National

Christmas Flair With A Junkanoo Touch

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Jason Saunders’ Junkanoo and airbrushing skills are hot commodities around this time of year as he helps groups get to Bay Street. Now, he’s expanding into home decor and ornaments.

Published

11 months ago

December 10, 2023

Jean Joseph

At an early age, Jason Saunders picked up a passion for the art of Junkanoo, watching his uncle, John Thompson, prepare to parade with the Saxons – Jason would learn the fine art of cutting paper and pasting along the way.

As Jason got older, he could not escape the call of the drums and found himself involved in Junkanoo throughout his childhood like many of his friends.

Eventually, he began airbrushing, a skill coveted by costume designers in various groups like the Saxons, One family, Barabbas & the Tribe, and Roots, as his brush strokes bring costumes to life.

“When I come in they call me to finish up because by the time I reach the shot it’s, when they say the airbrush man reach it’s time to go to bed now because I’m coming to do the hands on the other stuff for the lead costume stepdowns and dances,” he said.

This year, he’s decided to extend those skills to help residents put the finishing touches on their Christmas decorations with a line of Junkanoo art pieces that can be just the thing to give an old space a new look.

Saunders says many of the materials are recycled, and the art embodies the spirit of Junkanoo – taking something old and making something new.

Pieces start at fifty dollars. Jason takes special orders through his facebook page Jad’s Enterprises and by phone – 463-6885.

He’s looking forward to helping you add that special touch to your space this Christmas.