The Event
ASTRO: THE MORNING STAR is an Art & Video Exhibition to be launched on November 17 at  Studio 174 in Kingston, Jamaica. The exhibition is dedicated to fostering the self-expression and creativity of the developmentally and physically disabled in Jamaica.

Mission
Living with a disability is itself an art. Every disability is unique. Every individual is unique. Help disabled persons express their individuality and live life through art. Donate now.

Description
The Astro Project is a collaborative effort for fostering self-expression and nurturing the creative needs of the developmentally and physically disabled in Jamaica.

The Astro Project is also an exhibition of graphic art designed by Astro Saulter and a video launch about Astro created by his brothers, Nile and Storm Saulter, founding members of the acclaimed New Caribbean Cinema collective.

General information
The Astro Projedt art exhibition will mark a major milestone of the new Astro Foundation that fosters relationships to provide opportunities for self-discovery and personal expression of the developmentally and physically disabled.

The net proceeds of all art sales go to the artist and the Foundation. Beneficiaries of the Astro Foundation are encouraged to explore painting, photography and media arts to build a greater sense of personal identity and pride.

The work of Astro Saulter and other artists like him confirm the power of creativity, the passion for individual sensibilities, and offers a unique view of the world. Recognition of their creative efforts gives these artists a feeling of worth that carries over into all areas of his/her life. Exhibitions like The Astro Project help others see past preconceived notions of disability and begin to honour the creative spirit of every person.

Through the cultivation of their talents, people with disabilities make contributions to the cultural and economic life of our Jamaican community.

Source: www.facebook.com/theastromorningstar

 
 
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YardEdge's Karin Wilson-Edmonds recently went on a JCE tour. This is what she had to say.

This past Saturday, I ventured out with a group of art enthusiasts on the inaugural Kingston Art Trek- our mission, to visit a cross-section of Kingston’s galleries. The creation of Jamaica Cultural Enterprises (JCE), a new tour company specializing in cultural tours of Jamaica, the Kingston Art Trek is designed to expose participants to a wide range of local art and artists. It also turned out to be an education on the history and landmarks of Kingston, as well as a great opportunity to meet fellow art aficionados!

JCE’s Karen Hutchinson was an excellent tour guide, highly knowledgeable on local art and on Kingston’s history and highlights. She expertly guided us around the various galleries, while simultaneously trying to keep us on schedule- not an easy task with so much to see!

We visited a total of six galleries, three downtown and three uptown, including Emancipation Park in New Kingston, Revolution Gallery, the National Gallery of Jamaica, Studio 174, Roktowa Gallery, Heather Sutherland Wade’s gallery and Grosvenor Galleries. A comfortable bus kept us from worrying about traffic and parking and allowed us to focus on the sights and sounds around us.

We began the day at 10 am sharp with coffee at Emancipation Park, where we viewed Laura Facey-Cooper’s Redemption Song, which although we’re all quite used to now caused quite a stir when it was originally unveiled.


Read full article here.