From Waste, We Create

From Waste, We Create FROM WASTE, WE CREATE!

is Grand Bahama’s island-wide eco-art and sculpture movement, inspiring our community to protect our island and ocean through creativity, collaboration, and environmental pride. ♻️🎨🌴

Thank you so much Poinciana Magazine for this beautiful feature and for helping us share the story behind FROM WASTE, WE...
17/08/2026

Thank you so much Poinciana Magazine for this beautiful feature and for helping us share the story behind FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! 💙♻️🎨 We’re so grateful for the support as we launch Season Two and can’t wait to see what Grand Bahama creates this year! 🇧🇸

🇧🇸 FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! — SEASON TWO IS NOW OPEN! ♻️🎨We’re back—and this year, we’re expanding the canvas.Rake ’N’ Rec...
15/08/2026

🇧🇸 FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! — SEASON TWO IS NOW OPEN! ♻️🎨

We’re back—and this year, we’re expanding the canvas.

Rake ’N’ Recreate: Art Celebrates Culture invites artists, families, schools, community groups, and creators of all ages to celebrate the sounds, sights, stories, traditions, and natural beauty of The Bahamas by transforming reclaimed materials into extraordinary works of art.

Inspired by the rhythm and spirit of Rake ’N’ Scrape, this season is all about taking something discarded and giving it a new rhythm, a new purpose, and a distinctly Bahamian story.

🏆 $1,000 FIRST PRIZE IN EACH DIVISION
🎨 Student & All-Ages Community Divisions
♻️ Individual & Group Entries
🖼️ Public exhibition of selected entries
💙 Completely FREE to enter

FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! Season Two is proudly presented by the Ministry for Grand Bahama.

Ready to Rake ’N’ Recreate?

👉 Learn more, read the Entry Guidelines & FAQs, and register at:
beribahamas.com/fwwc/

Submissions close February 12, 2027.

Take something discarded. Give it a new rhythm. Create something distinctly Bahamian. 🇧🇸♻️

♻️ Small contributions create big change. 🎨Not everyone has time to create an art piece, but everyone can be part of the...
21/07/2026

♻️ Small contributions create big change. 🎨

Not everyone has time to create an art piece, but everyone can be part of the movement.

As we prepare for the next season of FROM WASTE, WE CREATE!, we’re collecting clean, reusable materials that can be transformed into meaningful eco-art, while helping keep valuable materials out of our landfill.

Start saving your bottle caps, can tabs, and corks, and help us turn everyday items into creativity, conversation, and environmental action. 🌊

DM us to arrange drop-off or collection.

16/07/2026

DINAH DEAN
Age 15 | Bishop Michael Eldon School (BMES)

Our National Fish: A Symbol of Perseverance

Materials: Bottle Caps, Bottle Corks, Newspaper, Cardboard, Old CDs, Tissue
Artist Statement
The Blue Marlin was chosen as the national fish of The Bahamas because it reflects the nation’s rich fishing traditions, maritime heritage, and the strength and determination of its people. As a creature that thrives in the waters surrounding our islands, it serves as a powerful symbol of the Bahamian spirit. Its incredible speed, endurance, size, and strength mirror the perseverance, resilience, and energy that define Bahamians.

Through this remarkable fish, our culture, history, and pride are proudly represented.
The Blue Marlin is reflection of our way of life. The sea has always played a central role in Bahamian society. Fishing and marine industries have provided food, jobs, and economic opportunities for generations. For many of our ancestors, the ocean was their primary source of sustenance. Even today, beloved dishes such as conch, lobster, and stew fish remain essential parts of Bahamian culture. Countless careers, from marine pilots and dive masters to restaurant owners and fishermen, are closely connected to our waters. In addition, sport fishing attracts visitors from around the world and contributes significantly to our tourism industry. The fact that our national fish is a marine animal highlights the deep connection between Bahamians and the sea.

The scientific name of the Blue Marlin is Makaira nigricans, and its characteristics make it a fitting symbol of Bahamian strength. Female marlins can grow up to fourteen feet long and weigh as much as two thousand pounds. Despite their size, they can reach speeds of up to sixty miles per hour, making them one of the ocean’s most powerful and agile predators. Their spear-like bill is used to strike prey and defend against threats. These qualities reflect the determination and courage of Bahamians throughout history. National heroes such as revolutionary Pompey, Father of our nation: Sir Lynden Pindling, Olympic gold-medalist: Pauline Davis-Thompson exemplify the hard work, resilience, and dedication that continue to inspire our nation.

I chose the Blue Marlin because it recognizes and represents every Bahamian. The culture of the sea runs through our nation’s veins, and the marlin embodies the strength and determination of our people. Dr. Hervis Bain, designer of the Bahamian Coat of Arms, described the marlin as a metaphor for life, encouraging people to stand their ground and resist challenges with courage. As a Bahamian, I relate strongly to this message and strive to never give up on what I believe in.

The Blue Marlin is far more than a national fish. It is a symbol of our heritage, our resilience, and our connection to the ocean. It reminds Bahamians that the ocean itself is not the limit the only limit is when we stop swimming!

FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! 2026
Bahamian Pride: Land, Sea, & Culture

15/07/2026

ROBIN SUMMER RITCHIE
Age 8 | Homeschool

Materials: Repurposed canvas, corks, egg cartons, paper bags, aluminum cans

Hummingbird Paradise

Artist Statement
I wish this beautiful habitat was everywhere on Earth, with thriving animals and plants. But sadly, there is pollution from humans all over the Earth. Seeing garbage in the bush, on the beach, on the side of the road, inspired me to make this art piece of how I dreamed the Earth would be all over. I beg everyone I know best to not litter, and to care for the Earth. I hope everyone can do it. Even small acts like picking up garbage close to your house makes a difference.

I chose hummingbirds because they are my favorite birds on the island. I created them from aluminum cans that I pulled out of the bush with my mother. (Don’t do that without a picker stick!) The tree I made is Lignum Vitae, the National Tree of The Bahamas, and a favorite tree of hummingbirds. The pink flowers I made out of egg cartons and the purple Lignum Vitae flowers, I made out of a paper bag.

Currently available to view at The Rand Nature Center
Mon-Friday: 9am - 4pm
Sat: 9am - 1pm

13/07/2026

Stop by and check out one of the entries that is currently on display at The Rand Nature Center.

Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm
Sat: 9am - 1pm

LEYLA KNOWLES
Age 13 | Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy

The Bahamian Snapper

Materials: Plastic bottles, plastic containers, metal

Artist Statement
When I entered this art competition, I wanted to create something that truly represented Bahamian pride. I chose to make a snapper on a fishing rod because fishing is an important part of our culture and way of life. As Bahamians, we know there is nothing quite like the excitement and satisfaction of catching a fish yourself. When I started thinking about ideas for this project, the Bahamian snapper stood out to me, and I decided to bring it to life through my artwork.

Once I had my idea, I began imagining how the fish should look, how it should be positioned, and what materials I could use to create it. I sketched several designs and experimented with different concepts before deciding on the final one. Throughout the process, I wanted to remain faithful to the purpose of the competition by using only recycled and discarded materials.
I started collecting items that most people would consider trash. Instead of buying new supplies,
I searched for materials I already had and saved pieces that could be reused. I felt that purchasing new items would take away from the message of the project. Even the paint I used came from leftover supplies from previous art projects.

My goal was not only to create a fish but also to tell a story about The Bahamas. The snapper represents the sea, which has always played a major role in our lives, while the fishing rod reflects a tradition shared by many Bahamian families and communities. Together, they symbolize the connection between our people, our culture, and the natural environment that surrounds us.

Through this piece, I wanted to celebrate Bahamian culture while showing that creativity does not depend on expensive materials. Art can be made from things that are often overlooked or thrown away. With imagination and effort, everyday objects can be transformed into something meaningful and beautiful.

I hope my artwork encourages others to see value in recycling and inspires them to create with what they already have. Most importantly, I hope it reminds people that the best art comes from the heart and reflects the things that matter most to us.

Thank you to our sponsors Grand Bahama Port Authority B.W.A. (Freeport) Ltd. Xquisite Catamaran Center Lucayan Adventure Tours for supporting the FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! 2026 Eco-art contest!

♻️🎨 The FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! Eco-Art Exhibition opens tomorrow at the Rand Nature Centre! 🌴Following a successful exhi...
30/06/2026

♻️🎨 The FROM WASTE, WE CREATE! Eco-Art Exhibition opens tomorrow at the Rand Nature Centre! 🌴

Following a successful exhibition at MOSAIC Art Hub, we're excited to bring these inspiring works to a new audience.

From July 1st–15th, experience the creativity, talent, and environmental vision of Grand Bahama's young artists as they transform reclaimed materials into powerful works of art celebrating this year's theme:

Bahamian Pride: Land, Sea, & Culture.

🏆 See the 2026 Grand Prize-winning artwork, A Turtle's Tail by Aiden K. Rahming, along with the incredible student creations featured throughout the exhibition. Learn about the impact of the GB School Clean-Up Challenge, where students removed thousands of pieces of litter from our beaches and communities while inspiring a cleaner future for our islands.

📍 Rand Nature Centre
🗓️ July 1–15, 2026
🕘 Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
🕘 Sat: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

This exhibition was made possible through the generous support of the Grand Bahama Port Authority , Xquisite Catamaran Center , Lucayan Adventure Tours , B.W.A. (Freeport) Ltd. , McVitie's, and the . Thank you for believing in the power of young artists to inspire environmental change.

We hope you'll stop by and experience these remarkable works in person.

When words fail, art speaks. 💙♻️✨

23/06/2026

🌊⚓ Sponsor Spotlight ⚓🌊

Thank you, , for investing in our youth and helping us create positive change—one student, one cleanup, and one artwork at a time. ♻️🎨💙

As a company built around a passion for life on the water, Xquisite understands the importance of protecting the oceans and coastlines that inspire us all. Their support is helped empower students across Grand Bahama to transform waste into art, creativity into action, and awareness into lasting impact.

Together, we’re encouraging the next generation to think differently about waste, sustainability, and the future of our island.

ProtectOurParadise

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