The Organization of American States (OAS) says the Mission of St. Lucia on Wednesday donated two works by artist Jallim Eudovic to the Art Museum of the Americas (AMA), the Caribbean country’s first donation to the permanent collection of the OAS museum in Washington, D.C.

The OAS said the Art Museum of the Americas is the oldest museum in the United States of modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean, and “contains one of the world’s most important collections of works by artists from the Western Hemisphere.”

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said the donation is a “milestone for our institution” as part of the Arts Museum of the Americas’ ongoing efforts to promote the arts of the Caribbean.

“Throughout the rich history of art collecting at the OAS, the program has been strengthened by the participation of outstanding Caribbean artists, many of whose works have found homes in our permanent collection,” he said. “And now, it is an honor to welcome these beautiful works of art from St. Lucia to the collection as true assets of our art program.”

Permanent Representative of St. Lucia, Elizabeth Darius-Clarke speaking during the presentation of art to the Art Museum of the Americas. Photo courtesy OAS/Juan Manuel Herrera

Permanent Representative of St. Lucia, Elizabeth Darius-Clarke, said her country’s donation comes on the same day as the 44th anniversary of the Caribbean nation’s independence.

“We also look forward to reinforcing our commitment to the Art Museum team, as we continue to explore opportunities to showcase St. Lucian artists,” Ambassador Darius-Clarke said.

Artist Jallim Eudovic, who was appointed his country’s 2020 Goodwill Ambassador, said “the world needs beacons, beacons of hope, homage and love; beacons that beam light into the dark depths of our beleaguered souls, battered and bruised by the angst of modern living; beacons that allow and stimulate new ideas and insightful thinking.”

AMA Director Adriana Espina said that “the goal of the campaign is to have all countries represented,” adding that “the donation from St. Lucia is a step forward in this direction.”