The upper room at the Gallery of Fine Art, Woodbrook, was on September 3 packed to capacity as art lovers came out to celebrate with the Women in Art Organisation as it premiered, Golden Jubilee Expressions in honour of the nation's 50th Anniversary of Independence.

On exhibit were 81 pieces submitted by 29 women whose expressions in art were explored through paintings, sculptures and other genres.

There were oils, acrylics, pastels, mixed media and subjects included flora, fauna, the human form, buildings, culture, daily life and more.

The lineup of artists whose works are on display until September 22 includes: Sonia Alexis, Valerie Belgrave, Cynthia Ellis, Bunty O'Connor, Sherlann Peters, Angel Philbert, Shalini Singh, Ann Louise Tam, Michelle Tappin, Stacy Phillip, Marise Rodriguez, Fay-Ann Ryan, the organisation's founder and former president, Fraulein Rudder, and current president, Nerine Peters, who assumed office in March.

Peters began her love affair with art when she was five years old and would go through sketch pads, crayons and pencils at an amazing rate.

Her parents realised her passion for art as quickly as they recognised how much lighter their wallets were because she started drawing and colouring.

They, however, encouraged her to develop her skill, lending support in every way.

Peters has a Grade B in Art in GCE A-Level examinations from Trinity College and was awarded the Lisa Henry Chu Foon Memorial Trophy for A-Level excellence in Art and a subject prize for the best A-Level Artist.

While at Trinity, Peters participated in and helped produce two successful art exhibitions there.

Peters also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts from The University of The West Indies, St Augustine, where, following her studies, she was employed as a part-time demonstrator at the UWI Centre for Creative and Festival Arts, where she assisted the first, second and final year students with art projects in Textiles, Design and Art Studio courses.

Peters then completed a Master of Philosophy degree in Cultural Studies at UWI.

Peters enjoys painting landscapes and derelict houses/buildings working in watercolours.

She has participated in several exhibitions over the years.

Peters has also volunteered at the St Dominic's Children's Home where she exposed the children to a range of art techniques such as drawing, painting, tie-dye, dye extraction, block printing and hand painting on textiles and more.

Among Peters's dreams is to one day open her own gallery that will, along with showcasing the works of fellow local artists, include an art library comprising the works of internationally and regionally acclaimed artists.

The gallery will also host workshops for developing artists.

Her vision for the Women in Art Organisation is to see a wider platform for the nation's female artists as well as the continued development of the youth and children who are interested in art.