“Gingerbread Wonder” by Clayton de Freitas

If you can imagine the pristine brilliance of the Northern Range as it looked on the day after creation, you have seen the work of Jackie Hinkson’s hands. If you can look at a canvas and hear the voice of the soul speak to you through colour, you have seen the work of Boscoe Holder. If you can trace the map of your memories after glimpsing a black and white image, you have seen the world through the lens of Abigail Hadeed.

Mere miles from some of the locations where Jean Michel Cazabon immortalised the divine architecture of indigenous bamboo groves, the world will once more have the opportunity to see Trinidad and Tobago though its artists’ eyes. The Archbishop’s Appeal Auction will present collectors, philanthropists and lovers of art with the rare prospect of owning original work that captures the hands, soul and face of a nation.

The Archbishop’s Appeal Auction is the first in a series of fundraisers toward the restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A part of Trinidad and Tobago’s historical and religious legacy, the Cathedral has served as a refuge for generations of Trinidadians. Whether new immigrants or descendants of colonial gentry, visitors or parishioners, the doors of the Cathedral have witnessed the passage of thousands and welcomed them all. The years since 1851 have taken their toll and what was, for its time, a symbol of architectural majesty has begun to crack and fade.

Artwork by Beverly Thomas

“Beads of Comfort” by Dermot Louison

“Toco Lighthouse” by Karen Sylvester

Artwork by Gregory Scott

Still, just as it was built by the good will of the people and the grace of God, calls for the restoration of the Cathedral are being answered from the bosom of Trinidad and Tobago. Entrusted with the sacred gifts of sight and skill, the nation’s artists have risen up and wholeheartedly given what is dearest to them, their work. The Archbishop’s Appeal Auction will allow specially invited guests to join the cause, bidding for pieces in a silent affair which will be mirrored by an online auction site where the international public can also participate.

The pieces are representative of the vast and varied range of styles, talents and perspectives of the artistic community in Trinidad and Tobago. Just as the society comprises various ethnicities and cultures, the collection consists of a vast array of techniques including work in wood burning, acrylic on canvas and photography. Together they create a mosaic of vantage points and interpretations. Together they are a dazzling vista of local insight and expression.

In an unprecedented act of encouragement, Archbishop Gilbert will personally host the specially invited guests at his home. Archbishop’s House, part of the Magnificent Seven is in itself a historical site built in 1904 of Irish marble and red granite. Patrons are welcome to view the art which will surround the building and partake of hors d’oeuvres catered by the Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago. While the opportunity to visit the residence is extremely rare, guests will also be among the select few able to bid His Grace farewell before he retires from Trinidad and Tobago.

The auction will also be the first time artistic excellence and cutting edge technology are combined in Trinidad and Tobago. Far from the ordinary, guests will not only set their feet in the hallowed halls of Archbishop’s House but they will set a new standard by participating in an auction in the virtual world. Bids will be placed and won online in real time, making the process transparent, discreet and secure.

The world will look on as our nation answers a question so epic, that it may very well define us as a generation: can we save the soul of Port of Spain? The answer is a still, small yes. A simple resolution that with every bid, other peoples will be reminded that in Trinidad and Tobago, whatever it may be, we cannot be separated from our faith. Perhaps the solution to the riddle of how to save the Cathedral was there all along. After solving some of the most complex problems of mathematics it was Albert Einstein who commented “When the solution is simple, God is answering.” – Naette Lee

For further information or to view the full catalogue of works and to be able to bid online please go to: rcposappeal.org.

You can also make your donation directly my clicking directly on our donate box at rcposappeal.org