Last Friday, at the end of the creative workshop series for Allman Town Primary, the closing ceremony, which lasted three hours, was a display of creative skills, new and experienced.

All expressions - performing, literary and visual which included culinary - were all featured to the satisfaction of the school's principal, parents and students.

The gratitude shown overflowed to guest performing artistes Sophia Brown, CeCile, Chris Martin and Iyah Shine who were rallied up by Solid Agency's Christopher Campbell to assist at the last minute.

media appeal

Over a two-year period, principal Kandi-Lee Crooks-Smith had been appealing for assistance with the ARTS training at the school, through the media, highlighting at one point that classes were being held under a tree. She often noted that the school had been operating without an art and music teacher, which she considered critical to the development of children. She believes that being creative is a necessary trait for success in any area.

At the ceremony, Crooks-Smith said her "heart was filled with thanks" for the practical work by Anthea McGibbon, who also rallied others to assist through the OAaSIs International Foundation. Before that she had only received verbal commitments.

During the programme, emceed by radio personality Derrick Wilks, student drummers taught by drama teacher Omaro Mazlyn, performed the second item. Newly-discovered talent Cleshede Williams of Grade 5T, did 'Strength To Carry On'.

The literary arts were displayed as a poem written by on the certificates of appreciation and recognition, while culinary skills were lavishly displayed by the school's caterers.

'Colour Harmony', a painting done by the participants in a hands-on workshop with Melhanie Spence, was given to Bank of Jamaica, collected by Sandra Moodie and Ellan Neil.

In the highly energetic closing entertainment segment, the magician Kemarch 'Wizad' Dodd held everyone spellbound in breathtaking moments of illusion. Setting a dove free from a painting, and rendering the canvas all black was the trick most appreciated.

Then Sophia Brown, CeCile, Chris Martin, and Iyah Shine performed their art well, after encouraging the students that while education is key, there was great value in discovering and practising their creative skills.

Brown belted out Weak to You and Come Back Home. CeCile changed pace with Take My Wings, Chris Martin upped the tempo with an interactive delivery of I'm in love with You and a medley of his songs.

Iyah Shine who barely missed the mobbing and hugging by the students did Livity and Violence no Sweet as the children were settled again for Burger King snacks.

During the day, student reporters highlighted the favourite presenters from a list of over 30 artists and artistes. The top ones were Farenheit, Jermaine Gordon, Peter Lloyd, Melhanie Spence and the mural (painting), Reiko Nagase, Colonel Derby and of course Kemarch 'Wizad the Magician' Dodd.

The creative workshop series was hosted by the OAaSIS International foundation, founded by Anthea McGibbon teaming with over 30 members of the creative industry (literary, performing, visual) from January 13-22. Networking artists and artistes, the foundation aside from empowering the creativity of youth, also exposes them to careers in art, and careers where art skills are applicable for success.