By K. NANCOO-RUSSELL

Freeport News Reporter

krystal@nasguard.com

Members of the Grand Bahama Artists Association (GBAA) are gearing up for the Annual Valentine's Art Exhibition, which will be held from February 4 to February 26 at the Glory Banks Art Gallery.

The show will run Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Recently re-elected president of the GBAA, Kino Coakley said that the success of the organization's past exhibits has been very encouraging and he looks forward to this one being just as well-received.

The GBAA hosts two major shows each year, in February and November, and encourages its members to host individual exhibitions throughout the year. The community has displayed tremendous support for the artists, he noted, with attendance at the shows increasing steadily.

"Last year at one of the shows we sold basically all of the pieces that we had, so that was pretty motivating to say the least," he added.

"There has been some local interest in the art to the point where they (residents) are not hesitant they are just buying it up."

Coakley himself will be exhibiting three or four pieces, which he described as "expressions of reality." They are mostly Bahamian scenes, he revealed.

Since joining the GBAA and beginning to exhibit his work, he said that the public has been very appreciative of his contributions and the artist feels that his work has developed.

"I'm seeing an interest in my work and my skills are improving as well. I sold three paintings at the November exhibition and that was pretty good for me," he said.

Other artists, Terry Lord- Rolle and Sheldon Saint, will each be exhibiting four pieces.

Lord-Rolle, who works with oil paint, said her paintings will depict historic sites. She said she has been participating in the exhibitions for more than 10 years and looks forward to the chance to show her work.

Saint's pieces will be done in oil and watercolours.

"The exposure is good. I know from the past we've had great shows and we would want the public to continue to support us," he said.

GBAA member Alisa Streather-Robinson said that the pieces she will display are done in oils, pastels and acrylics and are all based on Bahamian culture. She noted that members of the public expect more and more from the artists each year.

"You try and live up to that expectation as well as challenge yourself," she noted.

"I think persons look at the work and they say, 'Oh, you guys are getting better.' Every year, they see improvements and versatility with the artists. You don't want to sort of pigeon-hole yourself so you choose different topics and different styles and try to work on different themes. Each year a lot of persons try new things."

Environmental artist Del Foxton, who works with handmade paper said that she finds the show to be an excellent way to gain exposure.

"For me personally, it's a great opportunity for me to show my new work ... What's been really great is that we've had local businesses that have come and bought a number of pieces for their locations. It's fantastic," she said.

Foxton noted that throughout the exhibit, attendees will be able to meet with the artists themselves, who will be on-hand.

She said she hopes that the artwork displayed will inspire some who may wish to express their creativity through visual art, but are not yet are exhibiting artist.

Coakley said in the future, the GBAA hopes to continue to work with young students, inspiring them to get involved.

"We would want to expose the young kids to art because they are the future artists and if you can get them in early, who knows what they can create," he added.

"We're trying to work with the young kids in schools. One of our missions is to get them to hopefully become more involved and be a part of the Artists Association and take it over."

Coakley said he also hopes to see an increase in the membership of the GBAA.

"What we would like in the Association is anyone who is willing to display their thoughts on canvas, or in whatever medium they feel necessary. It's nice to be able to see the difference of ideas. It's very good, so we would encourage anyone who feels their feelings and emotions to come out and join."

For more information about the exhibition, persons are asked to call 353 4333.