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Description: Ourstory art exhibition to commemorate the 200th year of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, opens with a Preview Reception on Thursday, 4 October at 6pm at The Gallery, Willesden Library Centre. Special guests include the High Commissioner of Jamaica, His Excellency Mr Burchell Whiteman and Ms Dawn Butler, MP for Brent South. The exhibition continues until 3 November. Ourstory is a thought-provoking exhibition of paintings and sculptures by the artist Opio Yaw Asante (aka Horace Donovan) that celebrates UK’s Black History Month and Jamaica’s National Heroes Day. The exhibition is a visual record of people, memories, thoughts and dreams. It aims to heighten awareness of African and Jamaican culture and the impact they have had around the world. There will be a series of tie-in events to support the Ourstory exhibition. On Monday, 15 October; Jamaica’s National Heroes Day, there will be a workshop at 10am and 1.30pm for secondary school students on Exploring and Celebrating National Heroes of Jamaica facilitated by Paul Aiken of Evwreni Production. At 7.30pm, there will be a workshop on the “Legacy and Contributions of the Maroons” with Pam Fraser Solomon an award winning producer-director working in radio, television and film. Kevin McLaughlin will provide musical entertainment. On the 31 October from 6.00 – 8.00pm, there will be a workshop for adults on Jamaican Heroes and the Caribbean Presence in Britain with Paul Aiken.

Times: Oct 04 - Nov 02, Tues to Thurs 2pm - 7pm, Fri to Mon 2pm - 6pm
Phone: 020 8885 5043
Email: opio.ja50@yahoo.com

Reviews
Opio Yaw Asante (aka Horace Donovan) is an undiscovered treasure within the art world. This exhibition is a culmination of many years of hard work, self discovery and gaining an understanding of many facets of art.

He is an artist of immeasurable talents who is able to both paint and sculpt images, whether they be real or imaginary, to a standard of excellence that is yet to be surpassed. His use of colours literally takes your breath away and lures you into the world that he seeks to create through his artistry.

He has used his talents to great effect to make people more aware and appreciative of Black History and Black People’s contribution to British Society. There is not doubt in my mind that someday soon, his brilliance will be recognised and that his works will be appreciated and valued highly.

- Hugh Wade, London

This was a very enjoyable exhibition charting the progression of an artist as well as commemorating an important event in history.

Well worth a visit.

- Ms Dunkley, London

CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF JAMAICA’S INDEPENDENCE 

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