Canvas on Demand loves art and artists of every stripe. Our mission is to help customers preserve their life’s precious photographic and artistic images. That’s why we believe that in a world so rich in diversity, a primary way to express our individuality, our tradition, and our culture is through the various forms of art—music, dance, photography, painting, etc.
On another leg of Great Big Canvas on Tour, I traveled this week to the small coastal town of Punta Gorda in southern Belize, a district of jungles and rainforests. There I visited a remarkable man who is making every effort to preserve his local artist culture. Subas—a simple yet colorful man—is of Garifuna descent. The Garifuna are a mix of two ethnic groups, Carib Indians and African descendants. Their culture is distinguished by their language, music, food, dance, and rituals. According to legend, the first Garifuna landed on the Belizean shoreline on November 19, 1802. That event is now marked by a national holiday, and a re-enactment of their landing is a highlight of the pageantry.
While it is estimated there are 15,000 Garifuna in Belize, Subas is concerned that his heritage is slowly dying out, so he is doing his part to preserve it. Every weekday afternoon, he gathers local Garifuna school children together to learn the dancing and drumming of their forefathers. The rhythm of the instruments and singing of the children resonate across town—a testimony of Subas’ determination to keep the drums of his fathers alive.
On behalf of Canvas on Demand, I was delighted to present Subas with a Great Big Canvas image of the Belizean coast that will hang in his modest home. Subas said the lovely canvas will remind him and his family of that day so long ago when their ancestors first landed on such a shore.
Canvas on Demand wants to encourage art preservationists from all corners of the earth to keep up the great work. If you have a story to share, I want to hear it. Mom
Ever look at someone—whether they’re your own child or not—and feel a sense of Parental Pride? Well, I feel that way about Joe and Tom, the co-owners of Canvas on Demand. Joe is actually my son; Tom is actually 
A friend of mine got the coolest piece of art in a silent auction last year. It was actually a drawing created by a Garifuna child in Belize, then it was transposed onto an awesome canvas from COD. The proceeds helped to fund a feeding program in that country. It was really cool to see the drummer here and be reminded of that picture. Wow! You guys really get around!