Young artists and entrepreneurs showcase talent at ‘Hues of Youth’

There are plenty of positive and talented young people in Barbados and this was evident at the recently held Barbados Youth Development Council’s Hues of Youth event.

The visual arts exhibition and youth entrepreneur showcase gave Barbadians an opportunity to see the work of up-and-coming talent in the youth development organisation. The Barbados Advocate spoke to a few of the exhibitors and artists at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society on Sunday.

Twenty-two-year-old Jadisa Andwele, daughter of well-known poet and performer AJA, comes from a family with a strong creative and artistic background. Andwele said that she always had an interest in drawing, a love which started at the young age of five. The third-year Barbados Community College (BCC) visual arts student is presently completing her Bachelor’s degree. Andwele uses social media – Instagram and Twitter – to share her art. She has received a good response from fans and even some of the celebrity football players and musicians that have inspired her.

Although Andwele is known for her pencil-drawn celebrity portraits, she has also experimented with other artistic media such as painting and photography. In the past, her work has been displayed in the BCC’s gallery. One of Andwele’s dreams is to travel to United States and England and showcase her work in international galleries. She encouraged Barbadians to check out her work on social media, on Instagram – Jadisa Artist and Twitter – Jadisa Art.

On the other side of the museum courtyard, photographer and graphic artist, Joy Maynard, displayed her unique talent. Her company Mayed will be celebrating its one year anniversary in October and she has had an overwhelming response from supporters. She said the company was created so she could have her own avenue to tell other people’s stories. Everything displayed was story-based and under the theme, “Once Upon A Time”, “Happily Ever After” and “Based on a True Story”. Maynard also created bleached and distressed hats, which were being sold at the event.

Co-owner Cassia Belle from Royal Hair Extensions, which is also celebrating one year of operation (in August), said that her business, which caters for those in need of premium hair extensions, was also doing really well.

Other entrepreneurs present were from catering and spa industries as well as other youth organisations like I am A Girl Barbados and CARICOM Youth organisation.