“This is more than art — it’s who we are.”
That sentiment echoed throughout Campus Q on Tuesday, 31st March 2026, as the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) transformed its space into a captivating gallery for its Annual Visual Arts Exhibition. A key component of the students’ CXC School-Based Assessments (SBAs), the showcase featured the work of Form 5 students whose pieces revealed not only technical skill, but deeply personal and culturally rooted storytelling.
From the moment visitors entered the exhibition space, they were greeted by an explosion of colour, texture and imagination. Paintings lined the tables, sculptures occupied carefully curated corners, and mixed-media works drew viewers in for closer inspection. The atmosphere was alive with curiosity and admiration, as attendees moved from piece to piece, each artwork offering a distinct perspective on life, culture, and identity.
The students’ journey began in Form 4, when they were tasked with conceptualising and developing their projects. Over time, they refined their ideas into finished pieces across a wide range of disciplines, including painting, drawing, sculpture, fibre arts and ceramics. The result was a collection that was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
Those in attendance, including Principal Dr Trevor Hodge, Her Excellency the Governor Julia Crouch and Ministerial Assistant Jeison Bryan, were unrestrained in their praise, noting that this year’s cohort produced some of the strongest work seen in recent years. A quick glance around the room made it clear why. Every corner offered something striking, making it nearly impossible to single out favourites.
Among the contributors was Idajae Darlington, whose delicate exploration of butterflies captured themes of transformation and beauty. Dejonelle Christmas presented a powerful tribute to Caribbean women, illustrating their nurturing roles, entrepreneurial spirit through side hustles such as hair braiding, and their vibrant presence during Carnival festivities.
Diandra Gumbs drew inspiration from African heritage, explaining that her work sought to honour ancestral roots while distinguishing her voice from her peers. In contrast, Shel-Anna Ashton embraced the simplicity and elegance of flowers, producing pieces that radiated warmth and personal affection for her subject.
Adrian Royal Balbuena took a darker, more imaginative route, delving into the supernatural. His creations featured interpretations of urban legends, including the elusive chupacabra and Caribbean-inspired versions of the Kraken. Combining his interest in history and horror, his display stood out for its originality and narrative depth.
Music came alive in the work of Aaliyah Webster, who merged sound and visual art in inventive ways. From crafting miniature steel pans using tin cans to designing a ceramic mug with a bass guitar-shaped handle, her pieces reflected her personal connection to music. One of her most striking works depicted a glass of wine filled not with liquid, but with sheet music, symbolising, as she explained, that “music for me is like my glass is full.”
Gabriel Lake’s passion for comics and anime translated into bold, dynamic pieces that hinted at his ambitions to pursue a future as a content creator. Meanwhile, Orecia Lewis turned her love of cricket into a creative statement, notably producing a piece shaped like a cricket ball and featuring legendary players while also capturing the dynamic feeling of the sport.
Storytelling was at the heart of Monica Chen’s work, as her series of turtle dove portraits followed a journey across Anguilla, including a scenic passage past the Belmond Cap Juluca Hotel, before arriving at a place of rest. For her, the turtle dove symbolised peace and freedom. Equally personal was Zaynah Lake’s mixed-media exploration of life, which captured everyday Caribbean experiences — from market visits and roadside domino games to academic challenges and future aspirations — alongside a touching replica of her late grandmother’s home.
Other works throughout the exhibition explored themes of nature, including both its beauty and its destructive power, as well as studies of insects and environmental elements. Together, the pieces formed a rich tapestry of youthful perspective and creative courage.
Beyond the artwork itself, what also stood out was the confidence with which students presented their creations. Each artist spoke with clarity and enthusiasm, articulating their 
concepts and inspirations with a level of professionalism that underscored their growth and made viewers equally excited about their work. Visual Arts teacher, Ms. Navene Mairyshaw had previously emphasised the importance of artists being able to “sell themselves” and communicate their vision, and this year’s students rose to that challenge with remarkable poise.
The exhibition was both an academic requirement and a celebration of expression, identity and emerging talent. Through their work, these young artists not only fulfilled their assessment criteria but also demonstrated the enduring power of creativity in shaping and reflecting their passions.
By Janissa Fleming
