As 2025 progresses, Dominica is pulsating with artistic vitality, firmly establishing itself as a dynamic center for creativity, cultural exploration, and visual storytelling. The island’s art community is making a significant mark, featuring exhibitions that reveal the depth, skill, and innovation of its artists.
As Carnival festivities kick off, the Vetivert Contemporary Fine Art Gallery of Dominica opened “Creolite 2.0” on Friday, February 28, shared a press release by the organization. This collective exhibition unites some of the island’s most influential and visionary artists: including Aaron Hamilton, Carol Sorhaindo, Carla Armour, Marica Honychurch, Michael Lees, Pauline Marcelle, and Yae. Attendees can anticipate an engaging array of art, including paintings, textile hangings made from cotton, canvas, and Hessian, alongside striking photographic and multimedia pieces.
The exhibition showcases a variety of materials and techniques—from oils and acrylics to dyes, felt, and interdisciplinary approaches—highlighting the collaborative and experimental nature of Dominica’s artistic community.
Reflecting on the remarkable evolution of the island’s creative sector, Michael Lees, President of the Waitikubuli Artists Association, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s a joy to see just how much is going on in the art world in Dominica right now. Over December to January, the Waitikubuli Artists Association had our ‘Echoes of Resilience’ group exhibition at Prevo Cinemall, featuring over 30 artists. In the past week alone, WAA artists Carla Armour and Francilio Agar-Schofield launched their solo exhibitions at Fort Young’s Old Oven Gallery and Secret Bay’s Bwa Denn Gallery—both incredible showcases of talent.”
The year commenced with the conclusion of “Echoes of Resilience” on January 10, one of the most impactful exhibitions organized by the Waitikubuli Artists Association. This was closely followed by the wrap-up of “Fragments & Rust,” a fascinating joint display by artists Carol Sorhaindo and Aaron Hamilton, which concluded at the Bwa Denn Gallery in Secret Bay, Picard, in early February. Their artistic exploration of transformation, decay, and cultural memory left a powerful impression on viewers.
Shortly after these exhibitions, “I Am Kalinago,” a compelling solo showcase by Francilio Agar-Schofield, was held at Bwa Denn. This poignant exhibition delves into themes of indigenous identity and cultural heritage, continuing to fuel significant discussions. Adding to this surge of artistic activity, renowned artist Carla Armour unveiled her highly anticipated solo exhibition this week at the Old Oven Gallery, situated within the historic Fort Young Hotel in downtown Roseau. The exhibition features an immersive installation alongside her diverse mixed-media artworks, inviting spectators on a reflective journey through themes of heritage, tradition, and personal evolution.
‘Today, we celebrate the opening of Vetivert Contemporary Gallery’s new exhibition, ‘Creolite 2.0’ at Lacou Restaurant, and again, I’m proud to say that most of the artists showing work are WAA members. I encourage everyone to check it out over the Carnival season—and while you’re at it, grab something to eat at Lacou!” concluded Lees.
For further details on gallery hours and exhibitions, interested individuals can reach out to the respective venues or explore their websites and social media platforms.
Congratulations to the Waitikubuli Artists Association! These creative individuals are part of the trove of our Dominican talented treasures. Teachers (of any subject) should take their students on field trips to these exhibitions. Inspiration awaits…”Art is something that makes you breathe with a different type of happiness”. Anni Albers