
GROUPS OF STUDENTS COME TO ANDROS TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AT A SLOWER PACE ..YOU CAN VISIT WEBSITE : http://maritimearts.com/ ..... Note: You can also go to the web site; intlfieldstudies.com and learn more about the history of Andros etc.
The Island and Its People
Andros is the largest island of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and at more than 100 miles long and 40 miles wide, is the fifth largest in all the caribbean. Engulfed in a sense of mystery, the sparsely populated Andros is laced with creeks and has a densely forested inland. The island's western coast is still largely unexplored. History of Andros includes a colorful array of farming and fishing, Arawak Indians, European explorers and colonizers, slaves, pirates, bootleggers, and smugglers. Today, compared with other Bahamian islands, Andros has a much smaller population with fewer than 10,000 people. North Andros is home to more than half the population, a Mennonite missionary, few small resorts, and AUTEC, a NATO base run by the Navy. Androsians are friendly people and eager to share their lives and their views as guests visit their communities. Visitors who embrace the people of Andros and their culture will be richly rewarded and educated by the experience.
Newspaper article
Work was commissioned by the City of Gainesville..Sculpture is made up of found objects including bricks from Main Street, wagon wheels, Florida cracker cattle horns, railroad rails, a trombone and a typewriter all collected from the area.. Weighs 5-6 tons..Newspaper article at: Gainesville Airport Gator Statue.com
History of schoolhouse(now MAIC): In 1935 the people of Blanket Sound, Andros built a new school of block and lime up on a rock hill, with water on three sides. When the tide was high the children of Stafford Creek and Big Pond would travel to school by Mr. William Woodside's wood boat. If the tide was low he would carry them as far as the bay, and they would walk the rest of the way. The people of Andros have not gained much material wealth but the lives they lived are historically rich. The artisans are basket makers, boat builders, and woodcarvers but have lived many different lives in search of subsistence. Wisdom comes from these people who have chosen to labor and master craft. They have distinguished themselves from the crowd many years ago.
In addition to the Maic woodcarving art experience, students stay at the Forfar Field Station to learn about life on Andros, diving, boating, snorkling and camp life...
Back from Andros - April 5, 2008
The week spent on Andros was most memorable..beautiful sunny weather, warm and a breeze every day...I met so many friendly and happy Bahamian people ....Life on Andros is a trip back in time,.....the inhabitants are a very "giving" and loving people....It was an experience of a lifetime...Posting a few pictures below from my trip.
Androsia Fabric
Adding photos of local factory on the island where batik androsia fabric is made and sold. (also can click on a video at the top of the page to view factory etc.)