The post-Irma Art Auction project is spear-headed by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports which is a part of the #sxmstrong campaign facilitated by Lucinda Audain along with Education on the Move Project leader Angelique Roumou- Martis. Several primary schools were invited to participate in this art project which was done as one of the activities leading up to St. Martin Day celebrations.
The primary school students, under the guidance of their art teachers, were tasked to creatively express how they felt post Irma. The art teachers were requested to assist the students with getting their ideas and feelings on large 4 by 4 artboards.
This process was not only creative and fun but was also therapeutic for the students as it helped them process their emotions post Hurricane Irma. A total of 12 primary school participated and delivered beautiful works of art, some of which were on display for St. Martin Day and have been on display for viewing at the new Administration building.
The final phase of the art project was to have the collection of pieces auctioned. A number of local businesses and art collectors have been invited to bid on the pieces. All proceeds from the bidding will go directly to the school that created the art work. This initiative was taken to assist the schools in the rebuilding and recovery post Hurricane Irma.
The project team would like to make a special mention by recognizing local businesses that aided the project such as Kooyman N.V. for providing the plywood and paint material used to create the canvas boards. The art boards and stands were then created thanks to the cooperation of Director Rita Bourne-Gumbs and by the Woodshop teacher, Mr. Oke and students of the St. Maarten Vocational Training School. Office World also supported the project by sponsoring the actual paint that was needed as some schools lost all their art supplies and needed additional help to complete the project. Without these organizations this project would not have been a success.
On behalf of the Ministry ECYS, we are cordially inviting the general public to The Art Auction which will be held this Saturday December 9th, 2017 at the Government Building from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The evening will begin with a small cocktail reception after which Mr. E. Valentin Davis, the Auctioneer of the evening of the Sheer Art Gallery, will host the auction process.
We would like to encourage the community to come out and support the youth and their creative efforts in hopes to raise funds to help their schools.