Happy August!

Like many of our neighbours across the region who are commemorating Emancipation Day, the notion of freedom has been fleeting over the past year and a half. As we celebrate freedom today, Covid-19 still very much forcing us to remain social distanced and adhere to the various regulations that have so greatly placed restrictions on the freedoms we have become so accustomed to. We continue to say kudos to the front-liners and encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to protect yourselves and those around you. 

Our cover story this month features textile artist, fashion designer and long-time EAST YARD collaborator, Walda Waithe and her daughter, Ilori Waithe (on the cover), who is a musician and student, in a beautiful Emancipation themed series shot by East Gourmet Manager, Makeena James. 

East Studio, our art gallery is also super excited to also partner with the Pan American Development Foundation to host their exhibition, "A STORY OF HOPE; UN CUENTO DE ESPERANZA" in our virtual gallery.

 Oh! We've also been doing renovations and sprucing the place up, so we'll give you a look.

Have a great one!

Kevon Foderingham
EAST YARD, Founder

Shirt: Adlaw
Photo: Makeena James

Emancipation Day

On August 1, 1985 Trinidad and Tobago became the first independent country in the world to declare a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Emancipation Day replaced Columbus Discovery Day as a national public holiday

In addition to the official ceremonies and processions we also wear traditional African and African inspired clothing to commemorate the day and asked our resident mother and daughter duo to share a casual take on an Emancipation look. 

Wardrobe: Adlaw by Walda Waithe
Worn by: Walda Waithe & Ilori Waithe
Photos: Makeena James 
Location: EAST YARD

Follow Adlaw on Instagram.   

East Studio

"A STORY OF HOPE; UN CUENTO DE ESPERANZA" by the Pan American Development Foundation is a collection of work by artist, Brianna McCarthy for the I Am Here: Borders of Hope campaign, initiated by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF).

It was established to raise awareness about migration and its impact on migrants and their host countries and communities.

"A STORY OF HOPE; UN CUENTO DE ESPERANZA" runs from August 2nd - 31st, 2021 in our virtual gallery. Visit https://www.eastyard.org/virtual-gallery to experience.

PADF has operated in Trinidad and Tobago since 2013. We implemented the Resistance and Prevention Program (RAPP), funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), from October 2013 to January 2019.

Since 2019, PADF has worked on addressing humanitarian issues in the country. PADF and its program partners, with funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), are providing protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, and sustainable solutions to vulnerable Venezuelan migrants and other host community populations. Activities are designed to increase Venezuelans’ access to legal status, promote local integration, and improve the lives of vulnerable populations.     

East Gourmet

East Gourmet is a carefully curated artisan and souvenir shop. East Gourmet boasts locally made confectioneries, chocolates, coffee, teas, honey, jams and sauces, soaps, lotions, candles, hair oils and butters, incense, bamboo lamps, and more.

We've been closed for a while as we not only observed necessary protocols but also took the time to revamp! East Gourmet has been reopened and shopping is even more comfortable as we've moved downstairs to the back of our building. No more stairs!

Our by order, take-away gourmet lunch bowls will be available later this month. We will post the menu soon. 

Until then follow us on Instagram or reach out to Makeena at 868-344-4401 for info.

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm.

We hope you like our new look! 
 

Membership

EAST YARD Membership supports our ability to exhibit the work of new artists and the wide-ranging community murals programming we offer to the communities in East Trinidad all year round.

​From talks, professional development workshops to screenings, performances, and artist residencies, EAST YARD is committed to serving its membership and the wider community through east engagement, exchange, and education, across all demographics; your contribution as a member helps us to achieve our programming goals. Your membership also supports EAST YARD's ongoing participation in national and international conversations and critical dialogues. Thank you for being a part of our community

1. ​All members receive invitations to EAST YARD event openings.
2. Free member creative professional development activities.
3. 25% off on rental of any EAST YARD space
4. 25% off registration fees for non-member workshops at EAST YARD
5. 25% off on any EY Creative service offering 
6. 10% off of purchases at East Gourmet and East Studio
7. For visual artists - the opportunity to participate in our annual members exhibition
8. And more... 

EAST YARD Membership costs TTD $100 per year and expires on December 31st of each year. 

Visit www.eastyard.org/membership to learn more.