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<p>Music, culture…and clay? </p>
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<p>It’s not something that readily comes to mind when one thinks about Trench Town, but the community is growing in popularity in many respects.</p>
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<p>Leading the charge is Managing Director of
the Trench Town Ceramic and Art Centre, Garfield Williams.</p>
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<p>In an interview with <strong>BUZZ</strong>, Williams was proud that the Trench Town Ceramic and Art Centre stands as one of the few oases of creativity in the inner-city Kingston community.</p>
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<p>The centre, located on Upper First Street, recently
concluded its annual summer camp programme, which saw the involvement of 30 children
in and around Trench Town.</p>
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<p>Arguably more impressive is the fact that over
the last ten years, more than 300 children have gotten an opportunity to
experiment and express themselves working with the clay.</p>
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<p>What’s more, these works, no matter how
simple go on auction each year, with the proceeds assisting in the kids’
back-to-school activities.</p>
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<p>Want to know more about the centre? Watch our informative <strong>BUZZ</strong> video feature below:</p>
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https://youtu.be/zUdm7fDHWoc
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<p>Speaking with <strong>BUZZ</strong>, Williams, who is an artisan and sculptor himself, was beaming as he reflected on the great work being done by the children and the wider centre.</p>
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<p>“It’s a great look. I have to say hats off
to the Bob Marley Foundation, SDC, TPDCo, Ministry of Mining and myself, we’ve
been doing it every year. I feel really good to know that I have people
supporting what I’m doing,”</p>
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<p>“We always look forward to the summertime every year, having the kids out of school and being that mentor and father-figure looking out for them. That’s my satisfaction and for the guys around me [and so] we’re glad we could have this magnitude of kids here.”</p>
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<p>Having left Trench Town for Canada when he
was six-years-old, and returning to Jamaica nearly 30 years ago, Williams attested
that the area is blessed with the best clay in the country. </p>
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<p>So much so, according to Williams, that artists
from as far away as St. Thomas, Manchester and Clarendon make the journey to purchase
clay mined only in Trench Town – which has many spinoff benefits for the community.</p>
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<p>“The rumours are true, I’ve seen it. I’ve
felt it. The [clay] bonds our community in some sense, it’s a big oomph for
Trench Town. It’s keeping the kids active; keeping the men and women that mine [the
clay employed],”</p>
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<p>“Our whole history of crafts and culture is
totally authentic and rich. It’s a bonus for me to be showcasing it right here
in Trench Town. To know we have such a substance that could be highlighted is
amazing,”</p>
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