–a confluence of wine, food and art

BRINGING a brand new perspective to wine, food and art in Guyana, The Duke Art Gallery and Restaurant opened its doors to the public on Wednesday evening, showcasing Guyanese talent at its best in both the art and culinary world.
Seeking to give young up-and-coming artists in Guyana a means to express their creativity, the new establishment, a subsidiary of the Roraima Duke Lodge, shares a similar location at 95-95 Duke Street, Kingston.
In welcoming the gathering to the launching, Co-Founder, Gerry Gouveia (Jr) said that every single painting and photograph on display is an original piece created by a local artist, and every item in the restaurant and gallery is either up-cycled or refurbished.
Telling of the idea behind the undertaking, Co-Founder and Project Manager, Amber Low said that it stemmed from the Lodge’s need to give back, and its long history of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
“We noticed that the art community was a little small and a little shunned in some ways, so I reached out to some people in the community and asked them, ‘What do you think?’ And it was an explosion from there,” Low said, adding:
“This is a first; I think that we have a very diverse culture, so it’s really important to embrace it and share it with the world. And this is definitely a way to share that with each other and the rest of the world.”

The evening’s event showcased the work of 13 out of approximately 40 youthful artists who teamed up with the The Duke, many of whom are having their pieces on display for the very first time.
The artists get to set their own prices for their artwork, and a commission is not taken in return.
Eighteen-year old Ashley Anthony, who had two items on display, one a water colour painting and the other charcoal, said that she was anxious to see how well her art work would be received.

“I am quite excited!” the self-taught artist said, adding: “Initially, I was thinking about doing my own exhibition, but when I heard about The Duke, I thought that this would be a much easier and less expensive way to get some of my art on display.
“And, depending on how well this goes and how well it’s received, I might try to continue putting a few other pieces up.”

PLEASANTLY SURPRISED
Much to Ashley’s surprise and delight, one of her paintings was purchased before the night was even halfway through.
Meanwhile, Guyanese-born photographer, Michael Fernandes said that when he saw the opening on Instagram, he knew instantly that he had to be involved, but for an even greater cause.

“Art is not a big thing here, whether it’s painting, photography or make-up, so the more awareness us artists can get, I want to be a part of it,” Fernandes said.
“All my stuff is going towards charity. So, if you were to buy my piece, I would take back the money I spent to print it, but everything, all the proceeds; all the profits will go to a charity of the buyer’s choice,” he added.
Recently, The Duke visited the David Rose School for special-needs children where they helped design the cushions which are now on display and on sale in the lounge of the establishment.

In attendance was President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Mr Deodat Indar, who said that he was pleased that the Roraima Duke Lodge continues to raise the bar locally.

“Art is something in Guyana that is very much low-key,” he said, “so I hope, and it is my expectation, that we get attraction to art, and that the work of some of the artists here can be exposed.”

Present at the opening also was Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Mr Eddie Boyer, who said: “It’s not an easy thing to have this fine dining quality restaurant; it has to be supported. We, in our own rights, have to support it.”
There, too, was fashion designer, Ms Sonia Noel who made the point that there’s no telling the far-reaching effects the venture may have, and commended the co-founders for creating a platform for the creative sector.

“We have so much talent across this country… You’re going to have different people from different parts of the world dining here, so you never can tell where that piece of art is going to go,” Noel said.

Now under construction is the restaurant’s open studio and gallery, which will allow for live artistic work to be done simultaneously with fine dining.
Meanwhile, the restaurant aspect of the establishment offers a diverse option of local and international cuisines such as the Spanish and French-influenced dish, the Jambalaya, as well as the Kong Pong Chow.