Tourists visiting Anguilla have an abundance of local arts and crafts to choose from – when purchasing souvenirs of the island.
The attractive work is available at the conveniently-located Arts and Crafts Centre in The Valley just south of the Food Strip and the People’s Market.
A project of the National Council of Women, in rented accommodation, it features the work of six well-known artists – Melsadis Fleming, Mrs. Bernice Fahie, Vivienne Fleming, Carol Shannon, Jane Rogers and Kenneth Richardson.
“This is just a souvenir shop for tourists coming to Anguilla,” said Sylvia Hodge, who has been the Sales Clerk for over twelve years. “They can come here and purchase a gift to take back to the various countries to showcase what we produce in Anguilla.”
The arts and crafts include a large collection of paintings, pottery, jewellery and other work neatly displayed on racks and walls, taking up the entire allotted spaces.
Asked about patronage at the Arts and Crafts Centre, Ms. Hodge replied: “Once the tourism season is up and going, we see a lot of tourists here. They tell others about the centre, bringing their friends. Right now, however, it is slow as the tourist season is not really up.”
