Community Mural Painting For BIU Anniversary
The Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU] and the Chewstick Foundation Community Art Program are inviting members of the community to add a brush stroke in order to create a work of art for the second phase of murals in celebration of the history and leadership of the BIU.
The community painting will take place on April 24 at 8.00pm.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Industrial Union and the Chewstick Foundation invite the community to participate in the second phase of murals in celebration of the incredible history and leadership of the BIU. This Friday, April 24, 2015, marks the 68th anniversary of the BIU’s official registration.
“To commemorate this occasion, there will be two murals painted to honour Dr. Barbara Ball and Mr. Ottiwell Simmons as iconic leaders in the history of the Bermuda Industrial Union. The mural painting will begin at 8.00pm, this Friday night, and all are encouraged to attend and participate.
“The first BIU / Chewstick Community Art Program mural was completed on February 2, 2015 as part of the activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the BELCO strike and the Chewstick Community Art Program’s goal is to bring Bermuda’s history to the streets so that our heroes are not forgotten and their stories and contribution can remain solidly in the public consciousness to inspire future generations.
“The Chewstick Foundation partners with businesses, community organizations, charities, youth groups and artists to help create pieces that break down barriers and bring people from all walks of life together.”
February’s mural, featuring a portrait of Dr. Gordon and the slogan “united we stand, divided we fall”:
“The partnership with the Bermuda Industrial Union is an important one as it celebrates the rich history of an important organization in Bermuda’s history, while bringing vibrancy to the Bakatown area, and creating an opportunity for understanding and engagement in a very accessible way.”
Of the partnership, BIU President Chris Furbert said, “The BIU is happy to partner with the Chewstick Foundation on this project. Our members and others in the community positively comment daily on the Dr. Gordon mural, so I am looking forward to seeing Dr. Ball and Brother Ottie immortalized on the walls of the Bermuda Industrial Union.”
Gavin Djata Smith, Lead Visual Artist of this project and Executive Director of The Chewstick Foundation, said, “Not a lot of people seem to know that I’m a visual artist too, and it has been a real honour to visualize our history in this way. I’ve been pleased with the outcome and particularly the collaborative nature of these projects.
“As we fortify this programme, I look forward to involving more artists in the visioning & process”
“The painting of the Dr. Barbara Ball and Ottiwell Simons murals will take place this Friday, April 24th 2015, alongside the Dr. E.F. Gordon mural on Union Street. The project will begin at 8.00pm and members of the community are invited and to participate. No skills in visual art are required, just a willingness to collaborate.
“The community is encouraged to bring friends, family and their talents to share and participate in breaking down social barriers, working together and enriching our island home.”
For more information about the programme or the Chewstick Foundation in general, call 292-2439, email info@chewstick.org, or visit the website.
That’s good and about time, countries around the world have been honoring their Heroes for DECADES and we’re just starting.
Better late then never, um starting to embrace Proud to be Bermudian now.