In keeping with the fundamental philosophy of Schooner Bay and his own deepest beliefs, Antonius Roberts, Resident Artist, continues his commitment to nurturing and growing an active and sustainable art community bound to the principles of environmental preservation and conservation.

These undertakings involve not only students and artists but also the participation of members of the general community from Abaco and other family islands, their cooperation and interaction being vital to sustain long term viability.

Schooner Art is the next step along this path which will provide a forum and a virtual gallery for art being produced not only by Antonius Roberts and local artists, John Cox, John Beadle and Tyrone Ferguson, but by visiting artists and students involved in the programmes being offered.  One of these is the second annual Art Symposium, to be hosted July, 6, 7 and 8, 2011.

Ongoing projects include bringing students from the Lyford Cay International School to work with art students in Abaco who do not have a clearly defined art programme available to them.  Along with his fellow artists, Antonius will mentor and encourage the students to not only respect  the surrounding environment but to understand how to preserve its integrity by using found materials in their works.  This means not only naturally found stones, shells or driftwood but more significantly utilising the rubbish washing ashore such as plastic cups or other non bio-degradable objects.  Viewed from a different perspective, one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure when re-cycled by an artist’s imagination and skilful hands.

It is hoped that these programmes will eventually become partly or wholly sustainable by the sale of art produced in or inspired by Schooner Bay, all artists contributing 25% of the proceeds of any Schooner art sales to enable the growth and continuation of such projects, thus making us all participants in preserving the Bahamian legacy of beautiful seas and pristine beaches for all to enjoy now and in the future.