The National Gallery (NG) of the Cayman Islands reopened in its new, roomy purpose-built home off the Esterly Tibbetts Highway. It was the gallery’s first official event, the Donor’s Opening, especially aimed at those who have supported the gallery over the years, and those who have made the new building a reality.

Many different NG supporters were there, including former government leader, Mr. Truman Bodden, His Excellency, Governor Duncan Taylor, and Mrs. Helen Harquail, who donated the four acres for the 
new site.

Previous National Gallery Directors were there, too, such as Nancy Barnard including Founding Director, Leslie Bigleman, alongside present Director Natalie Urquhart.

The new gallery, which will be officially open to the public from 6 February, is divided into several different sections. It is opening with four different exhibitions, including an impressive series of large abstract paintings in the main gallery area by Cayman- born painter, Bendel Hydes, who was visiting the gallery especially for the opening from his home in New York. There is a photography exhibition in the gallery’s auditorium, and work by sculptor David Jungquist in the gallery’s sculpture garden.

Upstairs from the main gallery area is the home of the new Permanent collection, which tells the story of Caymanian Art over a period of 40 years. It includes works by Joanne Sibley, the Native Sons, Gladwyn “Miss Lassie” Bush, Charles Long and Janet walker.