Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — More than $30,000.00 was committed to the differently abled and shut-ins in the Sandy Point community as a result of a successful charity art event.
All twenty-five acrylic and oil paintings that were available for sale, were purchased at the Reach Out and Touch Art Exhibit and Auction held at the St. Kitts Eco Center in Sandy Point last evening (Sunday, November 2). The event was organized by the Sandy Point Art Association (SPARTA) in collaboration with Destination Sandy Point (DSP).
“This evening is quite literally a dream come true and I know that I speak not only for myself but each and every one of the artists taking part in this historic initiative,” emphasized Pierre Liburd, President of SPARTA. “This event marks a very significant milestone not only in the emergence of visual arts in this community but also the importance of collaboration among and between groups of individuals across social, economic, spiritual and other divides, in the interest of something greater.”
DSP’s President Dr. Norgen Wilson, touted the vision for his association and this particular event.
“It’s an idea which will bring further development into our communities,” he stressed. “It’s an idea which will see the entire Sandy Point area develop through tourism – one of the most impactful economic industries here in the Federation today. As a medical doctor, my major responsibility is to care for people. It does not have to always be in the walls of a hospital, it can be anywhere [even] through programmes such as this and that is why I am here this evening to show my full support.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Social Development and Community Affairs Sharon Rattan congratulated the organizers and said the collaboration was unprecedented.
“Art is the vehicle for sending many messages and it is a vehicle for fostering creativity,” she stated. “This is a first in my experience in this field (social work) I think it is the first group that has come together to speak with one voice. … Very often artists tend to be on their own road and always seeking someone to help them and not position themselves to take their craft forward. …My advice from the perspective of the Ministry of Culture is now that you have taken this step, it is time for you to register in the St. Kitts and Nevis Cultural Registry.”
She stated that this affords opportunities for greater promotion/marketing, developmental training, financial concessions and more.
Artist and beneficiary Junior Versailles thanked the sponsors and contributors of the event making special mention of the Office of the Prime Minister as well as the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). He noted that the funds raised would greatly aid a number of vulnerable persons within the community and offer a renewed sense of hope in humanity.