Life in Antigua Barbuda

SCRIMSHAW
Scrimshaw is the ancient sailor’s folk art of
engraving or carving whales’ teeth and other
exotic materials found on shipboard in order
to make objects as gifts for loved ones, or
useful articles for trade or sale among shipmates.
SCRIMBONES ENGRAVING & SCULPTURAL
JEWELLERY MICHAEL ‘SCRIM’
STRZALKOWSKI, Tel: 772 5275, sailed the Atlantic to
the West Indies during the 1975-76 yacht charter season
to engage in what would become his main occupation
up to the present day. After acquiring a few whales’ teeth
in the Grenadines he tried his hand at the old sailors’ folk
art of scrimshaw and found that people readily wanted
to buy the work. Over the past 40 odd years he has also
sculpted jewellery pieces cast in silver and gold. Still
working at his studio in Falmouth Harbour, St. John’s and
the island of St. Barths.
Painting by Katie McConnachie
SCULPTURE IN WOOD
Artist and sculptor CARL HENRY, Tel: 562 5386/770
5780, is one of Antigua’s premiere wood sculptors with
over forty years’ experience. Carl created Things Local,
in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour where you can
view wood carvings mainly from Antiguan mahogany, eucalyptus,
almond and other hard, locally grown wood.
Carved fish, turtles, masks, sailboats, warri boards, fruit
bowls and other collectors’ items are but a few of what’s
on offer.
ART GALLERIES
ART AT THE RIDGE, Tel: 728 1558, based at Sugar
Ridge Village, this art gallery and gift shop features a wide
and diverse range of genuine local art and crafts by wellknown
Antiguan artists and craftspeople. Paintings, pottery,
fine art prints and cards, and gorgeous handmade
crafts – great gifts, and souvenirs. Artwork is also displayed
opposite at Sugar Club. They offer a full art gallery
service including exhibitions, private
commissions and viewings.
FIG TREE STUDIO ART GAL -
LERY, Tel: 460 1234/773 4321, is situated
in the heart of the rainforest in the tropical
gardens of the artist, Sallie Harker.
The gallery features a selection of original
oil and watercolour paintings. The
craft section features the work of leading
contemporary Caribbean craftsmen.
Emphasis is on the use of natural materials,
an appreciation for the environment
and traditional skills such as
carving and ceramics. Come and enjoy
good quality original works of art in a
unique setting.
HARMONY HALL ART GAL -
LERY, Tel: 460 4120, features top Antiguan
and Caribbean artists and their
paintings, sculpture and pottery. There
are exhibitions held between November
and May. You can always find exclusive
arts and crafts from all over the
Caribbean.
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