There was an air of excitement at the Gallery of Caribbean Art at the Speightstown Centre recently, as artists and art enthusiasts awaited the results of the Carmichael Prize Exhibition.

Sponsored once again by CIBC Caribbean, this year’s theme, “Family”, was reflected in the beautiful pieces of the many artists who entered the exhibition.

One of the top prizes was taken by Taymar Reid, who won the People’s Choice Award with her charcoal entry entitled “Embrace”. This piece was one of her three entries and was selected by the patrons who voted for her at the end of the evening. Though Reid has been doing charcoal for the last five years, and acrylics for ten, she said that this was her first showing at an exhibition. The two special mentions in that closely contested category were Zack Evelyn – “Gene Shine Through” and Mario Holder – “Nurturing Father.”

In the children’s category, Talya Brown copped the top prize in the 7-9 age group, and Cressida Howell, who won in the 10–12-year category, was also awarded the Critics’ Prize for Children with her painting, “My Brother”. The award in the 13-16 age group was won by Milan Toolsie-Wood.

“Cake Time” by Maria Stanford was adjudged the Best Painting by an Amateur Artist. A previous bronze winner at NIFCA, Stanford has been painting for nine years and was thrilled with this accolade, “My biggest so far” she stated with a broad smile.

Jamilah Greaves took the top prize for Best Established Artist with a painting entitled ‘Hearts Love’ while the runner-up in this category was Alicia Smith with a painting called “Banquet at the Reserve”

This year’s exhibition saw a welcome increase in entries from artists displaying a wide range of genres, including acrylic, watercolor and charcoal. All of the junior artists, aged 7 and 16, who submitted artwork, were rewarded with a $25 gift voucher for art supplies from Art Hub, donated by the Private Wealth Management Unit of CIBC Caribbean. 

In his address, Giles Carmichael, son of Sir Trevor Carmichael, the driving force behind this competition since its inception, extended his deep gratitude to CIBC Caribbean for its continued sponsorship of the competition throughout the years. He said that the Carmichael Prize is fully inclusive, as the selection of winners extended beyond the judges. All attending patrons have the chance to take part by choosing a winner for the People’s Choice award.

The new owner of the Gallery of Fine Art is Kavitha Chenoy.