The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), a leading organisation in preserving Caymanian culture and heritage, continues the work of restoring and maintaining ‘Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie’, also known as Miss Lassie’s property. This site is where visionary artist and acknowledged genius, Gladwyn K. “Lassie” Bush, lived her entire life.  Extensive work has been undertaken at Mind’s Eye to restore and preserve both the buildings — Miss Lassie’s House and the Mind’s Eye Intuitive Art Centre—and her paintings.  
 
On Saturday, December 8th, Artistic Director Henry Muttoo and CNCF staff will be joined by parents and students of the George Town Primary School (GTPS) who have ‘adopted’ the ‘Save Miss Lassie’s House’ project as part of their community outreach, facilitating “learning outside the confines of the classroom”, according to GTPS Principal Ms. Marie Martin.  Community volunteers and members of the public are also encouraged to join in on this annual activity and tradition. Everyone who lends a hand can look forward to several cultural activities that go into preparing a Cayman sand yard and wattle and daub home for ‘Christmas of Yesteryear’.

Mind’s Eye Conserved and Restored!

The unique markings on the walls of Miss Lassie’s House and the cultural significance of the site, placed Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie, on the 2012 World Monuments Fund (WMF) Watch List.  This is a noteworthy achievement!  
The 2012 WMF Watch List designation is quite prestigious as it recognises the importance of the property in a global context and, by extension, the life and work of Cayman’s mother of art, Miss Lassie. It brings the local cultural heritage site, now called Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie, to the attention of other like-minded international institutions and gives CNCF greater leverage in seeking and obtaining funding.

At a press conference in October 2011, after the announcement of the WMF listing, the Minister for Culture announced that the Cayman Islands’ government’s ongoing support to the tune of CI$500,000 over a four year period.  After the generous grant from the Government and several years of planning and concentrated efforts, the Mind’s Eye property will officially open to the public on December 15th, 2012.

EVENT: Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie Official Opening 
DATE: Saturday, December 15th 
TIME: Between 10am – 2pm
LOCATION: Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie (Miss Lassie’s House), #4 South Sound Road
COST: Free Admission 
CONTACT: [email protected] | (345) 949-5477

“To think the Cayman Islands has a cultural treasure that shares the company of amazing sites such as the Great Wall of China, Quetzalcoatl Temple, Taj Mahal and Valley of the Kings, is truly inspiring.” Martyn Bould – Chairman of the CNCF Board on the Mind’s Eye property being placed on the 2012 World Monument Fund’s Watch List

Get to know Miss Lassie

Miss Lassie, a fourth-generation Caymanian, had never painted before the age of 62. It was only when she began to have religious visions that she picked up a paintbrush. From then until her death in 2003, she painted prolifically with any kind of paint she could lay her hands on. Miss Lassie painted not only on canvas, but also on the walls, windows and ceilings of her house.  Even some of her pillows and furniture were decorated with her images.

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation in Partnership with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands are proud to present Prayer Canvases —an exhibition of 25 original works from the CNCF collection.

EVENT: Prayer Canvases Exhibition 
DATES: December 18th, 2012 until March 15th, 2013
HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-3pm
LOCATION: National Gallery of the Cayman Islands 
COST: Free Admission 
CONTACT: [email protected] | (345) 945 8111

“We are delighted to be partnering with CNCF on the Miss Lassie exhibition ‘Prayer Canvases’ and to help celebrate the end of what has been remarkable year in the preservation of her home and work. CNCF and their supporters are to be commended for their efforts in securing her legacy for future generations.” – Natalie Urquhart, NGCI Director

Visiting Miss Lassie’s House  

Once Miss Lassie’s House opens to the public December 15th, 2012 CNCF will offer guided tours and intuitive arts sessions. Tours will be scheduled from 10am – 11am on the second and last Saturday of each month, and will be by appointment only. The waterfront duplex, known as the Mind’s Eye Intuitive Art Centre, will also become available for hire for private functions and events. 
 
To book a tour, intuitive art session or enquire about rentals, please contact CNCF at [email protected] or call us on (345) 949 5477.

Looking Forward

“Mr. Muttoo’s passion for preservation and his visionary leadership has helped to save so much of our history, which may have otherwise been undiscovered, forgotten or lost. All of us at CNCF are looking forward to working even harder in the coming year as we continue the essential work of preserving the cultural heritage that tells our Island’s story.” – Lorna Bush, CNCF Programmes and Public Education Officer 
 
To ensure that this miraculous story is shared and our cultural treasure is preserved for future generations, we must ask the community to support Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie and the work of CNCF by making a donation. So far, the generosity of the community has allowed CNCF to stabilise Miss Lassie’s House and to partly restore the Mind’s Eye Intuitive Art Centre on the property. When the necessary work has been completed, Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie, will provide an authentic Caymanian cultural experience (arts, heritage and religion) for all, and will be a relaxing, inspirational place with multiple purposes. This unique property will provide Cayman with a community hub to be enjoyed by residents, businesses and visitors alike.

To make a donation, kindly send a cheque made out to CNCF to P.O.Box 30201, Grand Cayman KY1-1201, Cayman Islands, or call 949-5477 for credit card or debit card donations.

“Telling our story can come in many forms. Some buildings are significant enough to become small home museums. Preserving the structure and using it maintains an authentic Caymanian ambiance for our children and our visitors.” – Denise Bodden, National Trust for the Cayman Islands.