Pamela Ann White Speaking to Gambian Journalists |
The United States top diplomat in the Gambia, Madam Pamela Ann White,
has on Friday, 2 March 2012, organised the first Gambian arts exhibition at the
residence of US Ambassador in this country,
The evening art exhibition, which many described as historic, was meant
to expose the works of Gambian artists, as well as showcase their talents.
The exhibition will be held every six months, said Ambassador White in a
happy-mood when speaking to Gambia journalists.
Friday’s exhibition was held in a form of colourful
reception attended by dignitaries like Ms. Fatim Badjie, Minister of Health and
Social; World Food Programme (WFP) Resident representative Madam Victoria
Ginja; Her Excellency Madam Esther
John Audu, Nigerian High Commissioner to
The Gambia; Mr. Pap Saine, Publisher The Point newspaper.
Two professional Gambian artists-
Ms. Isha Fofana and Njogu Touray were also present. The exhibition gave an
opportunity for the Gambian artists to exhibit their products on the walls and
hangers displayed on the grounds of the United States Ambassador Residence
garden, in Fajara.
Ambassador White told
journalists that the reason for the Gambian arts exhibition was to expose arts
work done by Gambian artists. While stated that the exhibition would be held
every six months, the top US diplomat in Banjul promised that the next
exhibition would be bigger than the maiden exhibition.
She expressed her love
for art work done by Gambian artists calling on Gambians to patronise Gambian
artists by buying their products.
According to her, many
Gambians do not recognise Gambian artist’s products, which she said should not
be the case but to be buying their products.
Her Embassy, she revealed, that has already bought seven pieces of
Gambian arts at the time of the exhibition as a way of promoting Gambian
artists.
The US ambassador also spoke
about Isha Fofana’s trip to the United
States to attend the US-African Women Entreprenuer programme from 19th
September to 8th October, 2011, in
Washington DC.
WFP Rep. Victoria Ginja with Mamadou Edrisa Njie at the exhibition |
Isha Fofana, professional Gambian
artist, who is also the founder/proprietor of Mama Africa Women’s Museum and
Art Museum, thanked the US ambassador for the initiative, saying that US
Embassy in Banjul has attached great importance to arts work.
Fofana further expounded on her recent participation in US-AfricanWomen Entreprenuer programme, in
Washington DC.
Fofona who was featured in the Cable News Network (CNN), underscored the
need for artists to work hard and nurture creativity and originality.
It could be recalled that the US Department of State through the US
Embassy in Banjul The Gambia,has selected Isha Fofana, to attend the US-African
Women Entreprenuer programme in Washington, DC 2011.
The US-Africa Women Programme was meant among other things to support
and empower African Women drawn from all walks of life such as artists,
politicians, academicians and economists, among others,to share experiences and
ideas on different topical issues.
The programme was divided into series of events such as seminars,
exhibitions, symposium, as well as field trips to different cities and states
across the US. The programme bought together participants from different
African countries such as The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and Uganda,
among others.
Speaking to a local newspaper-Daily Observer shortly before her
departure to join her colleagues in the US, it could be recalled, Isha Fofana
has described the trip as another opportunity for Gambian artists to excel and
redouble their efforts toward achieving sustainable of the country.
She could also be recalled vowing to represent The Gambia with a
difference at the US-Africa Women programme by raising the flag of the country
to a higher level. The female Gambian artist paid respect to the US Embassy in
Banjul for making her trip possible and for giving her the support and all the
encouragement needed.
“I must thank the US Embassy in Banjul for giving me the opportunity to
attend this important programme, which by no small means will greatly expose
and enrich my experience in the world of arts and other numerous professions,”
she stated, and seized the opportunity to urge her fellow women to maintain the
spirit of hard work.
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