Gauguin in Martinique Located at Turin Cove between Carbet and St. Pierre is the Centre d'Art Mus e Paul Gauguin, actually a memorial to the work which this noted French painter completed in Martinique during his five-month stay in 1887. Not far from the simple hut which was Gauguin's home, the Mus e houses reproductions of the dozen pictures he painted on the island. Also in the Mus e Gauguin are books about the painter, biographical information, and some of his letters. The museum presents both temporary exhibits and its permanent collection of art retracing the history of the island and the history of its people. As a Work of Art Showcase for a sometimes neglected art form is La Poterie located near Trois-Ilets.
Pottery plays an important role in Martinican history.
Arawak pottery was polychrome, with handles or snouts being formed in the shape of masked human heads or animal figures, while Carib pottery was formed from clay sausages and rolled and assembled by hand. Today's potters have learned to identify the best clays of the island, varying both color and form, using the more modern potter's wheel. Once largely used in homes as domestic items, today these objects are considered works of art. Utilizing over 600 types of fronds, leaves and other plant material, Fenton has fashioned fabulous doll-sized miniatures of such celebrated women as Mme. There are over 50 figures in the collection.