Dr. Edwin M. E. Smith
Edwin M. E. Smith is a Bermudian artist and art educator. His mixed media artwork and illustrations can be found in collections internationally and has been included in Biennial Exhibitions hosted by the Bermuda National Gallery.
Dr. Smith is the author of ‘Imagemaking and the Bermudian Artist’, a book that presents a unique, critical and celebratory perspective on Bermuda’s visual art. Along with his family, under the name artsmithsbda, he has also published ‘Pawpaw Bermuda’ a hybrid book of recipes and fine art that highlights the unique place of pawpaws in Bermuda’s social history.
Dr. Smith’s professional experience includes corporate graphic design and three decades of teaching studio art and art history from elementary school through to university. Since 1998, He has taught in the Art & Design Programme at Bermuda College. His responsibilities include curation for the College’s Art Gallery. He has served for many years as Chairman for the Bermuda Society of Arts Bursary Awards and as Chairman of the Visual Arts Committee for Teen Service’s Outstanding Teen Awards. His art involvement also includes Deputy Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council, membership on the Acquisition Committee and the Exhibition Committee for the Bermuda National Gallery, and past membership on the Board of Governors for the Bermuda Society of Arts of which he was a former co-president. Dr. Smith holds graduate degrees from Andrews University and Savannah College of Art & Design and a Ph.D in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University.
Gavin Smith
Gavin Smith is an award-winning, active multidisciplinary artist, teacher and student, who utilizes an inquiry-based approach to learning, leading, and creating. Gavin is dedicated to solutions that help to connect and heal Bermuda’s community. This is most notable through his creative leadership as the founder of The Chewstick Foundation, Bermuda’s premier cultural arts movement, known for its dynamic youth, arts, cultural, and community programmes and events.
Gavin is also a proud alumnus of The Savannah College of Art & Design; a two time category prize winner in the Masterworks Charman Prize; an accomplished and influential Graphic Designer; and the catalyst behind the modern public art movement in Bermuda through his visionary Bermuda Flag Mural, Chancery Lane Poetry Steps, BIU Heroes murals and many more.
Gavin believes that creative expression, in all its forms, is a powerful tool to not just say something, but to do something; and he is committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of creatives, and looks forward to seeing what they will do.
Sharon Aaliyah Muhammad
Gail Palacio
I can’t remember a time when I did not make art. I believe we are all born with a gift, something we are naturally driven to do and enjoy. Apparently, making art is mine.
I love painting and making things, and sharing ideas with young people. I’ve been an art teacher for over 20 years and I enjoy seeing the excitement my students express as they create their art and make new discoveries. I began my teaching career at the secondary school level where I taught for ten years. Since then, up to the present day, I have been teaching at the primary school level. It’s wonderful that I am still in touch with some of my former students and am now teaching their little ones; that circle of life.
Before becoming an art teacher, I worked as a graphic artist at various printers and at The Royal Gazette. I worked as a counselor at government summer day camps, especially during my summer breaks from college. I first attended The Bermuda College and then Maryland College of Art and Design, where I obtained an associate degree in graphic design. I later attended Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore Maryland, acquiring my bachelor’s degree in graphic design (BA) and master’s in art and teaching (MAT).
Along with making art, I enjoy taking African dance classes, jogging, reading and photography. I also write poetry when I feel so inspired. For a time, I was making hand-painted earrings, which I hope to continue.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being a judge for various art competitions, from pumpkin carving to the Ag Show. I’ve submitted work in art shows, painted a number of murals and had fun creating stage backdrops and props. My most recent artistic accomplishment was doing the life-size painting of Bermuda’s Olympic boxing bronze medalist, Mr. Clarence Hill. It was a privilege to do the painting and more so to meet Mr. Hill.
I am also privileged to be the mother of three beautiful adult daughters who have grown to be very lovely young women, contributing to their community and who are each very creative and talented individuals. I am grateful for opportunities that have come my way, for family and loyal friends that have all enriched my life.