NAGB Photography Workshop Series

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Students Photography Workshop on Saturday, August 11th from 9am - 4:45pm 
Students price: $75.00 NAGB
Members price: $65.0

Student's must present valid I.D. Have you ever questioned photography as an art? Ever wondered how to become a photographer? Are you interest in photography as a career? Interested in fashion, modeling and capturing everyday life events? The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is pleased to work alongside Scharad Lightbourne, a Bahamian fashion and lifestyle photographer. The workshop will consist of the branding, business and the creative elements of the photography field, over a period of two weekends. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop and camera for optimum learning.

Tickets and seats are limited.
RSVP with payment by August 8th at 4:00pm.

Adults Photography Workshop on Saturday, August 18th from 9am - 4:45pm 
Adults price: $150.00 NAGB
Members price: $140.00

Have you ever questioned photography as an art? Ever wondered how to become a photographer? Are you interest in photography as a career? Interested in fashion, modeling and capturing everyday life events? The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas is pleased to work alongside Scharad Lightbourne, a Bahamian fashion and lifestyle photographer. The workshop will consist of the branding, business and the creative elements of the photography field, over a period of two weekends. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop and camera for optimum learning.

Tickets and seats are limited.
 RSVP with payment by August 8th at 4:00pm.

 Call the gallery at 328-5800/1, for more information on this workshop.

Membership Drive Fair Video

Straight From The Source: Interview With The Membership Department

Ashley Knowles: In your own words, why is Membership important to an institution like the NAGB?

Nastassi Pratt: Membership is important to an institution like the NAGB because like many museums and galleries, we are a non-profit institution. Our name is a bit misleading because we’re really a museum, and any funds we need to keep exhibitions going and programming available for the public is heavily funded by the public.

Averia Wright: Membership is a direct means of support whereas visitation, admissions and donations do not cover the day-to-day running of a museum. Workshops, public programming and community and regional projects, partnerships and arts education all heavily rely on the funds from membership. Another thing that membership does is gives the public a chance to become more involved with the institution and affords them special benefits that add to their experience, and being apart of that museum’s community.

AK: What have you done in the past to increase Membership?

NP: We really took the helm of the Membership Program in September of last year (2011) so all initiatives have been fairly recent. The entire look and feel of membership was revamped. Additionally, we added a few more incentives and benefits for members within our packages. We felt that this was important to really make members feel and know that they’re getting their monies worth. But most importantly, we really wanted to push with the language in our promotional material that Membership is really about being a part of something big and worthwhile. And the NAGB is just that, a great institution that’s worth supporting.

AK:Why did you choose to do a fair? How have you envisioned it?

NP: Averia and I were in one of our meetings (and we had quite a few of those in our early days) and we were brainstorming ways to shake up Membership in a positive way. Averia suggested a fair. I asked if she was insane. She convinced me that we could do it and I convinced myself that we’d see the first miracle on the NAGB grounds. And hence we have the first annual Membership Drive Fair 2012.The moral of the story? Never have brainstorming meetings with Averia after lunch.

AW: We chose to do a fair to take on a different vibe at the gallery we are usually having events in the evening where guest are wined and dined which is all well and good. But we wanted to create an atmosphere of fun and family and allow all to become a part of our fun family. By doing this we open up the gallery to persons of all walks of life and show people as prestigious as this building the Villa Doyle is still belongs to all of us and we are here to enjoy it.

AK:What can people expect at the fair?

NP: Everything! It’s going to be a great time with great games, fun times and food!

AW: Being our first annual membership drive fair people can expect a fun, art centric family fair meaning that with our games like the hoopla table and the go fish board prizes will be targeted towards artists. We will have Robin Hardy, a wood turner and carver, demonstrating his craft making pens that you can learn to make yourself and purchase. Caricature artist, Matthew Wildgoose, will be there. We will definitely have all the things you would expect at a fair as well, a Bouncing Castle, Face Painting, and lots of Food.

AK:What are some of your favourite highlights for the fair?

AW: My favorite highlights would have to be a recent donation from Something’s Different, and Doongalik Studios Art Gallery, which I thought, is so great. Something’s Different is offering a free cupcake to the first 50 persons that sign up for membership and Doongalik is offering some of Dear Heart’s World Famous Iced Tea, which I both love. The support from the community is deeply appreciated.

AK:What are you looking forward to the most with the fair?

NP: Seeing happy people enjoying our grounds and our gallery.

AW: The big highlight, which I didn’t mention before, is the Art Raffle. I wish I could participate, but the two artists Toby Lunn and Jessica Colebrooke sent in two amazing pieces, which I wish, I could take home with me!

AK:Tips for individuals trying to organize their own fair or large scale event?

NP: Don’t do it! Just kidding. Mostly. Well, the earlier you start planning your fair the better. And get your volunteers on board as soon as you can. Then sponsors, start hounding persons and companies as soon as the stamp of approval is made for the fair/event to happen. Even earlier, before the ink dries.

AW: Organize and Plan ahead, I promise it would make a huge difference!

AK:Can you name a funny moment when organizing the fair?

NP: Well, that’s tricky since my sense of humor can be warped at times. But it was interesting going to the toy store to pick out our goodies for the Hoopla Table and the Go-Fish booth. I was accused by my coworkers (namely Averia and Jordia) of picking too many boyish toys like mini rubber animals and reptiles. So we dumped my selections. Then a minute later Jorida comes walking down the isle with two big, western rifles and a truck-load of water guns! I guess the gender stereotypes with toys have changed A LOT since I was a kid…

AK:Can you sum up the fair in one word?

NP: Awesome!

AW: Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious!


The Membership Drive Fair 2012 takes place this Saturday, July 28th, 2012 from 11AM to 5PM. See you there! For further information on donating, Membership T-Shirts, participation and volunteering, feel free to contact us at 328-5800.

Limited Edition, Hand Made T-Shirts

The Membership Department has done it again!

During our Membership Drive Fair on Saturday, July 28th, 2012, guests will have the chance to purchase Limited Edition, Hand Made T-shirts made by our very own Curatorial Trainee's, Nastassia Pratt and Averia Wright.

There are only a few of each so get them while they're hot!

Adult sizes range from Small, Medium, Large to Extra- Large. There are no children's sizes unfortunately.
The shirts are priced at $20 for Non-Members and $15 for Members. Remember, no two are the same.

How To: Shipping and Handling

For the experienced or budding collector, the practising artist and museum or gallery professional, there will come a day when artwork needs to be shipped over international or local waters. The Mixed Media team has touched on the issue of conservation of works on paper and paintings in the past. A brief portion was dedicated to the shipping and handling of artwork, however, being a complicated topic, today’s post will explore the different methods of preparing, packaging and transporting art.

Preparation:

One of the first issues to address when preparing artwork to be shipped is whether the individual wishes for the piece to be returned. If this is the intention, the shipper should resume responsibility for this and provide materials for the artwork to be sent back. To make this process easier and more cost efficient, preparing the piece with reusable materials is best. These include, but are not limited to, bubble wrap, shrink-wrap, acid free paper, acid free cardboard, plastic and wood. The shipper should also include instructions as to the proper re-packaging of the piece.

Packaging:

How artwork is packaged depends on the type of piece it is. For new pieces made with paint that can withstand curling, it is sufficient to roll the artwork into a plastic, tube. It is best to place the paintings on layers of acid-free paper, and then roll the artwork into the tube. The paper provides support and protection from the elements. Unframed works on paper should be placed in acid-free boxes, and layered with acid-free paper.

Framed pieces require a bit more handiwork and creativity. Procuring a large cardboard, plastic or metal box is the first step. Shippers are encouraged to line the box with a waterproof substance such as plastic or wood. Secondly, the painting’s frame is taken into consideration. Is it large? Thick? Will the painting itself need extra support? If so, individuals are encouraged to purchase foam cut to the size of the painting. Once cut, the foam is intended to fit perfectly on the back of the painting, between the framed portions. The next step is to wrap the entire piece in foam or bubble wrap and place this into the box. The key to safe transportation is ensuring that the artwork does not have the space to move or slide around.

Shipping:

Choosing a shipping provider can be a difficult one, however, the shipper needs to feel completely comfortable with the service they choose. Cost and shipping time are crucial decisions to be made and can drastically alter the cost. Air transport is typically more expensive, as well as rush delivery. However, these are some of the safest options as they cut down on human interaction and mistakes. Sea transport is acceptable and tends to be cheaper, though it takes longer. It is not encouraged to send works on paper via boat, as the continued exposure to humidity, water and fluctuating temperatures can severely damage the art. Ultimately, the shipper needs to feel comfortable with whatever service they choose. Sometimes, looking for reviews and recommendations are good starting points.   

 

For more information and enquiries on shipping art, advice or tips, feel free to contact the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas at 358-5800/1.

-AK

Works Cited

 Ebert, Bettina. "Simple, Effective Transport Boxes for Paintings." Simple, Effective Transport Boxes for Paintings. Asiarta, 29 Aug. 2011. Web. 12 July 2012.
Powell, Kim. "A SHORT HISTORY OF ART TRANSPORT." A SHORT HISTORY OF ART TRANSPORT. ICEFAT, 2011. Web. 12 July 2012.

Feature: About The Membership Department and Program

A typical museum has a variety of departments and a very important one is Membership. In a museum, one of the first things a visitor will see is a banner or some sort of leaflet, describing the advantages of joining with the institution. But what does membership exactly do? At The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB) there is no separate department that makes up membership. Rather, Curatorial Trainee’s, Nastassia Pratt and Averia Wright spearhead the NAGB’s Membership Program. Straddling two teams, they have a lot on their plate.

To understand the Membership program fully, one must first talk about why it is so important to the NAGB. On a basic level, Membership is crucial to the continuation of the NAGB, the National Collection and Bahamian Art. Any monies collected from members goes directly into the Acquisitions Fund, which allows the Gallery to purchase Bahamian art for future generations. As a part of the NAGB’s mission statement, the collection, preservation and documentation of Bahamian art for Bahamians are the building block of the institution. Without membership to assist, there would simply be no art bought.

The moment an individual becomes an NAGB member, they become part of the NAGB’s mission and enter a large community of artist, collectors, art aficionados and the NAGB and all affiliating galleries and organisations intent on preserving, collecting and defining Bahamian art. NAGB members are also given special privileges such as free entrance into the Gallery, members-only tours and discounts in the Mixed Media store and any events. All of these incentives seek to encourage individual participation with the Gallery.

One exciting way that the Membership Department is encouraging participation in the Membership Program is by hosting the NAGB’s first Annual Membership Drive Fair in the NAGB grounds on Saturday, July 28^th from 11AM to 5PM. Including an admission fee of only $1, the fair promises a variety of activities and events for all ages. One unique quality of the Membership Drive Fair is its Art Raffle featuring prizes from, Toby Lunn (piece entitled, The Sorcerer's Hand) and Jessica Colebrooke.

The Sorcerer's Hand, 2011

Toby Lunn

Lunn, a painter by nature has a long history of supporting and working with the NAGB. Recently in an extension of the Kendal Hanna Exhibition, “Happy Birthday to Me”, Lunn hosted our “In The Likeness” painting workshop. As an artist that, Lunn has a stunning abstract style and uses a myriad of materials in his paintings like oil, stain and shellac and has worked alongside Kendal Hanna and exhibited in the 2007 ‘Fire’ Exhibition. Colebrook, a well-known Bahamian ceramicist, is the owner of Jessica’s Tileworks Studio LTD. Colebrook’s style has strong natural influences with floral motifs fond often in her work and her work can be seen in the McDonald’s Downtown, Marlborough St. franchise. Raffle Tickets are currently on sale at the NAGB.

The Venus of Guava Duff 

Jessica Colebrooke

For the artistically inclined, guests have the chance to meet the wood artist and turner, Robin Hardy. Hardy will give demonstrations throughout the day and guests will even have a chance to make their own pen with him. There will also be 2 free tours given that day, that day at 1PM and 3PM. For the kids, there will be a bouncing castle, Paint Like Amos section, Graffiti Wall, Hoop-La table, Go Fish table and a bunch of sweet treats and refreshments! Parking will be available at the St. Francis Xavier church.

Altogether as the NAGB’s concentration on membership grows, we expect the National Collection to reflect this, allowing visitors to get a more collective understanding of the Bahamian Art story. We encourage all to take up our responsibility to join us in our mission and become a member today and remember, belong to the NAGB... It belongs to you.

-AK

For further information on Membership or the Membership Drive Fair, volunteering and donating, please call 328-5800/1 or visit our website: Here.

Membership Drive Fair 2012

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There is a party at the NAGB.

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas will be hosting its first annual Membership Drive Fair on Saturday, July 28th, from  11AM to 5PM.

There will be:
Bouncing Castle
Super slide
Comic art
Hoop la
Art Raffle
And food: hot dogs, wings, conchy conch fritters, cotton candy, popcorn and so much more.

For more information on the fair, volunteering, and donating please call 328-5800/1.

See you at the fair and belong to the NAGB because the NAGB belongs to you.