Anne-Marie Gray - Art Ignites Change!

My art practices' goals are involved in paying keen attention to veiled elements of culture and society. My intention is to allow audiences to be exposed to these elements and develop a deeper understanding and more educated perspective. This journey has begun with campaigning for disability awareness and equality. I intend to use Fine Art mediums, Film/Video and the Written Word to achieve my artistic goals. Contact me at annemariegrayart@live.com, for more information.

To view my current CV, see here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/137427427/Anne-Marie-Gray-s-CV

https://annemariegray.see.me/

Cayman Islands World Down Syndrome Day 2013

EXCITING EVENT – The 1st Cayman Islands Down Syndrome Day Fundraiser and Celebrations

The Down Syndrome community and general public are brought together for a short, informative symposium, exciting performances, great prizes and fun activities for the whole family.

On Thursday, March 21st, 2013, 6:00pm-8:30pm at the Loyola Hall, St. Ignatius School, 597 Walkers Rd., George Town, doors will open to the general public to celebrate the first Cayman Islands Down Syndrome Day.

The main objectives of the first CIDSD event are to raise awareness about Down syndrome, the globally observed day, World Down Syndrome Day and highlight the varied personalities and capabilities of people with Down syndrome.

The Fundraiser portion, will be used to raise funds for the Lighthouse School, HSA, Down Syndrome Fund and Sunrise Adult Training Centre, Down Syndrome Fund. The funds will be used annually on March 21st towards fun and educational activities for those with Down Syndrome, to encourage life enrichment and development. Some of the prizes to be won at the event will include, two tickets to Miami, kindly donated by Cayman Airways Ltd., Fine Sterling Silver Jewellery, Fine Art and Luxurious Perfumery donated by The Gray Family. If you'd like to make additional, private donations to the Down Syndrome Funds, you are welcome to do so at the event or at the Lighthouse School and Sunrise Adult Training Centre.

Informative speakers will include, Mr. Elroy Bryan, Mrs. Shari Smith, Mrs. Patricia Gray and advocate speaker Ms. Kansa Bodden. Mr. Elroy Bryan will speak about the myths and facts surrounding Down Syndrome and share his unique professional experiences as example. Mrs. Shari Smith will share her research on Depression and Dementia in people with Down Syndrome. Mrs. Patricia Gray will share her experiences as a parent to an adult with Down Syndrome and Ms. Kansa Bodden will provide insight into her personal achievements and experiences.

“Changing Perspectives” special, supporting, documentary video by Anne-Marie Gray and Freddy Diaz will be aired.

Performances by people with Down Syndrome are sure to entertain the audience, such as Freestyle Hip Hop Dancer, Tristan Ramgeet and Singer, Lee Ebanks.

Abstract Watercolour paintings by local artist, with Down Syndrome, Sean Gray will have his work exhibited and available for sale.

Free refreshments, catering by JLM Food Services.

Finally, at the end of the informative speeches, entertaining performances and exciting prize giving, fun activities will be available to all. Art and craft activities by Mary Walton and Nancy Barnard, Puppet Theatre fun by Nadine Thomas, Face Painting by Clarice Diaz and Gina Connolly and Clowning Services and Balloon sculpting by Funzo and Lola.

You can keep up to date with the Events developments and share your thoughts, through the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.comCaymanIslandsWorldDownSyndromeDay

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Merchandised Artwork by Burgerplex

I enjoy the scope of this artists reach. His work is colourful, playful, interesting and sparks the imagination and creativity in all ages. Connecting to the upcoming CAY-LOVE Project, its interesting to see the ingenuity in the prints on merchandise that has been done more tastefully and contemporarily than generic T-shirt prints. Fashion prints have continued to become more interesting but pillows, kitchenware etc have become even more appealing.

Artist Jon Burgerman of Bugerplex has turned his prints of cartoon-like characters into an immense empire of wonderfully appealing products.

Source: http://www.burgerplex.com/

Sketch Book Project Ideas

Being ill and off work for five days, I've had time to medicate, sleep and think. I've researched and been interested into several artists, whom are new to me and into various projects and competitions taking place.

Resource 1: The Sketch Book Project

The Sketch Book Project could be something Sean involves his art (produced in art therapy sessions) with and would allow him to have work exhibited in the Brooklyn Art Library. Alternatively we could collaborate and both include our work in the same sketch book. I feel, in order to do this we'd have to think of a theme or perhaps just use each page as a session of therapy for each of us. One page could express Sean's mood and the other mine. I enjoy the techniques found and shown below:

Through my research, I found artist DrFraken and found his work stirring and magically eerie. This installation below could inspire a sketch book project idea where perhaps artists and non-artists get involved on the island or maybe if Sean and I start something that we want to continue with and exhibit all together. Its an interesting idea and curatorial technique. 

Installation by DrFraken

Mira Alibek and the feeling of lost innocence

Mira Alibek's work reminds me of lost dreams and innocence adults experience and her work is almost a nostalgic sketchbook of such ideas. Especially her "Fble" installation of frozen, torn yet still inflated balloons, collages of the childhood Little Red Riding Hood, which have been altered to suit her own narration of a world perhaps not so different from the fable. The idea of past heroes/idles/ideals and the ones we wanted to be as children and the ones we still pursue with subconscious drift, inspire my thoughts of her work. Her work is playful, powerful, inspiring, and interesting. There is a narration for us to solve or create and she allows the audience to pick their path through beautiful visual influence. 

Breaking the Silence Campaign Ad

The Abuse Awareness Advert for the "Breaking the Silence" Conference taking place at Mary Miller Hall, Red Bay, Cayman Islands, Thursday 18th and Friday 19th October, 2012, can be found here: Breaking the Silence Promotional Advert 

Stills from the video production.

Breaking the Silence Campaign

(Poster by Freddy M. Diaz and Photography by: Anne-Marie Gray) Recent Photos were taken specifically for the "Breaking the Silence" Campaign. "Breaking the Silence & Empowering Self-Worth Conference" objectives include bringing together companies who can support the provision of community-based public education and to focus on the leadership of breaking the Silence. Therefore, it  is our mission to strive for major societal changes necessary to eliminate both domestic and societal violence against all. www.shattering-the-silence.com www.shattering-the-silence.com