NASSAU, Bahamas -- Now in its eighth year, Transforming Spaces began with a core group of participants—Jackson Burnside, John Cox, Antonius Roberts, Tyrone Ferguson, Jay Koment and Erica James—who shared one common goal: to get artists to work together to expose Bahamian art. It was an exciting time at the turn of the century—The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas opened its doors with an Inaugural National Exhibition in 2003, finally formally spotlighting Bahamian visual art in the eyes of the country and indeed the region and sparking a series of artistic projects and new galleries that continue to develop Bahamian visual art at a rapid pace to this day.

One such project is Transforming Spaces, an annual island-wide tour of Nassau’s art galleries. The project has proved to be a great success as artists and art-lovers alike have looked forward to that weekend in spring where participating galleries curate their spaces to present innovative displays of Bahamian art. Though the core committee and participating galleries change every year, the desire to bring Bahamian art to the forefront remains the same.

The Transforming Spaces' theme this year is "Fibre" and the participating galleries are: Antonius Roberts Studio and Gallery at Hillside House, Doongalik Art Gallery, The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, New Providence Art and Antiques, Popopstudios, The Pro Gallery, The Hub and The Pink'Un Cottage.

It takes place on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, 2012 and admission is $30 per person. The tour begins at 10am sharp at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas on West & West Hill Streets and concludes at the same location at approximately 3pm on both days. Please be advised that the tour leaves the National Art Gallery at 10am therefore all guests must be at the gallery no later than 9:30am. The Transforming Spaces tour sells out every year so please purchase your tickets in advance!

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations: The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, West & West Hill Streets, Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm and Sundays, 12 Noon to 4pm. Tel: (242) 328-5800/1. Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery, 18 Village Road, Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm and Saturday, 9am-1pm Tel: (242) 394-1886.

Click HERE to visit the official TS2012 Website.
Click HERE to read an article on TS2012 by Sonia Farmer of The Guardian.

Photo: Transforming Spaces 2012 Planning Committee