Breath in, and then Ahhhh! Ras Natango Gallery and Garden

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Protecting nature is the meaning for creating this place of peace. It has become such a peaceful space we now have 20 of Jamaica’s 28 endemic birds living freely on the property. We have infused the wonders of nature with the human spirit to instill community awareness and pride.” (Tamika Williams, Co-Founder of Ahh)

The first thing that I have to say about this story is that I was actually surprised to learn that Camrose, Jamaica is considered one of the International Cities of Peace. There are 10 major categories that must be considered to be called a city of peace and must be established by resolution, proclamation or through community action. It does, however, make perfect sense that it is the backdrop of one of the most peaceful places I have ever been to in the world. I would like to introduce to the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper readers, Ahhhh, Ras Natango Gallery and Garden. This garden is more then I can explain in this article. Carved in the hillside, there are terraces for walking and viewing the one of a kind flora. It is definitely a place that you can lose track of time in, which is exactly what happened when our group paid Ian, Tamika, and their son Ayale a visit on Saturday, May 4^th, 2019.

Ras Natango Gallery and Garden is a family oriented, authentic Jamaican experience that is like stepping through a portal to another dimension. It all started in the mind of an artist; Ian Williams had always had a passion for art, and when he became unemployable in his profession as an accountant because he chose to be a Rastafarian, he formed from the barren, rocky hillside the cultural epicenter that we know today as Ahhh!

People laughed at Ian when he told them he was going to purchase this beautiful piece of land. In 1988, he borrowed a machete and cut through the bush to find this property. When he saw the view, he was sold, and put down money without asking Tamika’s permission. There were not many people who supported his decision to build on this property; professional builders told Ian that he couldn’t build on the side of a mountain. He would not take no for an answer, so he went ahead and did what was needed to make this dream become a reality.

It took 14 large columns just to support the home, and it became one of the first open concept homes in Jamaica. Despite all those who said no, in 2009, the gallery and garden became a formal attraction; Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden was registered through the Jamaican Tourist Board and has become part of Jamaica’s most sought after experiences.

“It’s just magical.” “It’s a retreat.” “How do you stand living here? It’s so peaceful!” (Anonymous Visitors)

As a family of environmentalists, they have found ways to use the land that maintains its natural aura. Nothing is wasted in the garden, and it has become home to 20 endemic birds, as well as migratory birds that visit in late September and depart in March. They also are known for their unique blooms including a rear black gladiola, a yellow gladiola, huge dahlias, giant begonias, the Jamaica Clitoria, Blue Pea Vine, and over 50 species of fern. To top it all off, between the hours of 6:00 am –10:00 am, and 4:00 pm – nightfall are some of the most beautiful times experienced at this magical garden.

After the breath-taking walk through the garden, we were invited into the part of their home that they have made into an art gallery. Ras, a self-taught artist, reads extensively and enjoys working with acrylics. His paintings are so exquisite that they were commissioned to appear in every RIU Hotel on the island, and in private collections in over 17 countries globally. Tamika’s specialty is Mozegg, which is crafting using eggshells, and there is an entire wall that is dedicated to her Mozegg creations. All the crafts and artwork sold at Ahhh, are one of a kind and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. You know when you leave there with one of their pieces you are leaving with a treasured, and unique piece of work.

A little bit of heaven is here on earth to be experienced, and you can find it in Camrose Jamaica, one of the International Cities of Peace; are you ready to exhale?

Ahhh…..