 BIOGRAPHY - SANDRA ARCHER MORRIS BELL
Carnival Costume Designer & Other Artsy Crafty Things!
Sandra Bell is a 3rd generation Carnival Costume Designer. Her roots grew
deep within a
talented and artistic Morris family from Belmont, Trinidad and Tobago.
Sandra was trained by the
late metal master, costume designer and innovator Ken Morris who is
considered one of
Trinidad's national treasures.
Surrounded by a rainbow of magnificent colors, breathtaking flora, clear
blue skies, lush tropical breezes, the smell of tantalizing home cooking,
and the sounds of calypso rhythms riding on the waves of the Caribbean sea ,
Sandra's creative gifts were greatly inspired and nurtured by the twin
wonderland islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Her strong, loving family
upbringing instilled values and principles that have shaped her character
and directed her creative pursuits.
Sandra attended New York University and was awarded a Bachelor of Arts in
Arts Administration and also holds several certificates in film and video
production. She completed in the coveted
production training once offered by WNET Channel 13 and has worked with such
film and media luminaries as Cliff Frazier, Stanley Nelson, Grace Blake,
Kenny Utt and the late Ellis Hazlip.
Sandra Bell maintains the African and Caribbean connection in her work
drawing on a
rich heritage which she shares with children and adults of all ages. Her
mission is to
demonstrate the linkages to legacy as a means of cultural retention and
building community. "I feel I have an obligation to do my part and pass on
the traditions that have contributed to who we
are and the people that we must become".
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 PROGRAM SAMPLES
Arts and Education Hands On Instructional Workshops
Costume Design and Designing for Carnival Bands. Workshops frame the
history, folkways and significance of carnival customs and practices.
New Orleans Masquerade
The rich tradition of the jazzy second line marching
bands and gumbo are the reference points for artmaking that has evolved into
a time honored celebration.
Brazilian Masquerade
The world famous Samba capital inspires the crafts
that bring this
panorama of phenomenal cultural expression to life.
Puerto Rican Masquerade
The sounds of Salsa rhythms accompany the creativity
of bandera
making (flags) and other implements that wave to announce a proud culture
and experience.
The traditions of Bomba and Plena are incorporated through music and the
oral tradition securing
this vital aspect of legacy.
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 CREATIVE CONCEPT
Murals, masks, individual and group costume design, group carnival band
activity, masquerade
accessories, banners, flags, amulets, miniature sculpture gardens, hand
puppets, large scale tribute art and spiritual designs.
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WORKSHOPS and RESIDENCIES
Residency programs run from four (4) to twenty (20) weeks can be arranged
for students in Elementary through High School. After school programs,
community centers, and other neighborhood facilities are also ideally
suitable for workshops. Individual workshops consist of 90 to 120 minutes.
Other arts forms such as theater, storytelling, dance and music are
incorporated into the programs. Staff Development and Teacher Training
workshops are also available.
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MATERIALS
Materials used include mixed media, found objects, fabric, paper mache,
natural fibres, re-cycled
goods as well as earth and eco-friendly items.
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PROGRAM COSTS
Programs are customized to meet specific client needs and requests. The
costs of workshops
are reflective of artists planning time, preparation, set-up, breakdown,
materials and transportation.
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TEACHING and WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE
Manhattan Schools District 5, Public Schools 129, 30, 31, 36, 200, 305,
189; Queens Public Schools 156Q, 132Q, District 23; Brooklyn Public
Schools 108, 316, 38, 297, 171, St. John's Recreation Center; Bronx
Public Schools CES 90, MS 145, and Westchester County School District.
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PERFORMANCE and ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
Yaffa Cultural Arts Inc.
The Children's Art Carnival
The Caribbean Cultural Center
Community Works
Riverbank State Park
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn
American Museum of Natural History
South Street Seaport
Museum for African Art
Pickney Productions
Aaron Davis Hall
Forces of Nature
Stockholm Residence
Pathways for Youth
Bronx Community School
Apollo Theater Foundation
Brookyn Children's Museum
Brooklyn Museum
St. John's Recreation Center
New York City Parks Department
Queens Theater in the Park
Barnes and Noble Bookstores
Brooklyn and Queens Public Libraries
Central Park Conservancy Dana Discovery Center
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