Jamaica’s International Artist/Sculptor Basil Watson was recognized last night for his amazing art skills and talent by two Florida municipalities, at a reception showcasing his work at The Ansin Family Art Gallery in the Miramar Cultural Center.
Billed as “An Evening with Basil Watson,” several high-profile dignitaries and art lovers turned out to hear the sculptor speak about his work and to see several bronze pieces, including Martin Luther King Jr. and some of Jamaica’s sports and cultural icons.
In his presentation of the keys to Mr. Watson, Mayor of Broward County Dale Holness lavished praise on the Jamaican for his exemplary work and expressed joy in having him exhibit his art in the County. “We acknowledge that you have done so well and want to give you a token. We want to ensure that when you come you feel very welcome and that you know we are here to accommodate you,” Holness said.
Mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam heaped similar praises and adoration on the Jamaican art icon before reading him the city’s proclamation. In it the mayor said:
WHEREAS, the City of Miramar Cultural Center ArtsPark was created to deliver a multi-faceted wide array of programming offerings in the arts and establish a celebrated meeting place to champion the diversity of the community; and
WHEREAS, during Caribbean American Heritage Month, we honor America’s long-shared history with our neighbors in the Caribbean and celebrate the Caribbean Americans who have enriched our nation and city; and
WHEREAS, in this month we celebrate the triumph of Caribbean Americans, a diverse community that encompasses many nationalities and languages who have become leaders in every sector of American life while maintaining the varied traditions of their countries of origin with their talents and hard work; all while contributing greatly to America’s economy; and
WHEREAS, a significant portion of the Caribbean American community is proud to call Miramar their home thus helping Miramar earn the distinction of being one of the most diverse cities in South Florida and a 2021 All-America City winner; and
WHEREAS MAQUETTES: THE STUDIES AND DRAWINGS OF BASIL WATSON a predominant Jamaican and international artist has been designated as the premier exhibit to be showcased in the Ansin Family Art Gallery at the Miramar Cultural Center ArtsPark (2400 Civic Center Place; Miramar, Fl. 33025) not only embodying such an example through artistry but encapsulating a qualifiable experience; and
WHEREAS, the exhibit was designed to span from the inception of Caribbean American Heritage Month over the course of Jamaican Independence and display (10) commissioned sculptures and (10) drawings that include Basil Watson’s most notable pieces of artwork of Jamaican Olympic champions Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce; cultural icons like The Hon. Louise Bennett Coverley; and a recently completed a 12-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and
WHEREAS, by design the Miramar Cultural Center ArtsPark Ansin Family Gallery exhibits are arts- and education-based, celebrate diversity and champion our community as a gateway to the Arts; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Wayne Messam, Mayor of The City of Miramar, recognize Basil Watson and his MAQUETTES exhibit as a brilliant representation of the Caribbean American Heritage story supporting the Cultural Center ArtsPark’s position as a regional destination for arts, education and entertainment in Southwestern Broward County.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE SET MY HAND AND CAUSED THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF THE CITY OF MIRAMAR TO BE AFFIXED ON THIS 5th DAY OF AUGUST.
In his response, the famed sculptor said he was “honored to have received the accolades and thrilled by the support from Caribbean art lovers.”
“I am really overwhelmed. It shows that Miramar is special and they have a special appreciation for the arts and for the artist,” he said.
The exhibition will continue at The Ansin Family Art Gallery at the Miramar Cultural Center until August 15th.
