“The Garden That Rita Grew,” an evocative exhibit that celebrates the legacy of Rita Marley, both as an influential figure in reggae culture and as a foundational voice for Jamaican heritage, will be on display at the Jamaica Consulate General in New York on Monday, Nov. 18, through Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Curated by her eldest granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast — a multidisciplinary artist and activist — the exhibit offers a deeply personal narrative that spans generations, highlighting Rita Marley’s impact on her family, her community and the world.
Through an artful blend of painting, photography, vinyl panels and carefully chosen quotes, Prendergast told Caribbean Life on Monday that she presents “a granddaughter’s lens” on her grandmother’s life and work, creating “a reflective space for viewers to experience the resilience, creativity, and love that Rita Marley embodies.”
Prendergast said that this exhibit, displayed at the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, is “not only a tribute to Rita Marley’s journey but also a platform for broader conversations on heritage, cultural preservation and generational healing.”
By staging “The Garden That Rita Grew,” as a preview at the Heritage Awards, an annual honor ceremony hosted by the Jamaica Consulate General New York, Prendergast she said the Consulate honors Rita Marley’s legacy, alongside Jamaica’s other impactful figures, creating “a space for visitors to connect with stories of Jamaican icons who have transformed and uplifted communities.
“The purpose of ‘The Garden That Rita Grew’ extends beyond celebrating a single life; it aims to foster cultural memory and support Rita Marley’s vision of community empowerment,” Prendergast said.
She said all artwork on display is available for purchase, with proceeds directed toward the Rita Marley Girls Center (RMGC) in Trench Town, Jamaica.
Prendergast said this center, a project of the Bob Marley & Rita Marley Foundation in partnership with the Ghetto Youths Foundation, is designed to support young women in Rita Marley’s own community by providing resources in mentorship, life skills, professional development and mental health support.
“By creating a safe space for young women, aged 17-25, the center helps to inspire and equip future generations to lead lives of purpose and empowerment, reflecting Rita Marley’s enduring commitment to community upliftment,” she said. Ultimately, ‘The Garden That Rita Grew’ is a call to recognize the power of storytelling, preservation and community support. It honors not only Rita Marley’s legacy but also the strength of all women who, like her, have left an indelible mark on the world by challenging norms and leading with heart.”
Through this exhibit, Prendergast said she offers a “visual and spiritual journey that underscores the importance of heritage and empowers visitors to reflect on their own role in carrying forward legacies of change and resilience.”
