Inspirational teacher Hilma Smith Barnes honoured by students

Hilma Smith Barnes, 79, is one of those teachers who touched future of generations by transforming the pupils she taught, leading them to gain valuable skills and develop character.

Nineteen years after she retired as an art teacher, Smith Barnes was remembered by students whom she taught at Palo Seco Secondary School (1976-2005) for the positive impact she made on their lives, inspiring them to become successful adults.

Barnes was near tears as her young charges, now all adults, held an art exhibition and dinner in her honour for her 79th birthday on June 26.

The exhibition, at Arnim’s Art Gallery, Gulf View, was aptly titled Brushstrokes of Gratitude: Commemorating the Artistry and Influence of Hilma Smith-Barnes. Dinner was served at Fong’s Hot Wok, La Romaine, where candles on a birthday cake were lit and blown out as wishes were made for her continuing long life and good health.

The idea was conceptualised by one of Smith Barnes' oldest students, Amina Baksh, who held on to her former teacher as a lifeline when she encountered health challenges. All the past students contacted about the event were enthusiastic but only a few were able to commit.

Paintings were exhibited by nine of her students – Nathan Forde, Curlin Alexander-Teelucksingh, Amina Baksh, Reynold James, Ronald Jacob, Ancil Rooplal, Al Alexander, Rajesh Ramsundar and Joanne Jordan.

They all testified to her positive influence, which helped to shape and sway them towards their chosen careers, including becoming art teachers and graphic designers.

Rooplal gave an insight into the role Smith Barnes played in his changing his life from being a “player” to a serious exponent of art.

He recalled in preparation he pierced his ears and dressed in jeans, sneakers and shirt, “because I wanted to impress the girls.”

The rule, of course, was for students to come fully dressed in uniform. Rooplal’s bravado was deflated as Smith Barnes drove him straight home to change into his uniform.

Rooplal, now a teacher at the San Fernando East Secondary School (SFESS) Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) department, recalled the scolding which he has never forgotten, and the impact that the experience of Smith Barnes's passion had on his life.

“That buff I got paved the way for me, so today, I stand here as a teacher for the past 24 years. I am pursuing further studies in fine arts. I wrote the Primary School Curriculum Guides for Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA). I am the visual arts note writer for Notemaster. Thank you, Mrs Barnes.”

Forde, another exhibitor who also gravitated to becoming an art teacher, said she introduced him to figure painting and he has never stopped.

“I am an artist and art teacher at Point Fortin West Secondary. She largely influenced me to become an art teacher. I pattern my painting and teaching style after her and from my own experience. I am happy to be part of this tribute to her.”

While he still paints, Alexander moved into graphic design and is a research and education officer with the Central Bank.

Noting she has maintained contact with most of her students, and still critiques and guides their work, Alexander said, “Being here and seeing the turnout is amazing.

"Mrs Barnes is the only educator I know on this planet who has this kind of relationship with her students. She saw the potential in 11- and 12-year-olds and was able to pull out that desire and allow us to create great things.”

Ramsundar, a graduate of the class of ’93, admitted to being a delinquent, in that he never finished a piece of art – but he never forgot what his art instructor taught him.

He recalled that art brought him a sense of relief and escape from being cooped up during covid19.

His subject was chosen from among photographs his wife took. He posted some of his work on social media and through this medium was able to reconnect with Smith Barnes, who continued to be the teacher, encouraging him resume this passion.

“For me, art to me is not giving back to myself only. Through my expression of colour and lines I put on canvas, one can feel joy, emotion. Thank you, Mrs Barnes.”

While art was not a final exam choice for Alexander-Teelucksingh, owing to the grouping of subject areas, she recalls Smith Barnes devoted her time to teaching her and four other students every lunchtime.

“Were it not for her, I would not be an artist today.”

She said Smith Barnes was not just a teacher, but a mother, a friend, a mentor.

“I think all of us who passed through her hands can agree to her nurturing and love, given to every one of us without bias. When I got to call about this idea to honour her, I was thrilled. I thought it was fitting and I am humbled to be part of it and to be called her student and one of her daughters.”

Jordan, a graduate of the Class of ’81, did not continue in fine art, but branched off into fashion design. She recalled her sister waking her up at 4 am every day to keep her company while she studied, and would encourage her to draw and paint to pass the time.

Little did she know she was being prepared for a life-changing encounter with Smith Barnes, who saw and honed her gift.

“She brought out my high points. My peaceful time was spent in art classes. I have not continued art in that way, and Mrs Barnes has questioned why I am not drawing. I kid you not, I am going to start back,” she promised.

James recalled earning his first income from winning the Berger Painting Competition and Cancer Society Art Competition, which he used to open his first bank account.

He too has moved on from fine art to graphic design, but this exhibition has planted a seed in him to continue his dream of practising art once more.

Jamaican by birth, but Trini by marriage to Ian Barnes, Smith Barnes said after graduating from art school, teaching was never on the horizon. Her vision was to paint and exhibit, but the market for original painting was tough.

About 18 months after arriving here, she was encouraged to enter teaching, as there were not many qualified art teachers at the time.

She took up her first job at St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, and then at Holy Name Convent. When her husband, the brother of the late energy minister Barry Barnes (1992-1995), got a job with Petrotrin, the family moved to Palo Seco.

The socio-economic shift from teaching in Port of Spain to rural Palo Seco Secondary (PSS) was an eye-opener. While students at the convents had two art teachers, a fully equipped art room and all the necessary equipment, at PSS, she was the only art teacher. Some students did not even have a sketchpad.

There was no art room either, but after a conversation with a receptive principal she was able to get material for all the form four and five students, a dedicated art room with easels and the equipment to give students the best possible chance to succeed.

“In the 29 years I spent at that school, not one student had to buy art material. Everyone was on an even footing.”

The mother of two, she said, “I ended up with many daughters and sons I taught and who have remained in touch with me.

"Many of my students are artists. Many of them are qualified art teachers. In fact, when I retired and left, I was replaced by a former student.”

Although her dream was never to be a teacher, Smith Barnes has no regrets this is the pathway God chose for her, to be involved in a career that allowed her the opportunity to have a positive impact on society by influencing young people.

Her inspiration has been so far-reaching that one of her past students, Jan Charles, who lives and works in the US, made the journey to La Romaine to celebrate this momentous occasion with her.

“She taught us never to give up, and we are never going to give up on her.”