The Art & Cultural Village at Julees became a dynamic hub of youthful creativity as over 80 students from seven Antiguan and Barbudan schools gathered for an immersive Youth Day celebration. This art-infused experience, designed to ignite creative expression and foster national pride, transformed the venue’s parking lot into a spectacular “Art Alley” adorned with vibrant chalk illustrations depicting cultural motifs.
Coinciding strategically with World Illustration Day on November 28th, the event served as both a tribute to visual storytelling and a platform for emerging talent. Participants explored a comprehensive art exhibition featuring approximately 100 works by local and regional artists while simultaneously engaging in a competitive Youth Chalk Art Contest. Their collaborative creations formed an elaborate colorful “welcome mat” that will greet visitors throughout Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2025.
Guiding the young artists was Odessa Whitlock, an aspiring art educator from New Jersey who returned to her native Antigua specifically to contribute to Art Week. Having attended Kids Unlimited elementary school on the island, Whitlock emphasized the significance of mentorship in artistic development. “I am happy for the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of artists,” she noted, highlighting the importance of cultivating supportive environments where youth can explore and refine their creative gifts.
The Art & Cultural Village stands as a cornerstone venue for the ongoing Art Week 2025, showcasing more than 25 visual artists and artisans alongside culinary creators presenting authentic Antiguan and Barbudan flavors. Beyond merely displaying talent, the Youth Day event powerfully demonstrated the Village’s broader mission: establishing an inclusive, dynamic space where color, culture, and creativity converge to inspire both present and future generations.