(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, 25 September 2018)—National Gallery of Cayman Islands (NGCI) announced today that a new exhibition Big Art Auction 5 will open with a Special Preview reception on Monday, 1 October from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and will be on view until 1 November.

The Big Art Auction 5 exhibition and auction is held in support of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ (NGCI) permanent collection development and related education programmes. The four-week exhibition features work by leading contemporary artists before they are auctioned at an entertaining “Sotheby’s styled” evening reception. This will be the fifth year of the auction.

This year’s Big Art Auction 5 will see artwork by celebrated local artists Avril Ward, John Broad, Charles Long, Simon Tatum, David Bridgeman, Davin Ebanks, Horacio Esteban, Hannah Cook, D. Randall Blythe, Teresa Grimes, Randy Chollette, Nasaria Suckoo, John Bird, Mikael Seffer, Renate Seffer, Stoak’d, Pippa Ridley, Ellen Cuylaerts, Gordon Solomon, Miguel Powery, Bendel Hydes, Kathryn Elphinstone and Joanne Sibley.

Part proceeds from the Big Art Auction 5 go to the artists and part to the NGCI Art Fund. The 50/50 split is an effort to ensure the project remains sustainable and of benefit to both parties. Big Art Auction 5 Chairperson and NGCI Board Member, Jennifer Woodford says, “The National Gallery does not have an acquisitions budget to purchase or commission artwork for the National Collection and so we rely on raising vital funds from the private sector to continue this important work. We wish to extend a huge thank you to our participating artists for supporting the Big Art Auction 5 and for helping us continue to secure artworks of national significance.”

Funds raised at the event will be allocated to collection development, artwork conservation, and collection-based educational initiatives. NGCI Director, Natalie Urquhart comments, “Our collection lies at the very heart of our mission to promote the appreciation and practice of the visual arts and cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands. The artworks on display have the ability to bring Caymanian history alive. They provide an enriching learning environment for visitors of all ages when combined with contextual and interpretive materials. It is vital that collecting and conserving the National Art Collection, via the NGCI Art Fund, continue to be prioritised, now and for future generations.”

The exhibition is on display in the NGCI Community Gallery and the full BAA5 catalogue is also available for viewing online throughout the duration of the exhibition. To view visit nationalgallery.org.ky/baa5.

During the exhibition, curator-led private viewings can also be organised for potential collectors and interested parties. The exhibition will culminate in an elegant, invite-only reception and auction on Thursday, 1 November.

If you are interested in coordinating a private viewing or supporting the National Gallery’s Art Fund, please email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111. The exhibition is available for viewing from Monday through Saturday 10:00AM – 5:00PM. Admission is free.

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Photo Caption: Auctioneer Philip Paschalides put artwork under the hammer at the Big Art Auction

About the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Established in 1997, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is the country’s leading visual arts museum, exhibition facility and education centre, charged with promoting and encouraging the appreciation and practice of the visual arts in the Cayman Islands. This mission is achieved through exhibitions, education/outreach programmes, school tours, community festivals, and ongoing research projects. Holding up to six exhibitions annually at their central exhibition space and satellite venues around Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands, the curatorial team strives to create a balance between exhibitions of quality Caymanian artwork and collaborations with artists from further afield. This is achieved by working with a broad cross-section of artists and ranging from site-specific work to more traditional gallery-based projects.

NGCI is at the forefront of visual arts education in the Cayman Islands hosting over 50 public programmes monthly, across all three islands. These programmes capture every age group from the youngest preschoolers to senior citizens, as well as marginalized members of our community. They combine art education with enriching creative experiences to foster creativity, help build self-esteem, and provide effective and invaluable explorations of cultural heritage, national identity and community values.