Photos: Chewstick Creates Bermuda Flag Mural
Chewstick has organized the painting of a mural on Front Street, bringing national pride to life with a large example of Bermuda’s flag.
Chewstick is known for organizing the painting of murals on the island, with previous efforts to showcase Nelson Mandela on Court Street, commemorate Dr. E.F. Gordon at the BIU headquarters, highlight Bermuda vernacular with a #WeAreBDA mural, honour poet Maya Angelou, and more.
A spokesperson said, “As The Chewstick Foundation completes upgrades to the new Chewstick Culture Hub, currently under renovation at 81 Front Street, they have remained committed to uplifting the public consciousness through their off-site programming, most recently demonstrate through the completion of a large Bermuda Flag mural at the No.1 Car Park on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
“A group of more than 20 volunteers completed the mural over night, as the latest installation produced as part of the Chewstick Community Art Program, which has consistently delivered murals throughout the island since its inception in 2011.
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“Over the course of the year, while transitioning into their new headquarters, The Chewstick Culture Hub at 81 Front Street, The Chewstick Foundation has produced small and large scale cultural events and completed several community murals throughout Bermuda.
“In addition to the Bermuda Flag Mural at No. 1 Car Park and the Chancery Lane Poetry Steps, completed through the Corporation of Hamilton, two murals were completed at the Union Street Headquarters of the Bermuda Industrial Union, depicting Dr. E.F. Gordon and Dr. Barbara Ball, icons in the history of the B.I.U. and the evolution of Bermuda’s political and social growth.
“The Chewstick Community Art program also unveiled an installation at the Bacardi Limited headquarters, as part of Bacardi’s 50 Year Anniversary in Bermuda. Clearwater Middle School’s Art Teacher, Angela Ming-Bean served as lead artist for a CCAP mural portrait in honour of Dr. Charlotte Ming at the Clearwater Middle School.
“Chewstick also presented two 4ft x 8ft plywood paintings, one depicting a Bermudiana Flower and the other musician and entertainment icon, Gene Steede, completed along the route at the Bermuda Heritage Day Parade as The Chewstick Foundation presented their art cart to showcase community art in motion.”
Chewstick Foundation Operations Manager Deidra-Lee Bean said, “Each mural has been a pleasure to create and has demonstrated the power of art, to not only beautify an area but also to spark conversations on history, culture and the story of Bermuda.”
“The Chewstick Community Art Program is one of the many initiatives that The Chewstick Foundation delivers with the mission to empower storytelling, creative expression and social justice to enrich youth arts culture and community.
“It is only with the support of the community that these programs can continue, as The Chewstick Foundation approaches the completion of the Chewstick Culture Hub, the general public are being invited and encouraged to lend a helping hand to bring friends, family and talents to share and to participate in activities happening at the Chewstick Culture Hub over the holiday season, starting Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 and continuing until January 3rd, 2016, to help raise the funds needed to complete The Chewstick Culture Hub.”
“The Chewstick Foundation is committed to reintroducing their hub based programming at the new Chewstick Culture Hub and actively collaborating with other charities and organization to break down social barriers. By supporting them you enable The Chewstick Foundation to continue to focus on enriching our island home through community art installations, cultural enrichment events and delivering artist and industry development programming.
“New and innovative ideas for how to help Chewstick thrive are welcome, those interested in volunteering for the Chewstick Foundation to help complete the hub, get involved with community art, share ideas and strengthen existing initiatives can call The Chewstick Foundation office at 292-2439, email info@chewstick.org or visit www.chewstick.org for more information.”
Wow nice work Chewstick.
Very nice, but when we become Independent they will have to go back and paint over it.
There won’t be enough money to pay for the paint. Hope you can fish too because food will be scarce and very expensive. I’ll be out of here if that ever happens.
Good, cause we can do without you now.
I had a feeling you would say that. You sure can do without me. What you can’t do without is all the right minded fellow Bermudians who would leave as well. I cannot risk my family’s future should another Dr. Brown get himself into power in an Independent Bermuda. This island would spiral into a dictatorship immediately.
Even though I wasn’t a big fan of Dr. Brown, I give him credit for showing Black Bermudians that you don’t have to fear those who had the economic power for generations and how to honor and be proud of those who paved the way for us.
Now you explain your accusation of dictatorship?
If it means not bowing down to the status quo, then so be it.
Ask yourself why he stepped down in 2010. Do you honestly think he WANTED to step down? Would he have stepped down if this island was Independent? I’ll answer the last one for you….No. He still was in the process of breaking down this island and trying to rebuild it in his vision. A vision that included scores to settle. (his words)
Mental enslavement is a damn sad phenomenon…
Maybe they can do something with that layby on the Causeway next!
Nice.
Beautiful work, the front of this building is just as nice.
BDA embraces your endeavors
Looks wonderful. We have a flag to be proud of too.
Great idea and it’s really well done.
Dear Chewstick – You continue to brighten up our island in very creative ways. Thank you for all your contributions to Bermudian culture in 2015 and wishing you a very successful 2016. I do hope our Government and key donors find ways to support you so you can hold your space and continue to host so much talent.
Chewstick, you guys continue to do BIG things!!
Toys-R-Us Kids.
Super job!
Hey Chewstick crew! Awesome job!! Can you do this on the side of my house??