Howard Moo Young, Contributor

HUNDREDS OF art collectors, art enthusiasts, artists, photographers and the art loving public turned out to support the successful '2006 Liguanea Festival of Fine Art and & Photography' on Sunday, May 21.

The weather was kind and very warm, and for the first time in the three-year staging of the event the rains abated.

Liguanea Plaza came alive with over 50 top Jamaican artists and photographers, who turned out in person to exhibit their latest works, with the public having a chance to meet and greet each of them. A lot of interaction took place as visitors had all the time to visit each booth, beautifully laid out. Purchasers could be seen with their pieces, all wrapped up, and even the children had a field day.

Special workshops were conducted for individuals who wanted to learn more about pottery, as three potters wheels were provided and the completed pieces could be taken home. Some people got their shirts and hands filled with colours as they painted on glass, and ceramics, all in good clean fun under the bright sun.

The planning committee decided to resurrect the VW Beetle once again for the Festival's 3rd Anniversary, as the 'Trafalgar Artists' - Aliwali and Danny Walters transformed the bug into a 3-dimensional canvas with colourful Jamaican scenes painted in their well-known style. Many visitors used it as a natural backdrop.

COMMUNITY CANVAS'

A 'community canvas' was mounted, as various artists at the event lent their hands to capture a montage of different styles, to create and leave their trademark as a reminder of the true spirit of this special day.

One of the special visitors to the Festival, was none other than The Most Hon. Edward Seaga, who enjoyed a personal tour of all the booths and voiced appreciation to the array of talent that was on display. He congratulated the organisers, and hoped that the exhibition would continue to expand, to open the doors wider to an appreciative audience.

As the person mainly responsible for creating the 'Jamaica Festival,' and discovering Jamaica's best-known indigenous artist 'Kapo', he seemed very relaxed in this creative setting.

All the visitors, artists, photographers, and those who helped to make the day enjoyable with music and great food, hailed the experience as another big success, and looked forward to next year when the public and individuals, will once again come together to share in the best of fine art and photography.

Howard Moo Young is an Advertising / Graphic Design / Photography Consultant with over 40 years experience. Email:howardmooyoung@getcaughtmedia.com