Help us build an artist retreat center in The Bahamas.

It will be the first of its kind in The Bahamas, providing resources to:

1. Visiting artists
2. Local Bahamian artists
3. Local school students

To build the first bungalow with studio! One bungalow will allow us to launch an artist residency program at the end of 2014.

1. We already have artists from around the world on a WAITING LIST. Your support will get this thing built and will help those artists.
2. We also have local artists and schools on the island waiting with great anticipation for all the creative opportunities Exnihilo will bring. Your support will bring art to those schools.
3. Clean up the island. One of the first programs Exnihilo will launch is JUNK-A-NEW. A recycling program that takes old rusty and abandoned vehicles that litter the island and resources them for sculptors to create art. Your support will clean up the island while making art.

What is an artist residency?

It is a place an artist can go for an extended period (1 month or more) to work on a project or body of work without distraction. Many major works through history have been produced in these locations.Learn more… 

We are Blair & Bryan, professional artists with a desire to empower other artists. We feel a little shy about tooting our own horn, but people says we should, so you can learn more about all the stuff we have done here.

We are fortunate to have some very talented advisors on our development team. All at the top of their game, they are artists, musicians, writers, even an oceanography expert! You can meet them here.

You are the most important part of the next phase of this project. You are a friend, colleague or family member who have watched us diligently work away at this project from its beginning.

You are someone who we encouraged in your development or even introduced you to your art form. You are someone we nurtured and mentored. You are someone who’s life we have impacted in some way. 

You are that special person who just happened upon this campaign and is inspired to make the dream of art a reality for island schoolchildren.

Now we need your help!

 We have taken this as far as we can without help. The next part is up to you.

Whether or not you contribute to this campaign, a BIG way you can help us is to SHARE THIS LINK: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4gjkc/ab/61mkb2

Post it to your Facebook wall, tweet about it, email your friends, send messengers on horseback, whatever your thing is. The more networks we can reach, the better we do!

By helping build Exnihilo you are accomplishing something that will help hundreds of artists for years to come, as well as bringing art education to an underserved generation of students.

Donating doesn't cost you anything!

Some folks we'd like to thank:

Pierre Fortier of Chez Pierre's for the best place to stay and eat on Long Island Bahamas (the man can cook!)

Oramae Smith-Pinder and her sister Dyllis of the Long Island Authentic Crafter's Association for graciously allowing us an interview and plaiting demonstration.

Caitlin Strokosch, Director of The Alliance for Artists Communities.

Lauren Dicioccio, Sculptor.

Our focus group team (you know who you are) for all your help and critique.

Got questions? Please check out the gallery section of this campaign for lots more information, pics and videos about the project. Otherwise here are a few answers to those FAQs:

Q. What does the name mean?

A. Exnihilo is Latin for "out of nothing". It is often used within the phrase, "Creatio exnihilo", referring to creation out of nothing.

Q. Who gets to go once it is built?

A. Artists are chosen through an application process, are enrolled in a workshop or study abroad program.

Q. But I want to go!?

A. No worries, a selected portion of the year will be open for all creative spirits!

Q. How long will it take to build?

A. Once funded, the buildings are prefabricated, then shipped and assembled on the island. That process takes 6-12 weeks.

Q. Green building?

A. Yes! Not only will Exnihilo use solar & wind power, but the way the buildings are constructed saves energy. The are also hurricane resistant. We did our homework in selecting our builder. They have an amazing reputation for sustainable manufacturing practices. You can learn more about themhere.

Q. How will Exnihilo help children on the island?

A. Visiting artists will be invited to hold workshops, concerts and demonstrations for the local schools. Local students will also have access to the facility for studio time.