King’s House Foundation to Host Art Show

A Fund-raising Art Exhibition, sponsored by the King’s House Foundation, will take place in the Ball Room at King’s House on March 8 beginning at 6 p.m. The Exhibition, which is being hosted by Their Excellencies the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, is intended to raise funds toward the further development of King’s House.

The Exhibition, which also coincides with International Women’s Day, is being coordinated by the Most Honourable Lady Hall and will comprise an array of art work by many of Jamaica’s finest female artists to be followed by a wine and cheese reception.   Artists include Lady Hall and her daughter Gillian Scarlett, Susan Alexander, Lois Sherwood, Hope Brooks, Norma Harrack, Allison Sinclair, Vilya Thomas and other surprise guests.

The fund-raiser was first held in 2007, and was conceptualised by Lady Hall, who is herself an accomplished artist and former Principal of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.  Lady Hall, the former Rheima Holding, gathered the support of talented artists who donated part proceeds from the sale of their works to assist in maintaining historic King’s House. Lady Hall continues to actively support the King’s House Foundation.

The first event in 2007 was recorded with photographs in Jackie Ranston’s compelling new book Behind the Scenes at King’s House 1873 – 2010, which was recently published by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) with proceeds going to “the restoration and maintenance of this house in history.” JNBS also assisted with the second art exhibition fund-raiser in 2008 and will again assist with this one.

King’s House Foundation Chairman the Hon. Dennis Lalor observed that: “While we are working to preserve this national monument, we will also be supporting the work of our outstanding artists who preserve our culture through art.”  He added that the Exhibition was ” a marvelous opportunity to visit this historic site.”

All the artwork will be on sale and tickets for the event are available at $1,500 with all proceeds going to The King’s House Foundation. Ticket information may be obtained by calling 818-0049 or 757-1414 or King’s House at 508-4051.