As Barbados commemorates its 59th year of independence, celebrated artist Sherridean Carmichael has transformed the national celebration into a powerful movement of creative liberation and spiritual expression. The multiple NIFCA award winner, renowned as the youngest recipient of the prestigious Goddard Enterprises Purchase Award, recently hosted a profoundly moving exhibition at the Inspirational Fine Art Gallery that united emerging talents and established creators under a shared vision of artistic freedom.
Carmichael’s gallery—recognized as Barbados’ first and exclusively faith-based art space—originated from what she describes as a divine inspiration. Initially conceived as a personal prayer for studio space, the vision expanded into a sanctuary where artists pursue growth, community, and spiritual grounding. ‘People need spaces where they can relax, remember their special qualities, and rediscover hope,’ Carmichael told attendees during the emotionally charged exhibition.
The artist’s bold, expressionistic works have long served as vessels for hope, healing, and spiritual contemplation. However, this year’s independence celebration carried particular significance for Carmichael, who views creative expression as fundamental to national identity. ‘Freedom transcends mere absence of restraint,’ she articulated. ‘It represents the liberty to authentically express oneself, to heal, to create, and to experiment without fearing external judgment.’
During a poignant segment of the evening, participants contemplated symbols of freedom, with responses ranging from birds and wind to open spaces. Carmichael shared her childhood dreams of flight, interpreting them as early reminders of the boundless promise she believes God provides. ‘Even during rainfall, birds continue singing,’ she observed. ‘Nature constantly reminds us that we were born for freedom.’
Beyond inspirational words, Carmichael demonstrates commitment through action via her organization, Creative Art Well, where she mentors both young artists and individuals rediscovering dormant talents. The exhibition’s impact became evident when one participant phoned Carmichael in tears, expressing how the experience had restored her hope and creative possibilities.
The evening reached an emotional climax when Carmichael presented her original poem ‘In My Room,’ composed in her personal sanctuary of creation, prayer, and teaching. The piece, which speaks to gratitude, inspiration, and miracles unfolding in quiet spaces, received such powerful responses that attendees suggested incorporating it into future exhibitions.
Emerging artists like Khalani Ward shared how the environment helped overcome creative blocks and rediscover confidence. Others described the gallery as providing essential space to breathe, recommence, and envision new possibilities—precisely what Carmichael hopes her establishment will continue offering.
The exhibition, running through December 19 at the Sugar Cane Mall on Roebuck Street, features debut works by Amanda Escamilla, Ashleigh Williams, Patricia Cadogan, Nicolette Gibbons, Jeriah Walcott, Carol-Ann Mason, Khalani Ward, and Fran Downey-Smith alongside Carmichael’s pieces. Together, these artists contribute unique voices to Barbados’ evolving creative narrative, embodying Carmichael’s conviction that ‘possibility only exists with attempts’ and that everyone possesses something waiting to emerge.
