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Hi, I'm Blair
I've been a silversmith for over 25 years. And I'm Bryan.
I've worked in music and digital media for about the same amount of time.
Ask any artist and they'll probably tell you that creativity takes time
and an inspirational place. Unfortunately, like many artists
we live in a place like this. Inspiring?
Not so much. So we decided to create a place where any artist
can live, and work, and be inspired by other artists.
In 2004 we began searching for the perfect location for an artist retreat.
It had to be beautiful, preferably with a beach
but most importantly, it had to have the right vibe.
It took two years, but we found it!
Our search took us to Long Island in the Bahamas.
There's no cruise port here, no tourist attractions.
Just beautiful blue water and wonderful people
This is where we are building an artist retreat
a retreat we call Exnihilo.
The Exnihilo Art Center will be
a haven for creative pursuits. A place where artists can
renew, reflect, and work in their chosen mediums for an extended period of time.
Painting, ceramics, metalsmithing,
writing, music, film, scuplture.
Exnihilo will have all the resources for these art forms and more.
But Exnihilo will be so much more
than a place for artists to get away from it all.
The Exnihilo Art Center will be an active contributor to the island family.
Here at a couple of examples.
Traditional artists on the island do beautiful work
with limited resources. By partnering with local art organizations
the Exnihilo Art Center will be a resource for local artists.
There's also need for expanded art instruction in schools.
Exnihilo resources will be available to schools
encouraging students to explore the arts.
There are many more facets to the mission of Exnihilo.
A study abroad location for art students, scholarships
residencies ,visiting instructors for workshops
and an environmental initiative we call junk-a-new.
We have a big vision and a great start here's what we've accomplished so far.
The research for the location has been done, the land purchased,
we've connected with the locals who will help us
build bridges into the community.
The buildings have been designed, architectural drawings are finished,
and the contractor has been retained.
We need your support for the really exciting part
Phase 3, raising the first buildings.
The first buildings will be the artist residences.
Each will feature private studio space with an ocean view
Phase 4 of the Art Center master plan will add
the gathering house. The first floor will include classroom space
a communal dining area, and public gallery.
The second floor will include media rooms,
a recording studio, and performance space with additional residences.
Multiple outdoor spaces will include a ceramics courtyard,
sculpture garden, and areas for meditation and reflection.
We've already begun working with a company that has experience building
in the Bahamas.
We love the fact that they use sustainable green building technology.
Once we hit go they can ship our pre-fab buildings to the island in as
little as five weeks. When the containers arrive
on the island a building will go up in a matter of days.
Who ultimately benefits from Exnihilo?
Visiting artists from all over the world will have a place to escape
and reconnect with their muse. Local Bahamian artists gain access to the
resources they need
to fully explore their emerging arts and crafts.
School children get expanded art education, and even the environment benefits
through the junk-a-new program.
Please help us by spreading the word about the project.
Be sure to visit our website to learn more,
and thanks for watching.