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Durrant Pate/Contributor

It was an ‘Emancipendence’ celebration of colour, culture and community on July 27 at the second staging of Suga Art & Lifestyle Expo.

Scores of persons jetted off to the expo’s venue at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, as anticipation peaked from clips of the previous staging and the talents promoted. The notion of “you don’t know until you go” by event conceptualiser and CEO of Suga Lifestyle, Gabrielle Burgess, heightened expectations.

Dubbed by members of her community as ‘the best champion for creatives’, Burgess and her team successfully fulfilled and exceeded expectations again this year. In an era dominated by convenience-driven online shopping and the undervaluation and declining interests of the arts, the Art & Lifestyle Expo was creatively curated into an experience, combining consumer culture with the visual and performing arts. 

A platform was created for local artists, authors, poets, artisans and local businesses to thrive via a connection with our local community and diaspora. The Legacy Suite and Terrace at the hotel was transformed into an immersive environment throughout the day, where all were welcomed for free, greeted with complimentary Jablum Coffee and Monymusk Rums Cocktails. 

Kicking off activities

Yoga for Charity with Bianca Kern kicked off activities on the terrace, attracting a small donation. The collaboration with Suga Lifestyle and the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston was fully subscribed, where part proceeds will go towards feeding the homeless at the Marie Atkins Shelter in downtown Kingston, set for August 9. 

The experience was elevated with Iced Tea from Rayelle, Smoothies from Nations Choice, cool rags scented with lavender, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils in addition to sample-sized personal care product pouches courtesy of Ayrtons Distributors. In celebration of their fifth anniversary, Cookie Kraft hosted a ‘cookies & cocktails’ session on the terrace, where visitors were sipping and decorating their cookies. 

While many are already familiar with paint and sip experiences, Cookie Kraft introduced this fun, flavorful twist that added a new dimension to event activities. Cookie Kraft expressed their appreciation to the Suga Lifestyle team. 

Tourism minister, Kingston mayor pleased

So too was Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby, who remarked,  “as the local authority for Kingston and St Andrew, the KSAMC is elated to partner with Suga Lifestyle as we proudly champion the spirit of entrepreneurship, empowering small businesses, uplifting local talent, and building thriving communities, one event at a time.”

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who was also in attendance, expressed his appreciation and commended the Suga Lifestyle team and the exhibitors, calling them “creative souls, who are adding value to the products of our environment.”

Both Minister Bartlett and Mayor Swaby visited all 50 local businesses, showing their support by purchasing from artisans. 

They also had the experience of interacting with many creatives, but have always been impressed with the classy, comfortable, intimate environment curated by Suga Lifestyle, exhibiting innovation and a wide range of talents. Burgess, whose own brand, GW Art was also featured with a new collection, expressed that she was over the moon to showcase her art, in addition to embracing her fellow community with the likes of renowned fine artists, Ewan McAnuff and Alphanso Blake; Photography by Marie Baillie and more. 

Readings and showcases from award-winning authors, Sharma Taylor, Marguerite C. Anderson, newcomers now on Amazon, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth and Dr. Cornelia Walters-Jones, spoken word poetic performances by Rica G., members of the Jaiku Poetry community and other talents, truly bridged the gap where art meets everyday life. 

Visitors marvelled at the variety offered, including handcrafted apparel, textiles, footwear, jewellery, personal care products, home accents and more that will have you make a statement wherever you go. The day concluded with Stephanie Hazle Lyle’s book launch, which drew such a strong turnout that it far exceeded the available seating. 

This impressive turnout highlighted the warm, inclusive atmosphere and carefully crafted experience that the Suga Lifestyle team provided for its visitors.