For several months, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) worked vigorously preparing for the Grand Opening event that was held on the 1st of February. Now open, the NGCI has received generous compliments from all those involved with the new facility, who feel the entity will transform visual arts education in the Cayman Islands providing added resources for artists, school groups, families and visitors.  As such, the 9000 square foot facility is quickly capturing the attention of the wider community.

One community group, the Cayman Islands Traditional Arts Council (CITAC), was given a special tour and lunch hosted by the NGCI director, Natalie Urquhart. The purpose of the tour was to familiarise the group with the new facility, to strengthen ties between the two organisations and to encourage the islands’ artisans skilled in traditional techniques to become further involved with the NGCI and its programmes. In an effort to cherish Caymanian heritage, works by many CITAC members are currently on display in the National Collection including well-known artisans such as Carmen Connolly, Annie Joy Ebanks, Rose May Ebanks and Edney McLean; demonstrating the creative talent and hard work of traditional Caymanian artists.

Products made of Silver Thatch have also been incorporated in the Gallery Gift Shop as merchandise. Works by Lizzie Powell (who created an exclusive clutch purse collection for the NGCI) are must-have items and Mrs. Powell’s contemporary spin on a traditional art form is helping to bring awareness of the art form to younger generations. “Artists often draw inspiration from their culture in the choice of subjects and materials used. The most striking examples are in paintings incorporating Silver Thatch as mixed media or using plaited thatch as a support said NGCI Education Manager, Eme Paschalides. “The NGCI is working towards strengthening its relationship with Cayman’s traditional artists and currently displays works that are transformed from their utilitarian existence to the realm of fine art”.

The NGCI is very thankful to CITAC for continuously supporting the NGCI at events like Art@ Governors, select exhibitions, courses and workshops; proving willingness to share their knowledge with younger generations and visitors—an essential part of promoting and preserving Caymanian art and culture.

The National Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For more information on the National Collection (comprised of works from the permanent collections of the National Museum, Cayman National Cultural Foundation and the National Gallery) contact the Gallery on 945-8111 or log on to www.nationalgallery,org.ky