SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – The Art Saves Lives Foundation 2021 Summer Intensive was a complete success. This year’s activities marked the 8th installment of Art Saves Lives workshops on the island. Art Saves Lives Foundation founder Nicole De Weever said, “Despite challenging circumstances we were able to organize a stellar program for our students.”
This year the Foundation’s workshops were hosted at INDISU Dance Theatre of St. Maarten. Ms. De Weever expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Ihndhira Marlin Richardson and Ms. Susha Hien for allowing ASLF to call their beautiful space home this summer.
Though ASLF planned to execute its signature fun, high quality intensive, some modifications had to be made because of the ongoing pandemic. ASLF treated the safety of its students, instructors and facilitators as a priority; thus, the signup and registration processes was very selective this year. In addition, no auditions were held.
Ms. De Weever reiterated that despite said challenges, ASLF was able to assemble a team of exceptional instructors for this summer’s program including: Queen GodIs (instructor of Mindfulness & Spoken Word), Nicole Baker ( Jazz & Musical Theatre Dance), Maud Arnold (Tap Dance & Biz of Showbiz workshop), Shakira Marshall (Afro Soca), Colin Bootman (Painting on Canvas), Nikeva Stapleton ( Modern & Contemporary Dance), Jacquelyn Allsopp (Ballet), Ann McCormack ( Voice & Vocal Classes), Dale Allsopp (“The Art of Business” Financial Literacy and Technology), Karisma Jay ( West African and Adult African “Remixed” Class), “Nyemba” Tyrone Daryl Seales ( West African Drumming), Jermaine Brown ( Funk, Street Jazz & Hip Hop Fusion) and Leslie Samuel ( The Art of Social Media” Blogging and Vlogging” teaching young people how to use social media responsibly as well as how to profit from using social media and technology.
The cast of instructors all volunteered their time and expertise to help the island’s budding artists. All students attended the program free of charge.
ASLF also provide the chance for adults in the community to attend a free class called African “Remixed” by Karisma Jay. This class was open to parents as well as the community. There are however only 25 spots for this class, interested persons were encouraged to register in advance. The class was so successful we had over 30 participants.
Orientation took place on Sunday 11th July at INDISU Dance Theatre of St. Maarten from 10am to 12pm. Classes started Monday 12th- 16th July from 7am to 7:30pm. Students was provided with breakfast, hot lunches and a dinner snack. Breakfast Boxes, Arena Base Café and Domino’s Pizza.
The final presentation of ASLF’s 2021 Summer Intensive took place at The Philipsburg Cultural Center onSaturday 17th July at 7pm. The culminating event was an absolute success and was beautifully MC’d by Head of Culture Ms. Clara Reyes.
Ms. De Weever recognizes the benefit that ASLF provides for the island, however, she insists that none of this would be possible without the foundation’s partners who have shown tremendous dedication throughout ASLF’s existence.
This year she says was no exception. She and her team wish to thank the following companies and individuals for their continued support for the youth of St. Maarten/ St. Martin.
ASLF is eternally grateful to this year’s partners which include: St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Minister Ludmilla de Weever St. Maarten Culture Department Minister drs. Rodolphe Samuel St. Martin Office de Tourisme Head of Tourism Mrs. Aida Weinum Chloe and Maud Arnold Foundation GEBE NV TelEm NV Guardian Group Fatum UNESCO Heavenly Water Arena Base Breakfast Boxes Domino’s Pizza BDO Heavenly Waters Mrs. Asha Stevens Mrs. Charlotte Forster CC1 St. Maarten Lemon Drop Cove, LLC STC Escrow Proclivity Prime Distributors Baker’s Suites Hotel Commodore Suites Cabana Beach Bar & Restaurant Medwork & MedCare Clinic Print & Sign Express St. Maarten St. Dominic High School Topper’s Restaurant Christian’s Cookies, Goodies & More St. Maarten Nectar Lynette’s Taxi & VIP Service
A heartfelt thank you to the following individuals: Mr. Girish Motwani Dr. Joanne Siebel Mrs. Arlene Halley Mr. Rudolph Davis Mr. Deyon Bovell Ms. Lucinda Audain Mr. Marcel Jovois Mrs. May Ling Chun Mr. Koert Kerkhoff Ms. Kaishah Peters Mr. Anastacio Baker Mr. Arnaldo Phelipa Mrs. Aida Weinum Ms. Elsie Marishaw Ms. Sue Scantlebery Ms. Clara Reyes Ms. Linda Cocks Mr. & Mrs. Caputo Mr. Fred Grigsby Ms. Carol Pope Mrs. Charlotte Forster Mr. Juanito Fortuno Mr. Sheldon Gilbert Ms. Linda Cocks Ms. Cheryl Rismay Mrs. Sharalee Lint Ms. Shelly Jake Mr. Timothy Ahlip Mrs. Clemetine Rattan MP Angelique Romou Mr. Conrad Richardson Mr. Christian Richardson Mrs. Gillian Grannum Ms. Jasmine Grannum Ms. Marcia Illidge Ms. Cheyenne Burrnet Ms. Francia Adamus Mrs. Stacy-Ann Taylor Ms. Sharees Thomas Mrs. Mirela Sumanariu Ms. Leann Richardson Ms. Jada Kranenburg Ms. Lisa Coffi Ms. Kreta Evertsz Ms. Marine Caillet Mr. Camerone Hyman Mr. Edgardo Lynch Mrs. Melanie Daboul Ms. Drake Daboul Ms. Olivia Catani Ms. Tyra Els Mrs. Katsiaryna Ozkan Mr. Souleymane Camara Mrs. Audrey Wilson Ms. Klaudia Vingatama Mr. and Mrs. Allsopp Mrs. Wai Hing Patterson Ms. Karisma Jay Dr. Johanna Urena Mr. Diamond Hemrick Ms. Karleen Hemrick Ms. Ann McCormack Mr. Leslie Samuel Ms. Shakira Marshall Ms. Chloe Arnold Ms. Maud Arnold Ms. Hopie Burrows
For more information about the Art Saves Lives Foundation log on to www.artsaveslivesfoundation.org
View comments
Hide comments