1. Doongalik Art Gallery
Doongalik Studios was founded in the late 1970’s by the late Jackson Burnside and his wife Pam. Jackson was a true artist at heart and a Junkanoo veteran and their mission was to not only introduce the latest creative art work on the scene but “to promote the country’s outstanding artistic talents which they firmly believe can establish the Bahamas as an international center of creativity.” One of their greatest intuitive to date is to raise funds for the country’s first art library which is still an ongoing campaign that will help put the Bahamas on the creative map. Here you can find great traditional as well as contemporary works done by Burnside and other artist. The grounds of the gallery is also open during weekend for a community farmers market where you can find some of the fresh and most unique fruits, vegetables, pastries and jams anywhere in the city of Nassau.
2. National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
The National Art Gallery in the Bahamas was indeed a long time coming for the capital. The National Gallery is located in the old Villa Doyle mansion that was carefully renovated and restored to house some of the finest traditional Bahamians works created. It is also used as a hub to introduce new artist on the scene and a new show is featured once a month to show cases these new pieces. This gallery is most known for its traditional works and injection of new creative ideas and expressions. The Gallery can also be rented out for receptions and other events.
3. Nassau Glass
The Nassau Glass company is the first Glass fabricating company in the Bahamas back in 1959. Today they continue to produce beautiful pieces of fabricated glass work, lighting (in particular chandeliers) and framing for original art work and prints. I must say that the Nassau Glass Company is really something to see if you love and appreciate beautiful things. Here you can expect to find beautiful 100% pure Bahamian Art at its best.
4. Andrew Aitken Photography
Andrew Aitken Photography is another great place for artist and photographers to get their original pieces framed and sold. I love coming here to get some of my pieces printed out or framed and it’s also a great treat to see some of the traditional Bahamian art work and vintage photography on display in there showroom.
5. D’Aguilar Art Foundation
The D’Aguilar Art Foundation was founded by the D’Aguilar family in memory of the late Vincent D’Aguilar that features his private collect of some of the best Bahamian art work around. It was launched back in 2008 after Mr. D’Aguilar’s death and his privately held art collection is open to the viewing public daily for those who enjoy Bahamian art and to contribute to art education and literacy in the Bahamas. The foundation also provides “access to artist, scholars, collectors and aficionados aspiring to study and research Bahamian art.”
6. Antonius Roberts Studio
Hillside House the studio of Antonius Roberts features the work of one of the Bahamas most acclaimed Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts. Throughout his studio you’ll see most of his paintings and sculptures created by the artist over the years, but you’ll also become introduced to Antonius’ newest passion of wood work, sculptures and cravings. Hillside House is also featured on several art and visitor tours. Its close proximity to Down Town Nassau makes it an ideal hot spot for visitors to come, see and experience local Bahamian art and the artist. Hillside house also offers various art classes throughout the year for the community.
7. Popop Studios
Popop Studios was founded by Mr. John Cox another prominent artist in the Bahamas. He opened up Popop Studios as an artist cooperative/residency program for young art interns. Community art programs are also taught here, I did a fine arts class here once and it was phenomenal. Here at Popop Studios you can find the best contemporary art in the Bahamas and at an affordable price.
8. Liquid Courage
The Liquid Courage Company Ltd is home to more than 90 different types of beer from all over the world that is sold and housed in this one spot. Here you can learn all about the different types of wine and other alcoholic beverages, so it might seem strange that they would offer an art gallery within their showroom space. However I love this art and wine concept being offered here whenever there is an opening night. “The space is open for art exhibits and shows for artists of all types.” The art here can range anywhere from contemporary to traditional pieces of paintings and sculptures.
9. Bahamas Craft Centre
The Bahama Craft Centre is where you’ll find an abundance of straw work featuring: hats, place mats, bags and other souvenirs on sale in the Paradise Island and Cable Beach stalls. The difference between the Craft Centre and the traditional Straw Market is that there is more than one location and it’s usually less congested than the Straw Market on Bay Street. You may even find a wider variety of authentically made Bahamian goods on sale here rather than anywhere else. Especially at the BAIC- Bahama Craft Centre shows held once a year at the (what is now known as the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel).
