PEMBROKE PINES – Caribbean American Heritage Month activities in South Florida were launched Sunday (June 7) at the Southeast Regional Broward County Library in Pembroke Pines with an artist reception showcasing the work of a family team, Jamaican national Colin Smith and his 12 year-old granddaughter, Alyssa McDoom, a second generation Jamaican.
The show continues throughout the month at the Library campus on Pines Boulevard, where the duo will exhibit some 40 pieces covering a wide range of topics relating to everyday life.
Alyssa, a budding artist began painting at the age of seven years old. Her love for the art extends to other talents, as Alyssa is a pianist, as well as a singer and professional dancer. Alyssa plans to become an interior designer.
As part of the opening Reception, Alyssa found time to entertain a packed auditorium of her friends and families, with the rendition of two ballads.
Alyssa is a seventh-grade student at the Falcon Cove Middle School and also attends the Art Institute of Weston where she enjoys learning new techniques.
Although they have two different styles, Alyssa said that she was inspired by her grandfather. She enjoys painting items and objects, and grand-dad likes to paint Caribbean scenes and landscapes depicting his island home. She also enjoys drawing and doing ceramics.
The recipient of the two Broward County awards – the 2002 Honorable National School Lunch Week Poster and First Place at the Broward County Fair 2003, Alyssa’s work has been exhibited at the City of Tamarac Art exhibition as well as at that City’s Community Center.
A family of musicians, Colin is a band member of the South Florida traditional folk and mento band – Tallawah, which also provided entertainment at the Opening Reception. A talented musician, he also plays the guitar, keyboards and banjo.
According to Nancy Ansley, program coordinator at the Library, both artists were selected because they both represent the Caribbean community and their colorful displays depict themes of the Jamaican homeland.
Speaking of the quality time spent with her grandfather, Alyssa spoke of the bond between them because art was something they both enjoyed.
Colin also found inspiration in the lush Jamaican flora and the surrounding Caribbean Sea as a child in his island home and that was evident in his work of oil and canvas. He also surprised his audience on recently completing the stained glass décor at his church.
A recipient of several Jamaican National Festival awards, he has had solo exhibitions in Jamaica and Florida. He studied at the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts, formerly the Jamaica School of Arts in Kingston.
Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths in declaring open the June month of activities at the Library, congratulated the family duo of artists for their efforts at proudly exposing our respective native legacies and our collective Caribbean heritage.
Mrs. Griffiths also commended the South Regional Broward Library as it continues “to create opportunities that demonstrate Caribbean talents, our Caribbean erudition and the facets of our accomplishments that reinforce the value of multiculturalism in American society.”
The national recognition commemorating June as Caribbean American Heritage Month was designated in 2006 by former President George Bush, because of the significant contributions the Caribbean American Diaspora have made to strengthening the social fabric and enriching the diversity of the United States.
Throughout the month, several activities are scheduled across South Florida communities to continue celebration marking the ethnic diversity and paying tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Caribbean region.
Persons are encouraged to check the local libraries and Caribbean consulates for listings of activities.
