Vivienne Logan...looking ahead to better times for artists.
Georgia Hemmings, Staff Reporter
MARKETING consultant-turned-artist, Vivienne Logan, is the new president of the Jamaican Artists and Craftsmen Guild (JACG).
She was unanimously elected by members in an election held recently at the Mutual Life auditorium, succeeding Jerry Craig.
Artist Carol Campbell was named as vice-president, Elpedio Robinson as the new treasurer, while Thelma McKenzie will as secretary of the association for the year 2000/2001.
The JACG is an umbrella organisation, which seeks to develop broad relationships with artists across the island, as well as fostering unity among artists locally and internationally. It also aims to heighten public awareness and appreciation of Jamaican art.
Election to the presidential post is quite an achievement for Ms. Logan - or "Viv" as she prefers to be called - as she has only been painting full-time since 1997, following a bout with cancer and a major surgical operation.
But she has pledged to develop the guild and create a vibrant organisation for Jamaican artists. Among her goals are assisting artists to produce and market their works properly. She has identified workshops, technical assistance and loans or grants as necessary to "help artists to produce their best works." She lists as critical - in helping artists to market and sell their works - the need for international promotions, the harnessing of Internet facilities, as well as tax-free status for artists.
Ms. Logan, in her inaugural address, also spoke of the need to put the guild in a position to obtain funds from lending agencies for the purpose of improving production and marketing for members. As part of this effort, she explained that the new administration will be working to obtain company status for the JACG, which is currently a non-profit organisation.
She told The Sunday Gleaner that "we also need to encourage private sector participation and funding of the guild," and plans are being developed to hold a major fund-raising event through which such participation can be invited.
Among the other organisations and entities identified with which the Guild should build "meaningful relationships" are
The relevant Ministry under whose portfolio arts and crafts fall, as well as the Ministry of Tourism. Government agencies such as JAMPRO, NIBJ, etc. Other Caribbean art associations, in order to share information. Local commercial galleries.New focus
Critical, however, to success is the need for "a proper functioning secretariat," Ms. Logan explained. "We need to organise relevant committees, retain full-time staff where necessary, and temporary staff who will be paid from funds generated by the Guild."
In keeping with this new focus, executives were elected for various committees. These included Jacqueline Brown as administrative director; Andy Jefferson and Albert Wallace, in charge of fund-raising; Carol Watson and Patsy Mair (education), Dr. Wayne Lawrence (membership); Dr. Leslie Toby (overseas exhibitions); and Michael Edwards (public relations and promotions).
The guild secretariat will provide services to members, including:
Preparation and dissemination of a monthly newsletter. Collection and dissemination of all information flowing into the Guild Keeping members updated on all artists' progress. Registering the Guild on the Internet, so that members can showcase their works and prices. The use of computers, facsimile, telephone and printers/scanners, where possible."This is our Guild, and everyone must be prepared to help," Ms. Logan challenged members. "If we are going to put Jamaican art and artists on the international scene, it is going to take lot of work. But what a reward at the end of it."
Ups and downs
The JACG was established in 1975, and has experienced cycles of "ups and downs" over the years. In recent times, however, efforts have been made to revive the organisation, and membership currently stands at over 80 artists and art lovers.
The previous administration, presided over by Jerry Craig and vice-president Dawn Vaz, had begun a programme of public education and promotion, including the display of art outside a gallery setting. This project involved regular exhibitions in public libraries and the garden of Devon House. More recent activities included the Guild's annual exposition at the Windsor Great House on the Caymanas Estate, and a studio/stock exhibition at the Mutual Life Gallery last month.
