Carmichael Exhibition Awards A Children’s Prize

For the first time, there was a children’s section for the Carmichael Prize Exhibition with the staging of the 18th Annual Exhibition themed Tell It with Pride – Images of a Republic.

A total of 92 pieces from 39 artists were displayed at the Gallery of Caribbean Art in Speightstown, which has been the exhibition’s home over the years. For the first time, children ages 7 to 12 submitted 14 pieces for judging.

In her welcome remarks, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Managing Director for Barbados Donna Wellington credited James Gardiner for the idea of the exhibition and explained that it allowed the public to see the work of the creatives. She applauded the exhibition patron, Sir Trevor Carmichael, and the gallery for keeping the event alive even through the pandemic and expressed delight at seeing the sector spring back to life.

Keisha Carrington-Pinder (Centre) explains aspects of the prized ‘Annals of Time’ to Mark St. Hill, CEO, CIBC FirstCaribbean and Donna Wellington, Managing Director for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

The winning painting ‘Annals of Time’.

In his remarks, Sir Trevor commended the gallery for hosting the exhibition for 22 years. He pointed out that he was happy to see the focus on children this year and on heritage, a key aspect of the historic town of Speightstown, which he noted is often the forgotten town.

The judges’ report came from Neil Brennan, Chief Administrative Officer at the bank, who explained that the interpretation and application of the theme was wide but when it came down to a final decision, it was a unanimous one. The children’s group, he said, was the hardest from which to pick a winner, given the immense talent displayed.

Sir Trevor and Lady Carmichael speaking with winning artist Keisha Carrington-Pinder and
Steve Pinder.

Zion Hinds won first prize in the children’s category with a presentation called Historic Celebration. In the adult category, Alisha Smith took the first prize in the Amateur grouping with her Sleeping Giant. In the Established Artists group, Keisha Carrington-Pinder copped the first prize with Annals of Time while the People’s Choice winner for 2022 was Cathy Alkins with On the Way. The First-Time Exhibitor Prize went to Omar Skeete with We Are The Youth of the Republic. (PR)