New York, NY – Major figures in the cultural landscape of Jamaica are contributing to the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Benefit Gala at the Copacabana on Saturday, November 5.
Contemporary artists, young and old, will be showcased during the event’s silent and live auctions. This is the largest collection of Jamaican and American artists ever to have donated works to the organization, to support its fundraising efforts for Jamaica. The pieces, valued at $700,000 Jamaican dollars (US $12,000), draw on the vastness of island life, from landscapes to street scenes, portraits to life at sea.
Organized in association with AFJ supporters, this signature event also honors individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in contributing to Jamaica. “This year we honor Grace, Kennedy & Company, and Western Union International for their increasingly important role in education,” said Ambassador Glen A. Holden (ret.) President of the AFJ.
“It’s good to know my talent can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Jamaican-born impressionist artist Ewan McAnuff. The silent auction sponsored by East Tennessee’s luxury developers the Saddleback Ridge Estates also features the work of Graham Davis, George Rodney, Ras Dizzy, Susan Alexander, Carey Chen, Khalil Deane, John Powell, Marigold Harding, Deborah Mitchell Carroll, Akindele Hickling, Deborah Carroll-Anzinger, Jason Panton, Neville Murray, and Marcus Alleyne.
Janda Wetherington, Director of Latin American Art at the Pan American Art Gallery, who donated George Rodney’s “Installation” acrylic on canvas, said, “Jamaican art is at the core of our business and we are honored to be a part AFJ’s auction to support worthy causes.”
AFJ envisions an exciting event at the historic Copacabana, with live entertainment and an awards presentation as well as the auction. Other auction items include trips from Superclubs, Sandals, Tryall, Half Moon, Round Hill, Strawberry Hill, Air Jamaica and Spirit Airlines and jewelry from Bijoux and k*Claudene, to name a few of the 50 auction prizes. A full catalogue will be emailed to AFJ supporters soon. Proceeds will benefit Jamaican non-profits in the areas of education, health and economic development. Since 1982, over 60 Jamaican non-profit institutions have received grants totaling over $10 million in cash and kind.
