October takes on latest meaning in Bermuda because the island nation celebrates its second annual Arts Month.

Black enterprise received an exclusive introduction to the growing event, featuring art exhibitions, walking tours, Bacardi tastings, sipping and painting sessions in a gleaming centuries-old cave, and more. Launched in 2023, Bermuda Arts Month: A Celebration of Culture, Creativity and Connection includes a diverse range of events that capture the essence of Bermuda’s vibrant artistic spirit.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has created a special program of fascinating art tours, thought-provoking panel discussions, high-caliber exhibitions and interactive art sessions in stunning locations across Bermuda for the only real purpose of demonstrating how the island’s scenic locales function a canvas for creativity to unfold.

I had the pleasure of spending an enjoyable three nights at Bermuda’s Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. For over a century, the enduring “Pink Palace” has welcomed elite travelers from world wide, earning a status for elegance, exceptional hospitality and exceptional quality. More than simply a hotel, Hamilton Princess can be a beautiful walking museum with a rare art collection displayed in the general public areas, with works by famous artists akin to Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons and more. Offering a guided art tour where you’ll be able to see iconic names in contemporary art on every corner, Hamilton Princess is the proper place to remain during Bermuda Arts Month.

My visit to Bermuda Masterpieces Museum introduced me to her latest exhibition by a rare Bermudian artist Gherdai Hasselltitled . This contemporary exhibition tells the story of Bermuda through art, featuring Hassell’s charming painted portraits mixed with a wide range of materials. The exhibition also includes her collaborations with other Bermudian artists and chosen works from the Masterworks Permanent Collection. Exploring themes of gender, identity and Bermuda’s heritage, the exhibition reflects the island’s history under Spanish and British rule, in addition to the varied cultural backgrounds of the descendants of slaves and early settlers.

Exhibits from the museum’s everlasting collection include works by artists native to Bermuda or inspired by their time spent on the island. The most significant of them are Nude in a Garden (circa Nineteen Fifties) by the Bermudian artist Charles Lloyd Tucker (1913–1971) and an intimate drawing by the renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986), who visited Bermuda within the spring of 1933 and 1934 while recovering from depression. A standout work within the exhibition is Gherdai Hassell’s “Bermuda Onion,” symbolizing the island’s history as a big exporter of onions and a metaphor for peeling back layers to disclose deeper meaning. Separate exhibitionfeatures documentary-style photography that beautifully captures the varied essence of life in Bermuda.

Our next stop was the National Gallery of Bermuda where we visited Bermuda Biennial. Since its inception in 1994, this open invitation to Bermudian artists and islanders has been a cornerstone of Bermuda’s contemporary art scene. This 12 months’s theme, Places, Presence & Poetics: An Unpacking, features 32 artworks by 25 artists across a wide range of scales and media. The exhibition provides insight into topics that fascinate contemporary artists. Featured artists included Gherdai Hassell Organic Waters, further highlighting her significant role in Bermuda’s contemporary art landscape.

I had the pleasure of taking two walking tours led by Bermudian historian Kristin White, who took an in-depth take a look at Bermuda’s art scene and how black artists uplift and support one another in a rustic with a history of segregation. During the tour, we learned concerning the stories of Gombey dancers Sally Bassett and Mary Prince, who encourage the influential works of local black artists. Bermuda also honors Mary Prince with a national holiday, making it the one country on the planet to have a good time and recognize a black woman with such an honor on Mary Prince Day.

We also learned concerning the challenges many contemporary artists face when commissioning public works. One like that artistShanna Hollis, fastidiously considered her approach when asked to create a mural within the historic St. Peter’s Square. George. Inspired by the work of her brother, fellow painter Nashon Hollis, Shanna took the chance to have interaction the community in her work. The resulting mural pays tribute to Bermuda’s rich history, spanning many eras.

Art is best enjoyed on a full stomach with an excellent drink, and Bermuda attracts tourists. Arts Month coincides with the Taste of Bermuda festival, which runs from September 30 to October 2 and goals to have a good time the island’s diverse restaurants and showcase local culinary talent. We were delighted to participate in The Art of the Pour Bartending Competition at Bacardi’s headquarters in Hamilton, where 15 of Bermuda’s best bars and restaurants competed for one of the best cocktail in Bermuda.

The Wild Herbs N Plants foraging tour with Doreen Williams provided an immersive and refreshing experience, introducing us to Bermuda’s edible wild plants and medicinal properties. We sampled fresh fennel, prickly pear and grapes, and then Mrs. Doreen treated us to a totally vegan lunch by the beach. Her homemade spreads included pumpkin spice donuts, shortbread cookies, fresh chips and salsa, and handmade natural juice. We ended the trip with a well-deserved leisure on the attractive Cooper’s Island beach.

Our last night was truly unforgettable as we headed to Grotto Bay for a charming Sip and Paint session in a surprising illuminated cave. While having fun with some laid-back R&B and reggae, we sipped white wine, ate sandwiches, and received expert guidance from Bermuda’s Alshanté Foggo. Thanks to her help, I transformed my kindergarten painting right into a murals that I proudly held on the wall.

By sharing my personalized itinerary, I hope to remind you that Bermuda has so way more to supply than simply pink sand beaches and Swizzles – although you’ll be able to enjoy each while immersing yourself within the island’s vibrant art scene. Bermuda Arts Month invites locals and international visitors to immerse themselves within the island’s charming artistic culture and heritage. This monthly event fosters collaboration between local artists, galleries and cultural institutions who share a passion for art, culture and creativity. Participants can deepen their appreciation of Bermuda’s culture through educational workshops, a wide range of exhibitions, and connections with other art lovers. Plan your visit next October because the island’s art month becomes an annual tradition on its cultural calendar.

One thing about Cardi B: She’s going to be honest about her life online.

This week, the 32-year-old “Bodak Yellow” rapper shared her grievances on social media, condemning each the alleged joker and her “narcissistic” estranged husband, rapper Offset.

On Saturday, September 19, the mother of three reported survive Instagram that someone had made a prank call that resulted in Child Protective Services arriving at her home around 11 p.m.

“So I want to make this very clear because I can’t even breathe right now,” she said in a live video that was captured by fans and later shared on social media. “Mothers have gone…too far when you mess with my fucking kids.”

CPS allegedly got here to her home after receiving a call regarding concerns for the welfare and physical safety of the three children, ages six to 6 weeks, that she shares with Offset. The “Bongos” rapper promised to analyze the matter and discover who was liable for the prank.

She continued: “For Child Protective Services to come to my f**king house? Not my house, just my gated residence at 11 p.m. while my children are asleep because we received an anonymous call… that my children were being abused and beaten. Are you fucking stupid?”

Cardi confirmed that nobody has ever hit her children, noting that their happiness and safety are the most vital thing.

– We don’t play this…. My children live an exquisite life,” she said, adding: “My children have never been touched, never been hit, regardless of how annoying they were.”

During the broadcast, the Grammy-winning musician said she plans to rent a personal investigator to assist find the person liable for the call, and plans to sue the caller and CPS. She also explained the pressure this incident has placed on her family, which to her knowledge is the only Black and Latino family in her neighborhood.

“We are absolutely the only people of color in my neighborhood and that’s why mothers come to my house with police officers and child protective services because you mothers want to conduct an anonymous phone call involving my children,” Cardi said. “I promise you this, I will sue CPS for coming to my house at any time. (I will sue) the person who made this anonymous call.”

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Cardi shares 6-year-old daughter Kulture, 3-year-old son Wave, and a newborn daughter, whose name has not yet been revealed, with ex Offset. Days after she responded to the joke, she took to social media again, this time to answer further complaints about her ex.

On Tuesday night, Cardi sent a series of tweets explaining her current feelings toward Offset, two months after announcing that she can be filing for divorce for the second time.

“Brother, I wish the worst for this man,” she wrote in now-deleted posts on X, per Billboard AND Complex. “I have never hated anyone so much and these girls were so (hungry) to have him, please take this man off my hands, this garbage bag is (too) heavy!”

Cardi called the father of her children “a dark cloud that obscures the life of anyone it enters into.”

When a fan suggested that she should move on from the father of her children, Cardi replied, “Yes, that’s why I don’t wish him dead… but I really hate that dirty, narcissistic piece of shit…”

She also called out Offset’s family and friends for allowing him to behave like this, adding, “that’s why he will always be a piece of s–t person.”

Even though Cardi and Offset’s divorce papers stated that their split was “amicable,” as Billboard reported, things have been off between them ever since. In September, the Migos rapper accused Cardi of cheating on him during her last pregnancy, after which she seemingly confirmed it and slammed him on Instagram Live. “I am too much of a woman for you,” she said at the time. – I’m an excessive amount of of a boss for you. And I used to be all the time too good for you.

Halloween is just around the corner and while the spooky season could also be a favorite for kids, it may be a mixed bag for parents. Between sugar rushes, costume coordination and safety concerns, what was supposed to be a fun evening can turn into more tricks than treats. But before you spoil the holiday fun, know that there are numerous ways to keep the holiday spirit alive while keeping your little ones secure. Whether you are looking for an alternate to the traditional trick-or-treat circuit or need a refresher on safety suggestions, we have kid-friendly activities for you to enjoy without the chills.

Here are some tricks to make Halloween fun – without the nightmares.

Alternative locations:

Trunk-or-Treat events: Trick-or-treating is becoming a favorite amongst families who want to bypass the unpredictability of door-to-door trick-or-treating. Held in church or school parking lots, these events allow children to collect candy from creatively decorated cars without having to worry about traffic and safety.

Nursing homes: Lift your hearts this Halloween by visiting local nursing homes. Many of them invite trick-or-treating to bring joy to their residents, creating a possibility for intergenerational bonding. Plus, it’s a safer and quieter environment for younger children.

Boo at the Zoo: Zoos are getting scary too! With special Halloween-themed events, most local zoos offer family-friendly ways to enjoy the holiday. Expect animal displays, festive decor and loads of secure activities for kids – perfect for those looking for something outside the usual trick-or-treating routine.

Local Halloween parades or neighborhood block parties: Do you would like to feel the Halloween spirit without the door-to-door noise? Local parades and neighborhood events offer music, games and loads of treats. It’s a vibrant, communal way to rejoice while keeping track of the little ones.

Shopping malls/malls: Skip the streets and head to the mall. Many malls offer indoor trick-or-treating to keep children secure and shielded from the weather.

Churches: Many churches offer their very own version of Halloween, often called a Harvest Festival. These events feature games, food and fun in a friendly atmosphere, providing a laid-back, faith-based alternative to trick-or-treating.

School events: If trick-or-treating looks as if overkill, school-hosted Halloween parties can provide kids with a familiar, supervised space where they’ll exhibit their costumes, enjoy activities, and rejoice with friends – all under one roof.

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Safety Tips:

LED lights that attach to kid’s shoes or wrists: The key’s to make sure kids can see after dark. Attaching LED lights to your shoes or wrists is a easy and effective way to make them stand out, especially in busy or dimly lit areas.

Understanding the colours of kids’s buckets: While some may even see it as an aesthetic alternative, candy buckets of a certain color can represent various things for trick-or-treaters.

• Blue often symbolizes a child who could also be on the autism spectrum or non-verbal. The National Autism Association was formed “Blue Bucket” initiative. promote awareness and understanding.
• Purple often reflects children with epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation “Purple Pumpkin Design” was created to raise awareness and protect children while trick-or-treating.
• Turquoise candy buckets symbolize allergies. Parents often give their children turquoise buckets to signal food allergies, especially peanut allergies. So when you see kids with these colourful buckets, consider giving them nut-free candy or non-food treats.

Confectionery inspections: It’s a Halloween tradition, but a very important one: Check all the candy before the kids dive in. Look out for signs of tampering, potential allergens, edibles containing THC or CBD, or anything unpackaged. Trust your instincts – and when unsure, throw it out.

Plan your route and emergency meeting locations: Plan your trick-or-treat route upfront, especially when you’re going to an unfamiliar area. Prepare a game plan and select a few emergency meeting places in case someone gets separated.

Alternative activities:

Movie Night: Are you feeling the door-to-door grind this 12 months? Host a Halloween movie marathon at home. From kid-friendly movies to spooky classics, it’s a good way to enjoy a cozy, spooky family night.

Family Game Night: Make it game night with a Halloween twist. Play classic board games or create your individual Halloween challenges. This is a fun, interactive alternative that engages the whole family.

Pumpkin carving party: Nothing says Halloween like pumpkin carving! Gather your pals and family, break out your carving tools, and see who can create the best jack-o’-lantern. It’s an inventive and fun way to immerse yourself in the spirit without leaving home.

Haunted houses and theme parks: For families with older children, haunted houses and theme parks are stuffed with Halloween attractions. Many of them offer “lighter” options like corn mazes or fall festivals, perfect for combining your vacation with a little adventure.

Drive-in movies or special theater shows: Drive-in theaters and local movie theaters are great places to show Halloween movies. Whether it’s a horror classic or a family favorite, seeing it on the big screen is what makes it special.
Ghost tours, cemetery walks and Renaissance fairs: If you would like something a little out of the abnormal, consider a ghost tour, a cemetery walk, and even a Renaissance fair with a spooky theme. This is an academic and awesome Halloween twist that older kids and parents will love.