ICONIC British brand MINI treated specially invited guests to an evening of art exhibitions and a film at its Lady Musgrave Road showroom in St Andrew last Friday evening.

The occasion, MINI Art House, was billed as a celebration of cinematography and artistry.

“This event goes in line with the new lifestyle behind MINI. the customers are maturing, as it would be, and we’re more cultured now and we’re looking for more than clubhouse music. Now, we’re looking at art in all its various forms, real art — live art, which are the movies that we’re showcasing tonight,” said Sloane Jackson, head of business for ATL Autobahn.

ATL Autobahn is the division of ATL Automotive that is responsible for BMW and MINI brands.

The showroom was transformed into an art gallery to showcase the works of three local artists: Stefani Dewar, Simone Smith, and Paige.

“I feel very honoured, very grateful. I’ve been doing it in my living room as a hobby, so I’m very grateful that MINI reached out to me as a candidate,” Dewar told Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

Smith echoed similar sentiments.

“It was an honour to be invited to display and it was a lovely night out,” she said.

All three provided a wide array of their artwork for the guests to browse during cocktails, after which point guests were treated to the film Shottas, which stars Ky-Mani Marley and Spragga Benz. As with any movie, hot dogs and popcorn were on hand.

“We choose artists that did painting in the various styles. We’re going to choose different artists as we go along, including those who sculpt, and we’re looking at not just being inside, but outside. So the next one is probably going to be outside the building,” Sloane said.

Last August, MINI owners were treated to a Summer Adventure Retreat road trip to rustic Portland.

— Rory Daley