October is the Month of Older Persons and among the commemorative activities in Anguilla was an arts and crafts exhibition at the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium on Thursday, October 11.
Mr. Clive Smith Jnr., Senior Community Development Officer, responsible for the welfare of Older and Challenged Persons, told The Anguillian newspaper that the exhibition was the third so far. He said that the first exhibition involved persons fifty years and over and the decision had been taken to continue the activity by inviting other persons to participate.
The exhibitors included:
• Mr. John Brooks of The Valley, who showcased paintings of buildings in Roaches Hill done by Ms. Malisa Petty under his supervision. He also displayed copies of his book “Finding My Way in a Strange Land” – an account of his arrival and stay in England where he served as a soldier, magistrate and mayor.
• Mrs. Eileen Richardson of West End, a retired nurse, who exhibited ceramic vases and other ornaments.
• Mrs. Yolande Richardson-Hodge who displayed craftwork done by her and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Jean Hodge.
Mrs. Mabel Gumbs of The Quarter, a long-time craftswoman who largely displayed needlework.
• Mrs. Iree Edwards of Sandy Ground, known for her varied arts and craft work.
• Mrs. Louise Brooks, a retired Art Teacher at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. Known for her popular art gallery.
• Dr. O.M. Linda Banks who took the opportunity to display her book entitled: “Starfish: A Journey of Healing, A Collection of Poems”.
• The Ani Art Academy in Anguilla took the opportunity to have a booth at the exhibition. According to the Academy’s Dean and Instructor, Mr. Elizardo Mosica, it was an effort to attract persons to become students at the Academy.
Mr. Clive Smith expressed the hope that next year the exhibition for Older Persons will attract a larger number of exhibitors and spark a greater interest and support in the community.
