Ani Art Academies, a hideaway world-class teaching facility for apprentices – on the north coastal area of Anguilla – continues to make strides in its tutoring on the island, developing the talent of its students and providing marketing outlets for their work.
The most recent public display of its students’ work was at a “Holiday Art Showcase” on December 27 from 4 pm – 8 pm. During that period, guests had an opportunity to view various charcoal drawings as well as oil paintings, and to meet the thirteen students while enjoying refreshments and music. Some of the artwork, which largely featured portraits, was available for sale.
The newly-appointed Instructor, Taffari Crawford, a graduate of Ani Art Academies, replaces Timothy Jahn who served there for some five to six years and has moved on to the Sri Lanka Ani Art Academy.
Crawford, who is originally from Jamaica, but grew up in Anguilla, told The Anguillian newspaper: “This is our first major open house exhibition that we have had over the past two years since Hurricane Irma – and the stagnation that resulted. Our students are becoming more revitalised, invigorated and interested in their work and we are getting a lot of pieces done. We thought it would be great this Christmas Season to hold a little exhibition of what we have.”
The Head Instructor continued: “We have thirteen students at present but we can accommodate twenty-four, so we would love to have some new interested recruits who are over the age of seventeen or finished their normal schooling. There are completely free scholarships, and materials, as long as they can dedicate at least thirty hours of their time a week with us. We estimate the scholarships are up to three or four years. There are three years of drawing with charcoal and one year of oil-painting – although some students have been able to finish before that time and others after that period.”
Asked about the qualifications offered, Mr. Crawford replied: “Besides the great skills and techniques we teach, the students receive a certificate from the Ani Art Gallery – and we have a number of instructors, galleries and two universities in the United States that are interested in our work. If students finished the Ani Art Drawing and Painting Programme they are offered a scholarship in Fine Arts.”
He explained that some of the drawings and paintings were imaginative and others still life – a mixture of artwork that was both creative and pleasing to the eye.
The attractively-mounted art display was a delightful experience for all at the Christmas weekend exhibition.
In response to a question in its marketing brochure, about having a world-class art academy in Anguilla, Ani Art Academies stated: “Art is a very personal and special aspect of life that gives great joy. Creative individuals share a special kinship that inspires us to search out like-minded souls that we can share our passion and journey with.”
