Eleuthera Handicraft Association First Annual Trade Show Success

Island's Handicraft Leaders Among The Best In The Country

 The Eleuthera Handicraft Association (EHA) held it’s first annual Trade Show on November 14, 2009 and in doing so, brought together works of persons from across the island to display their products. The Association has been financial with the Bahamas National Craft Association for about one year, and the island now boasts national leaders, and artisans whose work is among the best the country has to offer.

The Trade Show was held in Palmetto Point, at a building generously donated by Terry Sands of Sands Enterprises.

Any Eleutheran who did not venture to the show missed a fine display of spectacular works of Art and Craft, produced by the hands of Eleutherans spanning Waterford in the South to Spanish Wells in the north, inclusive of most settlements in between.

There is no overstating the fact that some of the most skillfully talented Artisans in the Country are here in Eleuthera – perhaps inspired by the unmatched artistic character of the island itself.

Tourism Manager, Jacquie Gibson, freshly back from her visit to Jensen Beach, chaired the opening ceremony. She reminded all present that An Eleutheran, Mrs. Martha Smith, now headed the BNCA (Bahamas National Craft Association), ably assisted by an Eleutheran Treasurer, Susan Culmer, who is also the current President of the Eleuthera Handicraft Association.

In its brief 1.5 years of formal existence the association has worked tirelessly to organize Artisans on the island and provide mediums by which their products can be highlighted and marketed locally and nationally.

Mrs. Phyllis Gibson displays her unique crafts made from unconventional local materials

Ms. Gibson also informed those who may not have known that Eleutheran has its own certified BAIC instructor in Arts & Craft, Ms. Mavis Emily Munnings, who will also early in 2010, take her beautifully crafted bags for display in Paris, France. "Get them now, before they are too expensive to afford", quipped the tourism manager. Whether or not in jest, the quality of Ms. Munnings’ work like so much of the artistic displays is of a very high caliber, rightfully deserving of a place in all Bahamian homes and beyond.

Administrator Gary Knowles, applauded all the efforts of the artisans, the national accomplishments of the leaders and the vision of the local organization as expounded by Ms. Culmer. He called on presenters from the vastly separated settlements to bring into reality the dream of the President that Northern and Southern groups form subcommittees which will work with the centrally based association to help promote Eleuthera craft as a single, powerful product.

He encouraged them to aspire to the ownership of a physical building of their own, where they can continuously display and market their products. He also announced plans being made to host in 2010 an Eleuthera Expo. In a very inspiring message, described by himself as "I may sound like I’m preaching", the Senior Island Administrator, an obviously forward looking person, encouraged them to make their future presentations as good as or even better than what he saw in the room.

Mrs. Smith offered congratulations on behalf of the BNCA and said that she intends to make this year a productive one for the organization.

The Hon. Rev. Philip Bethel cut the ribbon to officially open the day’s events at about midday and for the next few hours, persons made their way around to the many tables on display, like this writer, finding it irresistible to purchase items for personal use. The ribbon cutting ceremony was done in memory of Eleutheran Artist & Teacher, Walter Bethel, a cousin of the Rev. Bethel.

Susan Culmer, EHA President; Rev. Philip Bethel, People's Restoration Church & Mr. Gary Knowles, Senior Administrator do the honours of declaring the  1st Annual Eleuthera Handicraft Association Trade Show officially open.

For Rupert Sawyer and his wife Janice, artisans from Spanish Wells, it was all in support of their Autistic Grandson, currently in his 3rd year of therapy overseas at a very high cost according to Mr. Sawyer. The gentleman, a lobster fisherman/diver, described with pride the beauty of some of his work. The details of his pieces made them visually appealing and mentally engaging - ask about the formations from his lobster pots that are included in some of the products. Pieces are sold by Janice’s Bahamian Jewelry & Craft (1-242-333-4139).

Gigi Morley, an Artisan from Rock Sound who attended the recent class said she joined the Coconut Craft class because of her experience with a class in Shell Craft earlier this year, which in her own words, "was a blast!" She was fascinated with Coconut Craft bracelets and gladly took the opportunity to expand her knowledge.

According to Ms. Munnings, her signature label "Mavis M." on all of her pieces are so done to highlight the unique, one-of-a-kind nature of each of her works. Her high quality plait is sourced out of Long Island, and she proudly sits and personally draws her own designs. Her desire, Ms. Munnings shared, "is for every Bahamian woman to have a straw bag!"

Martha Smith, author, teacher, police reservist and new President of the BNCA, travelled to Tennessee on Wednesday, November 18th to make a presentation on Bahamian indigenous artisans, Tourism and Entrepreneurship in cooperation with the BACTE (Bahamas Association for Career and Technical Education) and ACTE (Association for Career and Technical Education) based in the U.S.

Eva Louise Thompson and Agnes Bethel, sisters, teamed up, despite living rather far apart, with Ms. Thompson showcasing at the Ocean Hole Park in Rock Sound and Ms. Bethel in Lower Bogue.

Laura Albury of Rainbow Bay, specializing in Shell Work, highlighted her picture frames, lamps and household knick knacks.

It was a milestone for the Eleuthera Handicraft Association, which under the leadership of Susan Culmer is going from strength to strength.

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