Art enthusiasts headed to Camana Bay last weekend for two action packed days of art and creativity at Artisphere; the Town Centre’s newest event centred around The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ annual Chalkfest competition.

Held on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 May, Artisphere showcased a diverse and vibrant programme, including, live music and dance performances, a kids’ talent show, live cooking demos, as well as a Mixology Masters competition and the 9th annual Chalkfest competition.

On Friday afternoon, art lovers went wild for the unbeatable selection of local art on sale at the Affordable Art Fair, while beauty aficionados prepared for the night ahead with make-up tutorials by Camana Bay’s Le Visage.

Little ones enjoyed a dance performance from Barnes Dance Academy, before local group Red, White & Blues took to the stage at Live on The Paseo. On Saturday, the day started with a special Farmers’ Market, offering fresh, local produce and products before children paraded past in a kaleidoscope of colour, music and creativity in the Junior Batabano Parade. Artisphere ended with a bang as budding artists left their easels at home and took to the streets of Camana Bay for the 9th annual Chalkfest competition. The Town Centre was soon transformed into a larger-than-life art exhibit as participants of all ages and abilities created works of street-art along Market Street in an effort to become this year’s chalk champion.

Connor Ritch was awarded first prize in the 5-10 year old category for his vibrant Caymanian underwater scene. Rebecca Tomkins came in second with her interpretation of Winnie the Pooh; and Teagan Galloway’s colourful zebra at sunset won third prize.

‘Cockatoo in a Tree’ by Alexis Trey won first place in the 14-17 year old category, with Andreina Sanchez’s imaginative abstract creation taking second prize. Mark Tomkins’ comical lionfish interpretation won first place in the 18+ category, closely followed by a pink Mickey Mouse by Andrea Williams. All proceeds raised from Chalkfest  will benefit The National Gallery Outreach Programme.

Abacus’ Jennifer Myatt took first place in the Mixology Masters Competition with a delicious Camana Bay inspired cocktail: Poof! It’s a Mango!  Named after The Island’s resident Blue Iguana – and made with a mix of Ron Abuelo rum, mango puree, fresh ginger and lemon grass – try Poof! It’s a Mango! for yourself at any of Camana Bay’s restaurants until 31 August 2012. Cheers!

Chalkfest Winners

Ages 5-10

1st Place: Connor Ritch

2nd Place: Rebecca Tomkins

3rd Place: Teagan Galloway

Ages 14-17

1st Place: Alexis Trey

2nd Place: Andreina Sanchez

Adults (18+)

1st Place: Mark Tomkins

2nd Place: Andrea Williams