Local artist gives helping hand to women artists, writers
Smith opened the business on Sunday June 12, 2016 to an appreciative audience. Many were in awe at the exclusivity and posh feel of the space in which the displays were showcased.
“This place is a graphic design, web design and advertising business. But I also use the opportunity to give local artists a chance to sell their items here. Most of them have their items at home and instead of me [doing nothing] with all of this wall space that I have I decided to push other persons who have hand made items made here in the BVI.”
Smith said it will also be broader based to include artists and artwork from Antigua and Barbuda with the idea that there will be a uniting of the cultures.
According to her, she is seeking to develop a kind of Avon products marketing strategy whereby other products are displayed alongside hers, creating the opportunity for capturing a wider audience and thereby experiencing increased sales.
When this news site visited the display shop, there were paintings, wines, food condiments, clothing, seasoning among others on display. “It includes anything made in the BVI,” she said.
Plans to preserve Main Street history & culture
Smith believes that she must do her part to help preserve the rich history and cultural heritage that Main Street is known for and therefore she plans to further promote this theme by holding events such as jazz concerts in the Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town.
“I also hope to make Main Street an area for walking with no cars driving or parking. “I am hoping that the taxi men will park their buses and have a walk in tour for the tourist where we could tell them about what the buildings used to be before,” she said.
She noted that she and other businesses in the area are working with Government to get lamps installed "so that businesses could leave their shutters open so persons could walk the street in the evening and see our products on display.”
Smith said they will also seek to develop a brochure map of Main Street to give a brief history of the shopping area and which they hope taxi drivers will give out to visitors.
According to Leader of the Mid-Level Women's Group of the Methodist Church Charlene R. Mercer, Smith did not just think of herself when conceptualising the business venture but wanted to bring others with her on the journey to success.
“Aesthetic Designs and Marketing therefore gives others the opportunity to display their products from [Smith's] store front and sell their products from there,” said Mercer, speaking at the opening ceremony.
“It is really hard to find women who are willing to stretch out their hands to help others. Sometimes we get so greedy we just think about ourselves and not try to pull up another person when we are making it,” Mercer said.
The work of artists such as Christine Taylor, Desiree Smith and Carol Vanterpool will be displayed alongside the work of writers such as Jennie Wheatley, Sheila N. Brathwaite, Dr Quincy F. V. Lettsome among others.
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14 Responses to “Local artist gives helping hand to women artists, writers”
Stop being so negitive either support or STFU
This idea is part of exactly what I have been talking about in protecting and re-energizing Main St. Using the plaza for music and turning main st into a pedestrian walkway. It is also a venue for unsung artists to become visible and heard. I love the idea of broadening out artists to include other islands. The market is bigger than just local. Island Spice had one of the best art galleries in the Caribbean because it vetted the best from all over. Main Street is the epicenter of BVI culture and should be respected!
I know the NDP have all of us vex, but we can’t take it out on those who trying to do something right.
~positive~