Artists From Trinidad and Tobago Shine in Paintings in the Garden 7

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — After six years of staging the fundraising art exhibition Paintings in the Garden in New York, Trinidad and Tobago–born artist Alicia Aberdeen-Jones is bringing the event home for its seventh edition.

The exhibition opens with a gala on August 28 at the Central Bank Auditorium, featuring cultural performances from acclaimed talents including Mungal Patasar and Carol Addison. Hosted in collaboration with Accommodata Services, the event will donate part proceeds to the Serenity Place Empowerment Centre for Women in Guapo.

This year’s theme, “Zandolie in a Mango Tree — The Essence of a People,” captures the dynamism and resilience of the Caribbean spirit. “Dynamic; safe space; resilience; movement; survival; enjoyment; eccentric; freedom; camouflage; beauty; opportunity; reenergize — these are all perfect interpretations of the image and the people and homeland it represents,” Aberdeen-Jones explained.

Running until September 10, the showcase features a diverse roster of established and emerging artists:

• Alvin Clayton Fernandes — A TT-born, U.S.-based self-taught visual artist, working primarily in oils under the name Clayton. His vibrant canvases, influenced by Matisse and the French Impressionists, blend Caribbean color with themes of everyday life. His work has been exhibited internationally, featured in CNN’s House of Style, the Smithsonian’s Center for African American Arts and Culture, and in several films and television series.
• Janice Derrick — A silversmith and jewelry designer who migrated to England at 16, studied at London Guildhall University, and later established Janice Derrick Jewellery near Hatton Garden. Returning to Trinidad in 2005, she continues to produce internationally acclaimed pieces inspired by geometry, movement, and natural form, exhibited across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• Beverly Fitzwilliam-Harries — A painter and educator, trained in Canada and long active in Trinidad’s art scene. With nine solo exhibitions to her credit, she works primarily in acrylics, drawing inspiration from nature and her environmental concerns. “I am so affected by global warming and vexed about it, I just want to praise Mother Earth,” she said.
• Glen Roopchand (1948–2022) — A protégé of Carlisle Chang and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most prolific artists. Trained at John Donaldson Technical Institute, Pratt Institute, and Montclair State University, his works are housed in major collections, including the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.
• Tyler Villaruel — A young visual artist from Sangre Grande, working in acrylics, charcoal, and graphite. Inspired by movement, music, and oral storytelling traditions, his art has been showcased at the Rotunda Gallery, the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, and multiple Paintings in the Garden exhibitions in New York. He also illustrated a children’s story series for Newsday.

Tickets for Paintings in the Garden 7 are available online at islandetickets.com and at the Central Bank box office.