Hilma Smith Barnes, 79, is one of those teachers who touched future of generations by transforming the pupils she taught, leading them to gain valuable skills and develop character.

Nineteen years after she retired as an art teacher, Smith Barnes was remembered by students whom she taught at Palo Seco Secondary School (1976-2005) for the positive impact she made on their lives, inspiring them to become successful adults.

[caption id="attachment_1099055" align="aligncenter" width="614"] No birthday celebration is complete without a cake and one showing her age and wishing her the best was in order for art teacher Hilma Smith Barnes. -[/caption]

Barnes was near tears as her young charges, now all adults, held an art exhibition and dinner in her honour for her 79th birthday on June 26.

The exhibition, at Arnim’s Art Gallery, Gulf View, was aptly titled Brushstrokes of Gratitude: Commemorating the Artistry and Influence of Hilma Smith-Barnes. Dinner was served at Fong’s Hot Wok, La Romaine, where candles on a birthday cake were lit and blown out as wishes were made for her continuing long life and good health.

The idea was conceptualised by one of Smith Barnes' oldest students, Amina Baksh, who held on to her former teacher as a lifeline when she encountered health challenges. All the past students contacted about the event were enthusiastic but only a few were able to commit.

Paintings were exhibited by nine of her students – Nathan Forde, Curlin Alexander-Teelucksingh, Amina Baksh, Reynold James, Ronald Jacob, Ancil Rooplal, Al Alexander, Rajesh Ramsundar and Joanne Jordan.

[caption id="attachment_1099054" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Retired art teacher Hilma Smith Barnes stands among three of her paintings on display at an exhibition dedicated to her. -[/caption]

They all testified to her positive influence, which helped to shape and sway them towards their chosen careers, including becoming art teachers and graphic designers.

Rooplal gave an insight into the role Smith Barnes played in his changing his life from being a “player” to a serious exponent of art.

He recalled in preparation he pierced his ears and dressed in jeans, sneakers and shirt, “because I wanted to impress the girls.”

The rule, of course, was for students to come fully dressed in uniform. Rooplal’s bravado was deflated as Smith Barnes drove him straight home to change into his uniform.

Rooplal, now a teacher at the San Fernando East Secondary School (SFESS) Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) department, recalled the scolding which he has never forgotten, and the impact that the experience of Smith Barnes's passion had on his life.

[caption id="attachment_1099053" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Hilma Smith Barnes stands next to Al Alexander and one of his paintings, exhibited to honour her dedication to the teaching profession. -[/caption]

“That buff I got paved the way for me, so today, I stand here as a teacher for the past 24 years. I am pursuing further studies in fine arts. I wrote the Primary School Curriculu