By Bennette Roach
The Montserrat Arts Council (MAC) staged an exhibition titled ‘MAC4’ which was due to close at the end of festival 2015, but was extended to Friday January 8, 2016. The reason given for the extension MAC says is due to popular demand.
MAC4: An Art Exhibition opened on December 18, 2015 at the trust in Salem. It was an idea of the Montserrat Arts Council was launched in mid December to celebrate the talents of artisans both here in Montserrat and abroad.
Chad Cumberbatch is director of the Arts Council and he come about explains that in the exhibition, MAC Four features the works of four artists working in diverse media. 
“This year MAC Four features the work of our Premier Donaldson Romeo, his media of choice being charcoal he creates life like renderings of our people. Some of our most colorful characters captured forever in phenomenal detail.
“MAC4 also boasts the work of Franklin Farrell “Franki”, who minds his materials from Montserrat Organic Orifices to produce works of art, he’s also one of our last living drum makers, It is my belief that every Montserratian should have a drum, place your order now.
“Evelyn White is the lone female artist featured in this year’s line up her work features heavily on the local Madras fabric in unusual and creative ways, although appealing mostly to women her new line features a pair of madras boxer shorts for the truly madrastic man.
“Last but not least we proudly exhibit the work of Vanastel Hussey better known as “Eze Bongo” is a contractor living in New York, his manipulation of wood borne leather and other materials to create items ranging from furniture to delicate purses is commendable. His work has a definite styling and spiritual quality that is unique to the funky dread himself.”
Mr. Cumberbatch says the exhibition was held during the festive season to reach a wide audience and to strengthen the traditional festival program.
A statement from the council read “This inaugural event has paved the way for an annual celebration of our visual artists working on Montserrat and abroad,”.
Speaking at the opening of the exhibition in December. Director of the Montserrat National Trust and deputy chair of the Montserrat Arts Council, Mrs Sarita Francis, says she was pleased with the standard of work on display at the trust.
“… And I am sure that you our guests will also be pleased with the efforts of the Arts Council and in such a short period of time to be able to bring all the resources and skills together to mount this workshop. I also like to echo my appreciation to the four artists and the other artists who have given us encouragement and also provided a number of pieces on the periphery of the exhibition, the MNT director said.
