By Gordon J. Solomon

The unique silver thatch is deep rooted into sand beds and rock formations on all three Cayman Islands. The “outer” side of the leaf, which faces the sun, is a verdant green while the opposite side has a shimmering silver color. The young leaves of the silver thatch tree are harvested for the making of hats, baskets, rope and a variety of other items and used in the building of roofs for homes.

The series I will be exhibiting at the Artexpo2014 will show the art form of thatching which was alive and thriving during the 1930s through 1970 in the Cayman Islands. Thatch has played an important role in the lives of Caymanian since the first settlers in the early 1700’s. It is a valuable part of the Cayman Islands natural heritage, its economic growth during the “rope making days” as well as our landscape, it is found no where else in the world.

This exhibit will show the natural beauty and strength of our small geographical position and our people who utilized their natural resources to not only survive but build up our nation.

The Artexpo 2014, NYC

Who: Gordon J Solomon

What: The Artexpo 2014, NYC offers an excellent exhibition space for Galleries and emerging artist. Featuring galleries, publishers and established artists, Artexpo will showcase paintings, sculpture, photography, glass. In addition they offer individual artists a chance to show in their SOLO event a juried exhibition of emerging and mid-career independent artists. Offers established and emerging independent artists the opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage in NYC. Printing and advertising of event through: Media circulators Art & Antiques: Circulation – 24, 825 Art News: Circulation – 78,000 Art Business News: Circulation – 12,000 Art World News: Circulation – 13,000 Gallery Guide: Circulation – 40,000 New York Magazine: Circulation – 405,398 New York Times: Circulation – 717,513 Wall Street Journal: Circulation – 1,499,204 New York Observer Where: New York Pier 94 711 12th Ave Pier 94 has quickly become a recognizable event space in New York City, utilized for high-end shows and large scale events. Artexpo 2014 will follow The Armory Show, completing the trendy convention center’s month-long, critically acclaimed offering of exhilarating and prominent art fairs in New York City. Sponsors included GE Capital Tucker Robbins Bombay Saphire New York Observer La Rosa Delmonte Fredrix Artist Canvas Vita Coco Palo Mamajuana Art Business News

When: 2nd April – 6th April 2014

Why: To promote Caymanian Art/talent. It has been my ongoing duty to be one of the artistic Ambassador’s for The Cayman Islands to provide the needed marketing and exposure necessary to expose “homegrown Caymanian talent” to an international audience.. I feel in an artist’s life we need opportunities like the artexpo not only as a way to make a living but also to enhance my skills, to be challenged, to see and learn new things. Opportunities like this can be life changing and encouraging.