This was the motivational message to primary and secondary school art teachers, as they came together in the Art Room of T.A. Marryshow Community College to participate in the inaugural workshop facilitated by the Patron of the Arts Fund.

The messenger was respected and renowned Grenadian artist Susan Mains, as she began the morning session for approximately 60 teachers from all seven parishes. Referring to traditional attitudes by parents, teachers and society in general that art is for students with “limited intelligence” and that art does not offer career opportunities, Ms. Main said this attitude is changing and more Grenadians are appreciating and purchasing Grenadian art.

“Teachers have not had a heritage of art passed down to them. You are the beginning of that change,” she said.

Ms. Mains focussed on art as a “sustainable resource” that needs to be fully valued and marketed.

“Art should be recognised as a source of economic activity, she added.

The Patron of the Arts Fund was established by the Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, using art as a therapeutic tool. Students were invited to express their feelings about Hurricane Ivan and their hopes for the future through drawings. The Fund was established with monies raised through the sale of the 2006 ARD Art Adventure calendar that featured the 12 winning drawings from the competition.

“I am profoundly happy that the ARD has gone this route to promote art in Grenada because we have needed this for so long,” Ms. Mains said.

When the teachers were asked if they would attend a Grenada art school if there was such an institution, almost all the teachers said an overwhelming ‘yes’.

Ms. Mains spoke of practical issues such as the cost of materials and the need for concessions on materials. She spoke of the need by hoteliers and others in the private sector to feature Grenadian art in their business places.

“This should be supported with legislation to ensure at least some Grenadian art is used,” she said.

Ms. Mains said that 90 percent of Grenada’s art is purchased by tourists and is therefore never seen by Grenadian children.

“Artists are the story tellers of the Nation,” she added.

During the afternoon session, the teachers had the opportunity to learn from a long standing Grenadian artist and teacher, Mr. Gordon de la Mothe.

Mr. de la Mothe shared practical techniques to teach students about shapes, spaces and forms. He showed how to hold the drawing pencil “inside the hand” so that children can draw with movement from the shoulder.

An inspiring and energetic teacher, Mr. de la Mothe demonstrated these techniques with quick drawings; while teachers explored their own abilities on sketch pads.

Both Mr. de la Mothe and Ms. Mains facilitated this first Workshop of the Patron of the Arts Fund voluntarily.