The Rotaract Club of Kingston hosted their 8th Annual Inner City Art Competition on Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Frame Centre Gallery on Ardenne Road. The event exhibited a melting pot of expressions via painting, sculpting, drawing and the newly added category, photography, from several artists who displayed their talents, relating to this year’s theme “Set Me Freeâ€. The Inner City Art Competition was implemented to create opportunities to educate untrained artists, ages 18 to 30 from inner city communities, as well as to publicize their artistic talents.
Ms. Amashika Lorne, Project Manager of JN Foundation’s Resolution Project facilitated the entry of a few photographic pieces from persons that are a part of the project. The Resolution Project’s main goal is the promotion of advocacy through the art of Photography amongst high school students in rural Jamaica. It was a pleasure to have them enter this year and they will be returning next year.
Patrons were entertained throughout the evening by the soothing sounds of saxophonist, Kevin Bonfield and the lively, Reggae Redemption band. They also enjoyed wine and tasteful delights provided by Steve’s catering.
The competitors were judged by Mrs. Charmaine McIntosh, curator of Frame Centre Gallery and Mr. Kori Thompson, freelance artist.
At the end of the night the winners of the competition were announced with Jason Hall’s graphic painting depicting that ‘Drugs Kill’ taking 1st place, Deneka Gooden’s photo in 2nd and Romando Roxburgh’s photo taking 3rd place. All received certificates. Jason Hall received a scholarship for a course at a tertiary institution. He will be given the option to do a course at the Edna Manley School for the Performing and Visual Arts or the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) to gain further knowledge and enhance his natural artistic skills. He received a cash prize of $10,0000JMD as well. 2nd place took home a cash prize of $5000JMD and a gift basket was given to the 3rd place winner, Romando.
Past contestant, Mr. Marvin Thompson from 2011’s competition, who placed second, was accepted into the Bachelor’s Degree Programme of Arts Education at the Edna Manley School for the Performing and Visual Arts following his summer course on scholarship from the Rotaract Club of Kingston. He is doing very well and has one year remaining. The Rotaract Club of Kingston looks forward to hearing more successful, positive stories from their past contestants and prize winners.
Club President, Sean Morgan and Director of Community Service, Pierce Ramsay were proud with the turnout of this year’s event, giving thanks to the main sponsor, Frame Centre Gallery who assisted in making the night a success.