Gallery of West Indian Art to exhibit at 2014 Sugar Cane Ball

The internationally renowned Gallery of West Indian Art, based in Montego Bay, will be showcasing their eclectic collection at the 2014 Sugar Cane Ball being held at the Round Hill Hotel on Saturday, February 15.

Started by, Art lover and designer Liz Delisser, The Gallery of West Indian Art opened its doors in 1972 and was specifically set up to give local and Haitian artisans a place to exhibit and sell their work.

Delisser is known for designing the famous bikini worn by Ursula Andress in the James Bond movie Dr No, which was filmed in Jamaica, the Gallery now carries some of the best Jamaican, Haitian and Cuban artists, including Albert Artwell, now acknowledged as one of the founders of the Jamaican Intuitive Movement; Carl Abrahams, sometimes called 'The father of Jamaican art'; Andre Pierre, whose highly detailed paintings are considered as some of the most valuable among Haitian art collectors.

explosion of creativity

According to the gallery's proprietor, Nicky Delisser, "Our galleries are an explosion of creativity and colour.The almost museum-like quality of so many other galleries is not for us. We are a Caribbean gallery! We are not demure, we are not shy. We are alive and fun and vibrant! And, like the Caribbean, we love to overwhelm our visitors with the beauty we offer."

Having moved from downtown Montego Bay to a larger home in Fairfield, the gallery now showcases art and works from all over the Caribbean as well as India.

According to chairperson of Hanover Charities, Katrin Casserly, "The Gallery of West Indian Art has promising, amazing, and diverse pieces for sale during the art exhibition, which opens on Wednesday, February 12, and kicks off events for our Sugar Cane Ball Week. "Thirty per cent of the sales from the exhibition goes to Hanover Charities, and we are expecting great support from our local art-loving community and visitors".

The annual Hanover Charities Sugar Cane Ball has been responsible for a multitude of good works in the community, improving the areas of education and health throughout the parish.

Information and reservations for this year's Sugar Cane 2014 Black & White Ball are available via email to Katrin@hanovercharities.com.