CENTRAL BANK
OF THE BAHAMAS
CULTURE INITIATIVES
Our Tradition:
Since 1984, the Central Bank stages an annual art competition and exhibition, through which it continues to uncover and showcase budding Bahamian talent in the visual arts. For many, this competition and exhibition has served as an introduction to the Bahamian art world, and the exposure received has been an invaluable first step in growing their gifts. Moreover, in staging this event, the Central Bank has enjoyed the distinct privilege of assisting young Bahamians in educational pursuits that have helped them to further develop their skills, and a number of them have gone on to very promising and successful professional careers in visual arts.
2025 HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
2025/2026 High School Art Competition Awardees
Governor’s Choice Award
Paris Rolle for her animation “In The Shadows”
N.G.M. Major (Long Island)
Senior High School
Collage Award
Kinaya Bowe for her piece “An Ideal Form”
Episcopal High School (Exuma)
Painting Award
Rayna Bain for her painting “The Grape Thief”
St. Augustine’s College (New Providence)
Drawing Award
Jade Knowles for her drawing “A Memory Held Twice”
Queen’s College (New Providence)
Crochet Award
Tahlia Peterson for her piece “Lady Viridescent”
Aquinas College (New Providence)
Work on Paper Award
Chloe Sawyer for her piece “No Limits”
Queen’s College (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Painting)
Nia-Ishia Prince for her painting “Waymaker”
Queen’s College (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Painting)
Teran Davis for her painting “The Weightbearers”
C.R. Walker (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Painting)
Raine Bastian for her painting “Harlem Renaissance”
Chatham Hall (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Film)
Navaeh Kerr for her film “A mustard seed”
Kingsway Academy (New Providence)
Junior High School
Collage Award
Victoria Smith for her piece “Past the Lens”
H.O. Nash (New Providence)
Work on Paper Award
Annabeth Moxey for her piece “A day at Potters Cay Dock”
H.O. Nash (New Providence)
Sculpture Award
Summer Wong for her sculpture “Iguana”
St. Andrew’s International (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Painting)
Justyce Weech for his painting “Jerome”
St. Andrew’s International (New Providence)
Jury
John A. Rolle (Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas)
Maelynn Ford (Executive Director, National Art Gallery of The Bahamas)
Cameron Johnson (Artist, Animator and Producer)
Candis Marshall (Artist and Educator)
2024 HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
Winners of the 2024 High School Art Competition
Governor’s Choice Award
Hunae Moss for her poem “Core Memories”
Homeschool (Andros)
Senior High School
Painting Award
Symia Hepburn for her painting “Wasting Tears”
C.R. Walker (New Providence)
Sculpture Award
Coburn Sands for his sculpture “Clinging to a Fragmented Future”
St. Augustine’s College (New Providence)
Design & Craft Award
Riley Wong for her piece “Turtle Mosaic”
Forest Heights Academy (Abaco)
Film Award
Nevaeh Kerr for her film “In a broken world”
Kingsway Academy (New Providence)
Digital Award
Triniti Benoir for her digital painting “Autophobia”
Queen’s College (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Sculpture)
Belensky Louis for his sculpture “Pretty in Pink”
C.I. Gibson (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Painting)
Ni-Ishiaa Prince for her painting “Beautify my Window”
Queen’s College (New Providence)
Junior High School
Painting Award
Annie Douglas for her painting “Spring Smile”
Kingsway Academy (New Providence)
Work on Paper Award
Dezon Curry for his piece “The Climb to the Top”
St. Andrew’s Anglican School (Exuma)
Honorable Mention (Painting)
Justyce Weech for his painting “Lone Koi”
St. Andrew’s International School (New Providence)
Honorable Mention (Work on Paper)
Antoinette Dean for her piece “Midnight View”
H.O. Nash (New Providence)
Jury
John A. Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas
Keva Fawkes (Artist, Nassau)
Jordanna Kelly (Artist, Nassau)
Steven Schmid (Artist, Nassau/Toronto)
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2023 HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
Theme: The World in 50 Years
The Bahamas just turned 50 and we spent the past year looking back, celebrating and commemorating the achievements of our young nation so far. Now it is time to look ahead!
With the 2023 Central Bank High School Art Competition, we invite you to join us in envisioning a world half a century from now. What does the future hold in terms of technology, environment, culture, and society?
In an age of rapid technological advancement, environmental changes, and evolving global dynamics, we are curious to see your artistic interpretations of what the world might look like in the year 2073. What innovations, challenges, and wonders will define our future? What role will art play in shaping this world?
We invite all High School students with a passion for art and a curiosity about the future to join us in this exciting competition. Let your imagination soar as you paint, sculpt, photograph, or create with any other medium to envision "The World in 50 Years."
Winners of the 40th High School Competition
Governor’s Choice Award ($2,500)
Hunae Moss
for her poem "18,262 Rotations"
(Age 15/ Andros)
Senior High Awards
First Award ($1800)
Erianna Deleveaux
for her painting "Our Global Impact in Effect"
(Age 16/ C.V. Bethel High School)
Second Award ($1500)
Zach Ranzel Umangay
for his Animation Short Film "The Environmental Scientific View"
(Age 17/ Queen's College)
Junior High Awards
First Award ($800)
Nina Albury
for her collage and video "The More Things Change"
(Age 14)
Second Award ($600)
Annie Douglas
for her digital painting "Our Future"
(Age 12/ Kingsway Academy)
BALM Award ($1,500)
Alyssa Cartwright
for her Animation Short Film "Changes"
(Age 17/ Kingsway Academy)
Honorary Awards ($500)
Ashley Walker
for her sculpture "Canned Feathers"
(Age 17/ Queen's College)
Bradnado Neely
for his drawing "Wonders Beyond Time: A Glimpse Of Futuristic Wonders"
(Age 17/R.M. Bailey High School)
Honorary Mention
Angel Pratt
for her drawing and video "Bahamians going extinct"
(Age 16/ C.R. Walker High School)
Jury:
John A. Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas
Sue Bennett-Williams (Artist, Educator)
Kachelle Knowles (Artist, Nassau)
Christina Wong (Artist, Nassau)
For the BALM Award
Lavar Munroe (Artist, Nassau/ Baltimore)
You will be redirected to ArtSteps.com after a few seconds.
2022 HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
Winners of the 39th High School Competition and Exhibition
Jury:
John A. Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas
Abby Smith (Artist, Nassau, The Bahamas)
Lavar Munroe (Artist, Nassau/ Baltimore)
Ivanna Gaitor (Artist, Abaco, The Bahamas)
Governor’s Choice Award ($2,500)
Naima Nixon
for her Eco activism "Exuma Flip-Flop Recycle Project"
(Age 17/ St. Andrew's Anglican School, Exumal)
Overall Awards
First Award ($2,000)
Aaron Makai Poitier
for his short film "Grief"
(Age 15/ Aquinas College)
Second Award ($1,800)
Jada Francis
for her water-colour "Frozen in Ice"
(Age 17/ Queen's College)
Senior High Awards
First Award ($1500)
Kendranique Ferguson
for her painting "The Unwinding of Time"
(Age 16/ C.V. Bethel High School)
Second Award ($1000)
Symia Hepburn
for her painting "MIMI"
(Age 15/ C. R. Walker Senior High School
Junior High Awards
First Award ($800)
Nevaeh Kerr
for her poem and short film "Why am I a Killer?"
(Age 13/ Kingsway Academy)
Second Award ($600)
Kimora Kerr
for her work on paper "Family"
(Age 7/ Kingsway Academy)
Winner of the Beverly Ann and Lavar Munroe Award ($1,500)
Makayla Kerr
for song and music video "Jealousy Jealousy"
(Age 16/ Kingsway Academy)
Honorary Awards ($500)
Shaiel Curry
for her drawing "Morning Song”
(Age 17/ C.V. Bethel High School)
Sunae Adderley
for her digital painting "Bahamian Waters”
(Age 15/Genesis Academy)
2021 HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION
Winners of the 38th High School Competition and Exhibition
Jury:
John A. Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas
Giovanna Swaby (artist, Nassau/ Toronto)
Lavar Munroe (artist, Nassau/ Baltimore)
Ian Fernander (poet/writer, Nassau)
Governor’s Choice Award ($2,500)
Antonio Rose
for his animation "Wear your mask"
(Grade 12/ Temple Christian School)
Winners Senior High
First Place (tied) ($2,000)
Alyssa Clarke
for her digital collage "They walked so she could run"
(Grade 12/ Kingsway Academy)
First Place (tied) ($2,000)
Sahra Powell
for her poem and animation "Bonded"
(Grade 10/ Windsor School)
Second Place ($1,800)
Lalique Poitier
for her animation "A Civil Zeitgeit"
(Grade 12/ Doris Johnson Senior HIgh)
Winners Junior High
First Place ($700)
Shelby Sears
for her sculpture "Beacon of Hope"
(Grade 9/ Queen's College)
Second Place ($500)
Hunae Moss
for her poem "The Golden Era of Pirates"
(Grade 9/ Homeschool/ Andros)
Winner of the Beverly Ann and Lavar Munroe Award ($1,500)
Aaron Makai Poitier
for his short film "A Moment in Time: Christopher Columbus Retold"
(Grade 11/ Aquinas College)
Honorary Awards ($500 each)
O'Brian Dickerson
for his assemblage "Breaking the Muzzle of Emancipation”
(Grade 12/ C.I. Gibson Senior High)
Shiloh Smith
for his sculpture "Bahamian Valor”
(Grade 12/ Aquinas)
Nelson Gray
for his painting "Time Frame”
(Grade 12/ C.V. Bethel Senior High)
Timiea Adderley
for her watercolour "Languorous Impetus”
(Grade 12/ Aquinas College)
Hailey Treco
for her watercolour "Queen' Anne's Revenge”
(Grade 10/ Queen's College)
Most Outstanding School 2021 ($1,000)
Kingsway Academy
2020
37th High School Competition and Exhibition
Governor’s Choice Award ($2,000)
Coburn Sands
for his object “The Seed”
(Grade 8/ St. Augustine’s College)
First Place ($2,000)
Hismanya Ferdinand
for her conceptual, multi-media installation
“Hismanya’s One and Three Cents”
(Graduate/ Doris Johnson High School)
Second Place ($1,800)
Aaron Makai Poitier
for his short film “The Power of a Penny”
(Grade 10/ Aquinas College)
Third Place ($1,500)
Nelson Vashad Gray
for his painting “The Final Farewell”
(Grade 12/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Scholarship ($2,000)
Deangelo Renard
for his Performance “A Penny for your Thoughts”
(Graduate/ Doris Johnson High School)
Most Outstanding School ($1,000)
C.V. Bethel Senior High School / Preston Hanna, for the most prolific participation
Special Recognition ($500)
Timothy Nottage / Doris Johnson High School
(Acknowledgment as teacher of Hismanya Ferdinand and Deangelo Renard)
Honorary Awards (Category Sculpture/ $500 each)
Zion Emmanuel Virgil
for the sculpture and video “Golden Family Times: Worth Every Penny”
(Grade 12/ Aquinas College)
Tredia Latavia Armbrister
for “Brown Girl in the Ring”
(Grade 11/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Linsley Pierre
for “A Rising Star”
(Grade 12/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Honorary Awards (Category Painting/ $500 each)
Lazzaro Trevor Thompson
for his painting “Save Every Penny”
(Grade 11/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Hailey Ann Katherine Treco
for her drawing “Possession”
(Grade 9/ Queen's College)
Derek Lavan Dania Davis
for his drawing “A Penny for your Thoughts”
(Grade 11/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Honorary Awards (Category Video/ $500 each)
Davanee' Jones
for the video “Penny Retirement”
(Grade 7/ Anatol Rodgers High School)
Garvonique Mcdonald
for “Bowl of Fruit”
(Grade 11/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Megan Boyd
for “Beacon of Hope”
(Grade 11/ C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
2020 Judges:
Governor John Rolle for Governor's Choice Award
Lynn Parotti (Artist), London/Nassau
Arnold Kemp (Professor/ Artist), Chicago/Nassau
Ulrich Voges M.A., Curator of the Central Bank
2019
36th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Place: Deangelo Renard (Doris Johnson High School)
2nd Place: Hismanya Ferdinand (Doris Johnson High School)
3rd Place: Nelson Gray (C.V. Bethel Senior High School)
Governor's Choice: Natavia Barton (Doris Johnson High School)
Scholarship Award: Makeda Smith (St. Andrew's School)
Honorable Mention:
Tiffany Rutherford (Kingsway Academy)
Jodie Ritchie (Queens College)
Alyssa Pinder (Home School)
Coburn Sands (St. Augustine's College)
Jamie Wong (St. Andrew's)
Outstanding High School Participation: C.V. Bethel High School
Judges: Antonius Roberts, Katrina Cartwright and June Collie
2018
35th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Place: Jada Lightbourne
2nd Place: Zuriel Carey
3rd Place: Lincoln Henry
Sculpture Award: Drenay Rahming
Honorable Mention: Alexia Pinosch, Jayda Ritchie and Jessica Frazer
Judges: Samantha Treco, Tessa Whitehead and Natalie Willis
2017
34th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Place: Matthew Diesuel for "Young Struggle"
2nd Place: Malia Carroll for "Free of Fear"
3rd Place: Jayda Ritchie for "Authentically Bahamian"
Governor's Choice Award: Jayda Ritchie for "Protecting Our Natural Resources"
Honorable Mention: Malia Kinger for "From Slave Auctioning to Museum" and DaVilma Johnson for "Death Awaits"
School Award: C.R. Walker Senior High
Judges:
2016
33rd High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Place: Sonae Smith for "Fall Yet We Rise"
2nd Place: Jewel Musgrove for "My Story"
3rd Place: Samia McClain for "15 Strings"
Honorable Mention: Reagan Farrington for "She Only Playing", Jayda Ritchie for "Power in the Hands", and Chloe Stuart for "Junkanoo Warrior"
Sculpture Award: Isabella Aranha for "Two Turtles"
Governor's Choice Award: Megan Rolle for "Freedom of Speech 3"
Scholarship Award: Jessica Whittingham
Best Young Artist Under 14 Prize: Lawrence Adderley
Judges: Lawrence Bascom, Heino Schmid, Darchell Henderson and Richardo Barrett
2015
32nd High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Place: Reagan Farrington
2nd Place: Jermeko Lotmore
3rd Place: Kodi Conyers
Honorable Mention: Dean Mullings
Best Sculpture Award: Ebony Miller
CBOB Staff's Choice Award: Kennedi Mullings
Best Young Artist under 14: Jodie Ritchie
Judges: Holly Bynoe, Tessa Whitehead and John Cox
2014
31st High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Place: Alton Joseph for "African Dichotomy 3"
2nd Place: Bonniel Jacques for "Classroom Slavery"
3rd Place: Chelse Brooks for "Fair Lady" and Ebony Miller for "Privacy"
Honorable Mention: Taylor Rolle for "Delicious" and Dean Mullings Jr. for "Eye on the Prey"
Best Sculpture: Clayton Miller for "Blue-ty Heavy and Senora Crabbo"
Judges: Pamela Burnside, Jessica Maycock-Burnside, Dorman Stubbs, Heino Schmid, Derek Rolle, Dereck Paul and Stacey Benjamin
2013
30th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Alton Joseph for "Man Without a Country (The Haitian Shanty Town Fires: Mackey Yard)"
2nd Prize: Ebony Miller for "Political Dialogue 1"
3rd Prize: Kenel Augustin for "New Slaves Movement 3"
Honorable Mention: Laurent Rolle for "Left", Dylon Miles for "Musca Attacks Drunken Sailor", and Alley Pinder for "Magic of Color"
Governor’s Choice Award: Symone Hall for "Symone 3"
Scholarship Recipient: Manushka Joseph
Best Young Artist: James Cleare
Judges: Stacey Benjamin, Pamela Burnside, Jessica Colebrooke, Derek Paul, Derek Rolle, Heino Schmid and Dorman Stubbs
2012
29th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Krystal Major for "I Wonder How Long Dey Gon' Sleep"
2nd Prize: Kenel Augustin for "Cozy Time Family No.1"
3rd Prize: Alton Joseph for "Social Chain"
Honorable Mention: Manushka Joseph for "Bay Street Zeitgeist, Kerri Bascom for "Lost, Abused", Cameron Johnson for "A Life of Loss", and Bobby Telusnord for "Elijah Obed"
Best Young Artists: Candis Petty for "Indigo II" and Amora Knowles for "Split Tongue'
Governor’s Choice Award: Junior Dameus
Scholarship Recipient: Krystal Major
Judges:
2011
28th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Kenel Augustin for "Bain Town Riot"
2nd Prize: Bobby Telusnord for "A Good Time"
3rd Prize: Maudeline Alcy for "Fire in Mackey Yard"
Honorable Mentions: Cameron Johnson for "Anabelle's Straw Shop", Krystal Major for "Amos Ferguson", and Daniel Morley for "Twisted Fantasy"
Best Young Artist: Lex Fountain for "Saxing with Sonny Rollins"
Governor’s Choice Award: Kirkwood Deal for "Who Are We?"
Scholarship Recipient: Alton Joseph
Judges: Vaughn Conliff, Vaughn Roberts and Sonia Farmer
2010
27th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Jordanna Kelly for "Sea Fantasy"
2nd Prize: Samuel Jennings for "Iron Fist"
3rd Prize: Joseph Sweeting for "Fruit Salad"
Honorable Mention: Kerri Bascom for "Kiko", Krystal Major for "Nelson Mandela", and Sophia Taylor for "Marine Dancer"
Governor’s Choice Award: Kerri Bascom for "Kiko"
Most Outstanding Sculpture: Aidan Barrow
Best Young Artist: Nashante Hall
Scholarship Recipient: Krystal Major
Judges: Wayne Aranha, Jonathan Murray, Vaughan Roberts and Saskia D'Aguilar
2009
26th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Anaard Lunn for "Unknown Thoughts
2nd Prize: Lanier Curtis for "Mistreated II"
3rd Prize: Dexter Rahming for "HomeWork"
Honorable Mention: Cavall Watson for "Dark Abyss", Cherell Williamson for "Untitled", Veronica Dorsett for "Dr. House"
Governor's Choice Award: Dyah Neilson for "Sail Away"
Scholarship Recipient: Dexter Rahming
Best Young Artist Award: Ashley Thompson
Judges: Holly Parotti, Margot Bethel, Dede Brown and Blue Curry
2008
25th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Pia Hepburn for "Olden Days"
2nd Prize: Erinn Treco for "Solidarity"
3rd Prize: Wildine Guillaume for "Mistery 1"
Honorable Mention: Adam Davis for "Black Jesus", Lachell Fernander for "Little Girl", and Anthony Rolle "Crawfish 1"
Scholarship Recipients: Preston Hanna and Walter Evans
Judges: John Paul Saddleton, Eleanor Whitely, Toby Lunn and Michael Edwards
2007
24th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Anaard Lunn for "New Woman Sleeping"
2nd Prize: David Edwards for "Self Portrait"
3rd Prize: Cliffton Ewing for "Hands of Time"
Honorable Mention: Raymond McKenzie for "Mystic Leaves", Armand Lunn for "Fish in Sea Grass", Anthony Rolle for "Fish 1", and Adahlia Carter for "Bob Marley"
Additional Awards: Charlthorn Strachan and Craig Culmer
Scholarship Recipient: David Edwards
3D Category:
Randia Coackley
Keva Cartwright
Judges: Nicolette Bethel, Pamela Burnside, John Cox, Blue Curry and Gregory Cleare
2006
23rd High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Julianna Smith for "Hurricane Supplies"
2nd Prize: Anthony Woodside for "My Nassau"
3rd Prize: Cynetra Cox for "Contemplation"
Scholarship Recipients: Karrisa Evans and Julianna Smith
Honorable Mention: Nivana Clarke for "Seagrape Leaves", Heidi Pluntke for "Sea Shells", and Blair Farrington for "Cloud 9"
Governor’s Choice Award: Erica Seymour for "Peace of Mind"
Judges: Celeste Mitchell, Warren Rolle, Holly Parotti, Clive Stuart and Jackson Burnside
2005
22nd High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Kristopher Glinton for "Blue Maze"
2nd Prize: Kryzeo Hutchinson for "Silver Top Plait"
3rd Prize: Karissa Evans for "Aura"
Honorable Mention: Gareeno Mackey for "Old Town Nassau"
Governor’s Choice Award: Abby Smith for "Reflections of a Sinner"
Scholarship Recipient: Karrisa Evans
Judges: Christian McCabe, Tyrone Ferguson, Charles Huggins, Christian Campbell and Jay Koment
2004
21st High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Wendy Rolle
2nd Prize: Nikoan Johnson
3rd Prize: Marvin Darville
Governor’s Choice Award: Kishan Munroe
Judges: Ian Strachan, Ian Fernander, Anthony Jervis, Pandora Johnson and Erica Wells-Cox
2003
20th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: D’andra Brown
2nd Prize: Franklyn Dorsette and Torinda Francis
Scholarships were awarded to each prize winner.
Judges: Malcom Rae, Erica James, Camille Barnette, Dionne Benjamin, Stanley Burnside, Campbell Cleare, and Shelley Kelly
2002
19th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Torinda Francis for "Lurking Demons"
2nd Prize: Justin Fowler for "Regatta"
3rd Prize: Aisha Carey for "Committed"
Honorable Mention: Tina Maycock for "Communion", Elton Curry for "Untitled II", and Travis Fraser for "911"
Judges: Joanne Bahagg, Greg Lampkin, Michael Edwards and Keith Wisdom
2001
18th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Jessica Miller for "Masquerade"
2nd Prize: Dontton Evans for "Red Snapper"
3rd Prize: Ryan Turnquest for "Changing Faces"
Honorable Mention: Antoine Munnings for "In Due Seasons" and Dario Mcphee for "Spring Lobster"
Scholarship Recipients: Ryan Turnquest and Dontton Evans
Judges: James Whitehead, Nicki Kelly, H. Campbell Cleare, Sandra Ellingsworth and Patricia Rodgers
2000
17th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Jackson Petit
2nd Prize: Lyode Smith
3rd Prize: Durando Pinder
Honorable Mention: Jessica Miller, Bernard Petit, Donald Baptist
Scholarship Recipient: Jackson Petit
Judges:
1999
16th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Jackson Petit
2nd Prize: Bernard Petit
3rd Prize: Durando Pinder
Honorable Mention: Erika Knowles, Bridgette Strachan, Keith Phillips
Scholarship Recipient: Jackson Petit
Judges:
1998
15th High School Competition and Exhibition
1st Prize: Nathaniel Higgs
2nd Prize: Thayer Wildgoose
3rd Prize: Johnathon Cartwright
Honorable Mention: Barbara Franks
Scholarship Recipients: Bridget Flowers, Omar Richardson