As a professional artisan, Wazari Johnson believes it is only natural for him and his colleagues to earn from their work. The veteran ceramist puts that notion into practice on October 16-17 with his ‘Art And Soul’ expo at Grosvenor Gallery in St Andrew.

The event will showcase creations from Johnson, as well as emerging painters Winston Clarke, Leonard Purrier and Rene Williams. It is also open to small business owners hoping to expose their products.

“The objective of Art And Soul is to create a platform for artists and small business owners to promote and sell their creations, products and services. We are here to facilitate growth, growth of the creative industries and the small business sector and it is our aim to make Art And Soul the platform that serves these sectors best,” said Johnson.

A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Johnson went ‘pro’ shortly after leaving ‘Edna’. His work has been shown at several exhibitions. At Art And Soul, the extent of his catalogue will be on show, including masks, tea pots, vases, decorative bowls and plates, ceramic diffusers and sculptures.

There is also space for budding entrepreneurs whose products are not recognised as classic art.

“People outside of the art community can attend. We welcome furniture designers, interior decorators, fashion designers and makers of soft furnishings. I am passionate about art and entrepreneurship, so I decided to create an event that celebrates these two passions,” Johnson explained.

Originally from St Andrew, Johnson has been a professional ceramist for 21 years. Over the years, an august group of artisans including Albert Huie, Barrington Watson, Alvin Marriott and Christopher Gonzalez have earned substantially by selling their pieces to the country’s small group of collectors.

In August, Broken But Holding On, one of Johnson’s creations, was presented to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.