The one thing I like about being in or near Belize City or even about living in a city generally, is that there’s always an event to attend or something interesting happening in arts and history. A gallery opening, concerts, street festivals or art exhibits – like the one I attended last Friday evening at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts.

Meet Stacy Rodriguez, a Belizean sketch artist from the Cayo District. She’s all of 21 years old, and this is her first art exhibit. >>

Her sister told me it took three to four months to prepare this exhibit and while I studied and passed each illustration, I was amazed. Not just at her artistic skill, which reminded me so much of my sister’s at her age, but mostly by her determination and courage. It takes serious self-confidence and determination to expose your work to the world, to let your voice be heard… at 21. To not be afraid to share your message and follow your passion.

The sketches are displayed in various categories, like family, fashion or love. Some are already marked “SOLD.” The illustrations are mostly her ideas, but also include requests from others.

Her drawing of Andy Palacio had me standing still for over a minute. And, of course, I can’t just walk past Bob.

But even more amazing than all of that, were her words and the poem she wrote to introduce us to her “Sketching My Way” exhibit that night.

Her goal, she said, wasn’t just to get people to admire her drawings but to be inspired to pursue their dreams. Whether one’s talent is to write, sketch, paint, photograph, sing, act or any other art – Stacy believes it’s a duty to practice that talent and to share your message with others, to enlighten and help them. To not give up along the way – because life has its many frustrating moments. And most important of all, in my humble opinion: it’s never too late to start.

**You can read more about Stacy here, or view her exhibit in person – it will remain on display at the Bliss Center for Performing Arts through the end of February.

Lebawit Lily Girma

Travel writer, Photographer, Guidebook author and Blogger Lily Girma has lived and studied in Africa, Europe and the Americas. In 2008, she left behind a prestigious law career to follow her passion. Her work has been published in various outlets, including CNN Travel, BBC Travel and New York Times Magazine, and her photography commissioned by tourism boards. Her first edition of "MOON BELIZE" travel guidebook is due for publication this Fall 2013 (10th edition, Moon Handbooks by Avalon Travel/Perseus Books). Lily's work reflects a deep love for culture and adventure in all its forms.

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