Exhibition features sugar factory days

Vincentians now have an opportunity to experience a bit of our industrial past; an exhibition featuring sketches of the old Argyle sugar factory was opened at the National Trust Headquarters recently.{{more}}

The sketches were drawn by American artist Zoe Friend, a graduate of the prestigious Pratt Institute of New York. Friend was commissioned by the National Trust and funded by the International Airport Development Company (IADC).

The sketches are bold and vibrant and depict the waterwheel, mixing coppers and the oversized gears, among other aspects of the factory.

Addressing the modest gathering, Louise Mitchell-Joseph, Chair of the Trust, expressed her delight at seeing the ruins come to life on paper. “We are so fortunate to have Zoe here and if I have anything to do with it, I’m sure it wouldn’t be the last we all work together,” Mitchell-Joseph said.

Mitchell-Joseph outlined some of the plans that her organization has for the future, including hikes and fun walks to various sites on the islands, with a hike to the Argyle ruins being the first of such events.

The National Trust recently launched its three-year work plan along with its new slogan “LOVE YOUR COUNTRY” and will be taking a more active role in the recording, promotion and preservation of our national heritage.

The plight of the turtles is also an issue in which the Trust is seriously involved.

A series of coastal tours dubbed ‘Love Your Country, Explore the Exquisite Leeward Coast’ is planned. Patrons will board at the Aquatic Club’s wharf at Villa, then sail along the west coast, stopping at Mount Wynne bay for snorkeling. They will then sail up to the Falls of Baliene, then turn around and go into Chateaubelair for lunch and sight seeing. The tour will return to the Aquatic Club around 5:00 pm after whale and dolphin watching on way back.

Minister of Culture René Baptiste, with her usual passion, thanked the Trust for its work and she lauded praises on the artist. Baptiste pledged her support for the arts and suggested that the sketches be shown all around the country for the enjoyment of all Vincentians.

The exhibition was conceived and implemented by Rachel Moses, Managing Director of the National Trust. Moses has been at the helm of the Trust for the past three years and has been the driving force of many of the Trust’s projects, including, many exhibitions and last year’s first Schools Heritage Cultural Festival.

Zoe Friend, who is a resident of Brooklyn, New York, returned to her home on Wednesday. She told SEARCHLIGHT that it was exciting to work in St Vincent and the Grenadines. “I can see a thriving artist community here. It’s on the verge. I can feel it,” she related.

Friend has been a regular visitor to Bequia for a number of years. However, she plans to spend more time exploring and sketching throughout mainland St. Vincent when she returns in December.