how this event supports continual artistic creation. The NAGB’s Director, Amanda Coulson introduced Mr. Kendal Hanna who then gave his closing remarks on his exhibition. After which the NAGB gallery and the upstairs verandas became officially opened for the evening.

It surely was a great event and evening as artworks were discussed in and out of the galleries, comparing and realising the influence of Kendal Hanna’s work on the amateur artists. Due to the event’s success, the gallery will be hosting an AAA Night at the closing of every NAGB exhibition. Look forward and stay tune.

-JB

Articles in The Guardian about AAA Night:

Catch The Exhilarating 'Happy Birthday' To Me Before It Closes

Amateur Artists Get Their Night

For more information on future AAA Nights please call the gallery at 328-5800/1.

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas Invites the General Public to an Exhibition Opening

Click the above image for a larger view.

Feel free to contact The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas regarding any questions that you may have. Our number is 328-5800 or email, Ms. Morris at lmorris@nagb.org.bs for further information.

Reminder: The gallery is closed from the 23rd January till 6pm February 3rd, 2012.

News: Volunteers Needed!

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is looking for volunteers to work part-time in its gift store. We are looking for mature individuals (preferably retirees) who are customer service oriented, friendly, able to work a 2.5 hour shift on a negotiated day of choice and have basic computer skills. If you have these qualities and would like to apply, please contact Ms. LuAnn Morris at telephone 328-5800/1 to arrange an appointment.

How To: The Proper Conservation and Preservation of Artworks on Paper

For the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, other art galleries, museums, art collectors and appreciators, one’s storage systems are an institutions most important asset (besides the art of course). Without one, collections of priceless artworks and artifacts will deteriorate at rapid rates. Below are recommendations for the proper handling of works on paper.

Storage:
For works on paper, artwork is best stored flat, outside of a frame. Frames are not recommended to store art on paper as the piece can stick to the glass, develop scratches, fade or accumulate dirt or dust. The paper should be placed in a folder of acid-free or archival quality paper. This folder is best if it is similar to a protective slip with only one opening. Regular folders, that open and close, are basic but not recommended as the art can shift and scratch inside them.

Acid-free paper is very important, it is a protective agent and will assist in the blocking of light, dust and harmful pollutants that corrode and fade paper. Only one sheet of paper/piece per acid-free folder is recommended. The folder should be subsequently stored in a folio or drawer where it will be safe from sunlight. UV light is the fastest way to fade and crinkle artwork on paper.

Environment:
The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) are a troublesome area for preservation. For example, for every 14 degrees Fahrenheit rise in temperature, the deterioration rate of paper doubles (Canadian Conservation Institute).

A balanced humidity must be struck in the storage facility. Paper absorbs moisture quickly which crinkles, swells and expands art, thus destroying it. High humidity also encourages mold, mildew and fungal growths. However, a humidity that is too low is also harmful, as it will dry the paper out. Experimenting can be done to find the best humidity but striking a middle ground or purchasing a dehumidifier is a step to controlling the humidity and environment.

Paper is susceptible to heat, so the temperature in the building must be on the cooler side. Avoid storing work in basements where temperatures fluctuate. If displaying art, the pieces must be kept from any heaters or air conditioners where it will be subjected to extremes in temperatures.

Handling:
When handling works on paper, the individual should wear white, pure cotton gloves. Never touch the works on paper with your fingers because our hands are filled with oils and dust that will slowly degrade the piece and destroy it. The piece, when outside of its storage facility should avoid sunlight as much as possible, as well as liquids, pollution, dirt or dust. If displaying the piece for a short period of time, the piece is best propped on a wooden or metal frame that has been cleaned.

Shipping:
Works on paper that are shipped are best done so flat. If possible, avoid shipping by boat, as the humidity, sea spray and possible heat or cold will severely damage the work. Seawater will completely ruin the piece. If this is unavoidable the pieces should be shipped in an airtight box where it can avoid sunlight and water. Packing surrounding the box or the pieces is encouraged as things have a tendency to shift in transit, which can potentially damage the piece significantly. Wrapping with bubble wrap, cloth (acid-free, lint free) or any soft material is encouraged. The less moving around and shifting in transit, the better.

Framing:
When framing works on paper, they can be taken to professional framers. The owner must make sure that the framers use acid-free backing, acid-free tape and acid-free matte (if matte is desired) to support the piece. Regular glass can be used. Framing is particular to the desires of the owner but if using a paper/plant based material in the framing process make sure it is acid-free or “archival” quality always.

No matter how an individual chooses to care for their art, proper conservation and preservation must be maintained the entire step of the way. Without it, we would not have our precious historical artifacts and the National Collection at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. For more information and inquiries on the proper care and handling of art, feel free to contact the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas at 358-5800.

-AK

Works CitedCCI. "CCI: How to Care For - Works of Art on Paper." Welcome Page | Page D'accueil. Canadian Conservation Institute. Web. 12 Jan. 2012. .

Reminder: All Amateur Artists Deadline Tomorrow

The NAGB All-Star Amateur Artists CALL FOR WORKS Deadline is this Friday, January 6, 2012 at 5pm. Send your artwork in Artists!

Email submissions to nagbaaa.bs.@gmail.com.

Reminder: All Amateur Artists Deadline Fast Approaching

Calling All Amateur Artists! The NAGB announces the launch of a new NAGB art initiative designed to encourage and engage amateur artists in The Bahamas: The All-Star Amateur Artists Night! If you are an amateur, non-professional artist, submit your work and possibly get the opportunity to be featured in a museum level exhibition at the NAGB. Pass the word!

Below is the Promotional Flyer, Rules of Entry and Application Form. If there are any problems, please call the NAGB at 328-5800 or email us at nagbaaa.bs.@gmail.com.

REMEMBER: Deadline for submission is January 6th, 2012.

Flyer:


Rules of Entry:

The All-Star Amateur Artist Night: Rules of Entry



Application Form:

The All-Star Amateur Artist Night: Application Form

Feel free to send us a comment or email, we look forward to hearing from you! Also "like" our Facebook page to get the latest updates and information!
NAGB Facebook Page