1. Doongalik Art Gallery
Doongalik Studios was founded in the late 1970s by the late Jackson Burnside and his wife Pam. Jackson was a true artist at heart and a Junkanoo veteran, and his mission was to not only bring the latest creative artwork to the scene, but also “to promote the country’s outstanding artistic talents who strongly believe they can establish The Bahamas as a international center of creativity. .” One of his biggest insights to date is raising funds for the country’s first art library, which is still an ongoing campaign that will help put The Bahamas on the creative map. Here you can find great traditional and contemporary works made by Burnside and other artists.The gallery grounds are also open on the weekend for a community farmers market where you can find some of the freshest and most unique fruits, vegetables, pies and jams anywhere in the city of Nassau .
2. National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
The National Gallery of Art in the Bahamas, in fact, was long expected in the capital. The National Gallery is housed in the former Villa Doyle mansion that was painstakingly renovated and restored to house some of the best traditional Bahamian work ever created. It is also used as a center to introduce new artists on stage and a new show is put on once a month to showcase cases of these new pieces. This gallery is best known for its traditional works and the injection of new ideas and creative expressions. The Gallery can also be rented for receptions and other events.
3. Crystal from Nassau
The Nassau Glass Company is the first glass manufacturing company in the Bahamas in 1959. Today they continue to produce beautiful pieces of manufactured glass, lighting (particularly chandeliers), and frames for original artwork and prints. I have to say that Nassau Glass Company is really something to see if you love and appreciate beautiful things. Here you can expect to find the best in beautiful 100% pure Bahamian art.
4. Photography by Andrew Aitken
Andrew Aitken Photography is another great place for artists and photographers to frame and sell their original pieces. I love coming here to print or frame some of my pieces and it’s also a great treat to see some of the traditional Bahamian artwork and vintage photographs on display in the showroom.
5. D’Aguilar Art Foundation
The D’Aguilar Art Foundation was founded by the D’Aguilar family in memory of the late Vincent D’Aguilar and features his private collection of some of the finest art in the Bahamas. It was launched in 2008 after the death of Mr. D’Aguilar and his private art collection is open to the public daily for those who enjoy Bahamian art and to contribute to art education and literacy in the Bahamas. The foundation also provides “access to artists, scholars, collectors, and aspiring hobbyists to study and research Bahamian art.”
6. Antonius Roberts Study
Hillside House, the studio of Antonius Roberts, features the work of one of the most acclaimed Bahamian artists in the Bahamas, Antonius Roberts. Throughout his study, he will see most of his paintings and sculptures created by the artist over the years, but will also learn about Antonius’s newfound passion for woodworking, sculpture, and whimsy. Hillside House is also featured on various art and visitor tours. Its proximity to downtown Nassau makes it an ideal location for visitors to come, see and experience local Bahamian art and artist. Hillside House also offers various art classes throughout the year for the community.
7. Pop Studios
Popop Studios was founded by Mr. John Cox, another prominent artist in the Bahamas. He opened Popop Studios as an artist co-op/residency program for young art interns. Community art programs are held here as well, I did a fine art class here once and it was phenomenal. Here at Popop Studios you can find the best contemporary art in the Bahamas at an affordable price.
8. Equity
The Liquid Courage Company Ltd is home to over 90 different types of beer from around the world that are sold and housed at this venue. You can learn all about the different types of wine and other spirits here, so it might seem strange that they offer an art gallery inside their exhibition space. However, I love this concept of art and wine that is offered here every time there is an opening night. “The space is open for art exhibits and performances for artists of all kinds.” The art here can range from contemporary paintings and sculptures to traditional pieces.
9. Bahamas Craft Center
The Bahama Craft Center is where you’ll find an abundance of strawwork including: hats, placemats, tote bags, and other souvenirs for sale at stalls on Paradise Island and Cable Beach. The difference between the Craft Center and the traditional Straw Market is that there is more than one location and it is generally less crowded than the Straw Market on Bay Street. You can even find a wider variety of authentic Bahamian goods for sale here than anywhere else. Especially at the BAIC-Bahama Craft Center shows that take place once a year at (what is now known as the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel).