Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer

In the front yard of Liguanea residents, a large nationwide art collection was displayed at the Lane Plaza, on Sunday. In its fourth year, the Liguanea Arts Festival was hosted by Tony and June Wong of Liguanea Drug and Garden Pharmacy. Better termed an Art-A-Fair, the Liguanea Arts and Photography festival although complemented by live drum performances, offered little by way of festivities. The overriding objective according to co-organiser June Wong, was to give artists the opportunity to expose themselves and buyers to make purchases.

Wong says the idea was birthed from the desire to expose photographers, based on requests from the photo club that both her husband Tony and Hooward Moo Young belonged. Afterwards painters and other artists were invited to the first festival.

As with the other years, some 70-95 participants were selected by a committee of collectors and businesspersons. With hopes of making the product a main tourist attraction, Wong who admits to not being an "art person" intends to work closer with the tourist board.

Ultimately attracting other internationally acclaimed Jamaican artists living abroad.

A plus for the event is the published book featuring a collection of the participants and their contacts, better packaged than the Festival.

The Festival provided a good alternative for Sunday evening relaxation, and those who went for the stroll had a chance to see a fair collection of Jamaican art ? in wood, gold, clay, paintings, silk and tee-shirts.

Notwithstanding, there could have been a better representation of the wide diversity in art forms and explored culture, styles and techniques of the over 500 artists living on the island. Also, indigenous features such as the signature strokes of intuitive artists, and costumes, were missed.

In some stalls, pieces which, had before, spent time floating around local exhibitions were the more prominent and better works.

All the artists on display (a few more than some), had enough say to be heard.

Of particular note were the outstanding collective displays of Gene Pearson, Michael Lane, Karl "Jerry" Craig, Shakira Khan, Christopher Gonsalves and Alphanso Blake.

Eye- catching pieces included Richard Hall's "Rain Dancer" and "Roast Breadfruit"; Carl Dennis's "Genie of the Lamp" and selected pieces by Viv Logan, Paul Smith, Alphanso Blake, Edward Channer, Devon Garcia and PJ Stewart, among others.Cleve Bowen's hung teeshirts, his canvas for his expressions added a noted compliment to the festival.

Carol Watson's "Canon Balls", an acrylic on burlap, could not be overlooked.

Even more interesting is the history of the work which like other pieces by the artist is an exploration of Jamaica's history, including our colonised past.

For some patrons, who told The Sunday Gleaner that there was nothing new or impacting about the Festival, the wow factor was a chance to meet renowned artists Christopher Gonsales, Richard Hall, and photographers Howard Moo Young and Donnette Zacca.

Children had fun being tucked away with blobs of paint, stencils and visors to decorate, and moulds of clay to spin at the available potter's wheel.

However, they would have been better served with more creative activities, directed fun lessons in art techniques and perhaps lessons on Jamaica's art, artists and art history.

This along with artist demonstrations was lacking, but, the photographers exceeded expectations. The works of Shakira Khan, member of the Jamaica Black and White (Fine Art Photography club (JBW) was outstanding. In "SavannahPoint", "Gallia, St Mary", "Anotto Bay," the former student of the UWI camera club, offered exemplary explorations of her technique and impacting and design and was present to talk about it. This enthusiasm was also mirrored in the booth by the UWI camera club and other members of the JBW, who in a few displayed pieces demonstrated just how to create fine works with the camera. Of prime example were the manipulated images of the train station in the UWI Camera Club booth and the unique designs resulting from the excessive saturations by Fine Arts Photography club member, Clyve Bowen.

Collectively the photographers' ability to capture typical scene and objects, in a way that impacts as much as the paintings of world renowned masters gives hope in Jamaicans.

Gladly, Donette Zacca, photography tutor at the Edna Manley College of the Visual Arts which hosts the meetings of the JBW-club was on hand to give quick lessons in photography and the club to interested patrons. Her pieces in particular the designs of mushrooms and another using the curved forms of the female held viewers in awe.

It is hoped by a number of participants that the potential signature event would deepen the awareness and enjoyment of the Fine Arts, while promoting its recognition. Additionally, there is a desire that dedicated efforts would result in highlighting and bringing Jamaica's performing, visual and literary arts together more effectively.

Some patrons were disappointed in not having a chance to experience firsthand the passion of the artists. Perhaps unique special exhibits by theatre designers, architects, displays of cultural icons (such as heroes), featured characters of Jamaica's fictions (Anancy, Big Boy, Boysie), would have added an additional wow factor.

Perhaps in another time with the additional emphasis on performing artists, the inclusion of diverse and noted live performances such as dance, drama (maybe Jonkoono), literary readings (such as from Ms Lou/Hyatt) would have enhanced the cultural experience.

ENDER: Anthea McGibbon, a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has more than 10 years experience in the fields of journalism and the arts. Contact her at islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk or anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com.