FREEPORT, Grand Bahama  -- The Valentine Art Exhibition saw record attendance for the opening reception at the Glory Banks Gallery of the Rand Nature Centre on Thursday evening, February 9th, 2012.

In his opening remarks to the many art patrons and art enthusiasts in attendance, president of the Grand Bahama Artists Association, Sheldon Saint said it is not just that February is the month of love that we have a Valentine Art Exhibition because the members of the GBAA have been exhibiting their love of art and making their presence felt in Freeport community since 1996.

He said that this year members were even showing more love and he invited guests view the eclectic body of work from the twenty five artists on display and to meet the many artists in attendance, some whom are the original founding member artists and some who are new and emerging artists exhibiting their work for the first time.

From wood carvings, oil, watercolours, and acrylics to wool and sequin tapestries and handmade wall hangings, guests had the opportunity to experience an extensive variety of subjects and mediums in the Glory Banks Art Gallery of the Bahamas National Trust’s Rand Nature Centre.  

Director of Public Relations for the GBAA, Del Foxton, noted that there is definitely a buzz in Freeport with a recent increase in the number of cultural events in the visual and performing arts.  She says that they as an association they see a growing awareness of the importance of art culture in our society by the number of invitations the association receives to join in community and business events.

"We believe," she says, "that it is a win-win situation as the community can experience art and the talent that is here on the island and the artists are motivated to continue on their creative path to meet the requests in the community.

Photo 1: Artist Leslie Duncombe and friends enjoy the opening of the Valentine Art Exhibition.

Photo 2: Guests admiring the work of Del Foxton.

Photo 3: The opening of the Valentine Art Exhibition was well attended by local art lovers.

A sample of the magnificent work of our talented artists below:

Eva Dehmel

Del Foxton

Angelika Siska

Ishbel MacDonald Watercolours

Jo Morasco Hand Woven Tapestries

June Pelecanos Acrylic on Canvas

Ken Heslop Acrylic on Canvas

Leslie Duncombe Acrylic on Canvas

Portia Colebrooke Wood Carving

Sheldon Saint Oil on Canvas

Steve Stubbs Acrylic on Canvas

Terry Rolle Acrylic on Canvas

For interested art lovers who were not able to attend the opening reception the Valentine Art Exhibition continues in the Glory Banks Art Gallery until the end of February.  For more information call (242) 353 4333 or 727 4333.