With a quiet nudge and a single flyer, the course of Ryshon Bethel’s life began to take shape. The flyer, presented by his mother shortly after high school graduation, highlighted BAMSI’s Art and Environment programme — and with
that, a spark was ignited. What began as curiosity evolved into a sustained exploration of creative identity, environmental storytelling and artistic excellence. Now, as a graduate of the program, Bethel has realized a major milestone: his first solo art exhibition.

Titled “A Splash of Color,” the show was staged in April at St. John’s Native Baptist Church and featured an inspired body of work exploring Bahamian wildlife and landscapes. The exhibition served not only as Bethel’s senior capstone project but also as a celebration of his academic journey and artistic evolution.

“What first got me interested in joining the Art & Environment program was when I graduated high school and was deciding on what to do next,” Bethel said. “My mom showed me a flyer from BAMSI stating that they have an art course.”

Throughout the two-year program, Bethel immersed himself in the study and practice of visual arts, exploring connections between the natural world and creative expression. In the process, he discovered a deeper understanding of his own potential.

“What I learned about myself [going through the BAMSI programme] was how much I really loved art and how much I can improve myself from where I currently am,” he said.

“From my experience at BAMSI, what I’m really proud of is my first exhibition.” According to BAMSI art lecturer Elkino Dames, Bethel’s growth over the course of the program has been significant — not only as an artist, but as an individual.

“Ryshon’s journey has been a very productive one. He has accomplished so much — from art to communication,” Dames said. “He has gone from being shy and reserved to outspoken and courageous. His work ethic is a remarkable one. His confidence in his abilities has also grown tremendously. He has been a pleasure to teach and I wish him
success.”

The Art and Environment programme at BAMSI offers a multidisciplinary curriculum that merges fine art with ecological and cultural awareness. Students are encouraged to interrogate the world around them and respond through a variety of media, ranging from traditional drawing and painting to sculpture and conceptual design.

“The Art and Environment Program is the perfect marriage for the creative who has a passion for protection, conservation and the documentation of Bahamian flora and fauna,” Dames said. “From drawing, painting, 3D models, writing and extensive discussions—we dive into psychology, sociology, pollution and the production of drawings, paintings and 3D construction.”

Dames encouraged prospective students with an interest in visual storytelling and a commitment to exploring the intersections of art, culture, and the environment to consider the program.

“The Art and Environment Program offers students a rigorous and inspiring space to refine their artistic abilities while engaging deeply with environmental and cultural themes,” he said. “Through guided instruction, critical exploration, and creative practice, students develop the technical skills and narrative tools needed to contribute meaningfully to the evolving conversation around art and sustainability.”

For Bethel, the exhibition was more than an academic requirement — it was a moment of affirmation, of seeing his work and voice valued in a public space.

“When seeing my art on display, I was very excited when people were coming to see what I had done,” he said.
Bethel kept the title, “A Splash of Color,” intentionally open-ended, allowing viewers to bring their own interpretations to the work.

“To me personally there’s no deeper meaning to A Splash of Color, it could be interpreted as a splash of how colorful The Bahamas is.” Among the featured pieces, Bethel noted one in particular that resonated with him: a painting of the national bird.

“I like all my pieces equally, but the one I like a little bit more is the flamingo. I liked it because of how I made the animal turn out with the different tints and shades of pink and red, how I painted the lignum vitae flowers, and how the beach shore looked afterward.”

He also enjoyed the physical and creative process of designing the layout for the show. “The most fun part was setting up the aisles around the table with the pastries so that no matter where you look, you see the paintings,” he said.

Now on the cusp of the next chapter, Bethel is considering architecture as a possible field of study, while remaining open to continuing his work in the visual arts.

“Yes, I would like to keep creating and showing my art,” he said.

When asked what advice he would give to other young creatives — especially those navigating uncertainty or doubt — his message was one of quiet persistence. “Keep going and improving on yourself,” he said. “There may be times where you might lose that feeling of creating — and that’s fine — but at the end of the day it’s up to you whether you want to continue or not.”

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