Uhuru Art Gallery opened its doors to the public with a Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday July 06, 2012 at its location at the Bedneys Plaza in West End. The event was attended by a cross-section of the community including artists, members of the hotel and tourism sector, government officials, residents ofWest End, and other friends of the Gallery.
Chairperson for the ceremony, Ms. Lisa Rey, welcomed everyone and called upon Pastor Phillip Gumbs to begin with a prayer. This was followed by remarks by Director of the Gallery, Mrs. Evelyne Apire-Hodge. Other speakers included Hon. Parliamentary Secretary with responsibility for Tourism, Mr. Hayden Hughes, Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Representative forWest End, Mr. Walcott Richardson, and Director of Tourism, Mrs. Candis Niles, along with Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Communication and Utilities (MICU), Mr. Evan Gumbs, who gave the vote of thanks.
In introducing herself to the guests, Mrs. Hodge expressed her pleasure in what she described as the outcome of much hard work. “It is a great pleasure to invite all of you to this opening ceremony,” she stated, “The Uhuru Art Gallery, as it now stands, is the outcome of lots of planning and hard work. I am proud to be able to add some diversity to the quality art that is already available on Anguilla.”
Mrs. Hodge was confident that both locals and tourists would find a variety of the pieces that are interesting and unique at the gallery. “It is my hope that all of you will visit the gallery again for a more comprehensive tour,” she said as she wished everyone a warm welcome and an enjoyable evening.
The meaning of the word ‘Uhuru’ was the focus of Mr. Hughes’ remarks. The Parliamentary Secretary pointed out that it meant Freedom which embodies freedom of mind, freedom of expression, and freedom of a people. According to Hughes, it is a very fitting name for anArtGallerythat is offering such a variety of works from all over the world but with so much attention to African Art. He pointed out that some of the sculptures dated back some 200 to 300 years and reflected on the freedom he felt in the presence of such works.
Mr. Hughes opined that it would be difficult to find the caliber of Art at Uhuru Art Gallery anywhere else in the region.
West End’s Representative and the Minister of Home Affairs, in his remarks, took the opportunity to formally welcome Uhuru, Art Gallery to theWest Endcommunity. Mr. Richardson praised the Gallery for its initiative in adding this world class product toAnguilla’s offering. He mentioned that it would contribute to the education of its patrons on many aspects of life and culture in various parts of Africa through Art.
Richardsonwished the Gallery every success and hoped that it would be visited often by locals and visitors alike.
Director of Tourism, Mrs. Candis Niles delivered the Feature Address and Declared the Gallery open. She said it was important that another product was being made available to the Anguillian community and especially to our tourists. She highlighted the faith that was evident in considering any business in these challenging economic times and the courage and hard work that must have gone into making it a reality. In declaringUhuruArtGalleryopen Mrs. Niles stated her confidence that it would do well.
During the Vote of thanks, MICU Minister, Evan Gumbs, made an interesting observation. He noted that Leslie Silko said “the only way to get change is…through a change of human consciousness and through a change of heart. Only through the arts can we really reach each other.”
Mr. Gumbs thanked a number of key persons who contributed to the success of the activities leading up to the Grand Opening as well as those who took part in the opening itself.
UhuruArtGalleryfeatures African Art, Caribbean Art and world-wide works from classical and contemporary periods. Pieces include paintings and sculptures in a variety of media as well as other craft works.
Musical Entertainment for the evening was provided by Anguilla Time.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
