Category Archives: Edward C. Gartland Youth Center

Paint it Pink

All photos courtesy Graham Warner

Long before we built Fleur de Lys Villa, we lived in a cozy little beach side rental in Thompson’s Cove. The rustic property consisted of a two story duplex and a much larger main house with traditional Caribbean wrap around porches. We inhabited the upstairs studio when new tenants moved into the main house. Graham and Dionne Warner were a friendly couple from Saskatchewan who quickly invited us over for dinner. Over that meal we got to know our new neighbors and had lots of laughs thanks to their fantastic humor. We listened intently as Graham shared their love story and talked about how useful knowing the 5 love languages is in any relationship. When we heard Dionne’s story, a touching account of surviving breast, brain, and liver cancers, clearly it was a miracle to be sitting next to this woman. Dionne is a shining example of when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade. Through her every adversity she puts on a smile. Late last year we received the disheartening news that Dionne had yet another battle with cancer to win, not only did she put that beautiful smile back on, she once again put glowing smiles on everyone around her.

Dionne bringing the warmth of Turks and Caicos to her hospital

Hospitals are not well known for being “fun” places to go. In fact, most people dread walking through hospital doors even when entering as a visitor versus a patient. Dionne and Graham decided they were going to make it fun and cheerful to go for chemotherapy and testing, and make it a good time for everyone else too; doctors, nurses, friends, family, other patients, innocent bystanders:) Graham has been sharing e-mails since late last year, documenting their creative and catchy themes and Dionne’s progress.

Dionne in her “Ho, ho, ho” suit last December and with her father bringing their Jamaican heritage to the theme party

I personally loved the Mexico theme in honor of their personal chef Mariana

One June 11th Dionne walked in the Canadian Cancer‘s Relay for Life, where hundreds of supporters showed up to support other survivors, current fighters, and those that were honored in memory.

Dionne and Graham were able to make a trip to Provo for Easter so Dionne could fulfill her wishes to have sand beneath her toes and sunshine on her face. Pictured here with fellow island buddies, I mean bunnies!

Dionne has been a huge inspiration to me and probably anyone who meets her. She tirelessly crusades for cancer causes, only resting when her treatments literally knock her out like in the above photo. Please join Dionne’s “angel network” and help her fight this nasty opponent called cancer. This week is paint it pink canada week, calling on everyone to think pink today and enter Avon’s make, create, or do something in pink contest.

I rallied my art students at the ECG Youth Center to create a special statement in pink to honor Dionne and her words to live and fight cancer by; DETERMINATION, LOVE, COURAGE, FAITH, HAPPINESS, HOPE, and STRENGTH. Keep fighting the good fight Dionne!

Art classes at the ECG Youth Center

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All images by pepperkeystacie

This week I taught a couple of drawing classes at the ECG Youth Center. On Mondays class my students learned about the different types of light and which types are best when drawing still life’s. Each student drew a sphere and began shading techniques to create dimension and realism. The kids excitement factor of our subject matter was nearly nonexistent so I decided Wednesday’s class we would move on from inanimate objects to drawing correct facial proportions. This time we had some giggles, many questions, and loads of determination. The majority of the students really took their time, pencils and erasers working diligently to get lines just right. After all their hard work, we ended the class with a quick and fun paper plate drawing for one of the directors, Nikita. I love how varied, colorful and carefree these turned out.

If you are in the TCI and have some spare time to volunteer, please call directors Nikita or Roxanne Wake-Forbes on 649.332.9605.

African Dance Performance and a Fond Farewell at the Market

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Above Images by Pepper Key Stacie

The second Saturday of every month you can find a Turks and Caicos farmer’s/artists market at the Graceway Gourmet. Local arts and craft vendor regulars include Ginger from Sea Glass Shack, artist and handbag designer Jennifer Maude, jewelry designer Atelys Adrian, woven handcrafts from the Middle Caicos Co-Op, TCSPCA gifts and goodies, Cheryl, the sewing machine queen, fashionable jewelry collections from Trem Jocale, yours truly and many more. Every month we choose an island charity in need to support and this Saturday we had a very special guest performance in thanks by the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center. This amazing group of students were led by the incredibly talented Shara Bowen (pictured in the middle of the group photo with glasses) Shara and her husband David, the country’s Director of Culture, are a tireless, constant driving force in keeping the history of these islands, especially of the arts, alive and well in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I applaud them both immensely. The fruits of their labors are especially moving to watch in the young peoples performances, where the traditions of old are breathed back to life.

Image courtesy of Meghans Africa blog

The inspiring drumming, dancing, and singing will stay in the audiences minds, perhaps for years to come for one special viewer, Meghan O’Reilly. Meghan took on the position of director for the Youth Center upon it’s birth in the spring of 2008 after volunteering in Southern Africa for Grassroot Soccer Org, and she is a huge part of it’s success today. This performance marked Meghans last as director as she leaves for a new adventure in Mauritius Island. I think I speak for a very large part of the community when I say thank you Meghan for all your outpourings of hard work, energy, hope, and care into the center. You will be greatly missed! Bon voyage and best wishes!