Showcasing local art
The lush landscape, vibrant coast, rich seafaring culture and sheer luminescence of colour and light found within the Cayman Islands landscape has inspired many an artist to put pen, pencil and paintbrush to paper or canvas, creating a fantastic multi-dimensional artistic offering. Luckily, there are some great venues dotted around the island that give artists the opportunity to show off their work to the public.
The Gallery at The Ritz-Carlton, a bright and airy lengthy expanse that straddles The Ritz-Carlton Resort on West Bay Road, is the perfect venue for showcasing local art in all its stunning glory. Three or four times a year the Gallery Manager Chris Christian, who also runs Cayman Traditional Arts, an entity that promotes and enhances local arts and crafts, curates a new art exhibition, wowing all who view it. Best of all, the exhibitions stay up until the next exhibition is produced, thereby creating a constant, wonderful artistic experience for guests of the Resort.
Focusing solely on the work of local artists, the exhibitions usually feature work created by around ten to twenty artists, often with a highlighted artist for that particular exhibition. They always include a good mix of professional artists, amateurs who paint and draw just for fun and also often new, up and coming artists looking to break into the art scene.
A dynamic blend
The artistic interpretations are as incredibly diverse as the artists themselves, a true reflection of the dynamic blend of nationalities who call Cayman home. By way of example, frequently exhibiting artists include Avril Ward who originally hails from South Africa, an accomplished professional painter and sculptor, Caymanian artists, husband and wife Nasaria Suckoo Chollette and Randy Chollette, who produce hauntingly beautiful artwork that always includes a deep message and C.E. Whitney, who originally comes from Canada, and who is an expert in creating beautiful seascapes and still life work. In addition, they feature local photographers such as internationally renowned Cathy Church whose underwater photography has a world wide fan base.
Cayman Traditional Arts also runs children’s camps throughout the year, at summer, Easter and so on, and The Gallery at The Ritz-Carlton becomes an ideal location for showcasing the artwork of what youngsters have learnt during their time at camp. It is a treat to see the youngsters standing alongside their artwork on opening night, understandably proud of the fact that they are exhibiting their artwork at such a prestigious location.
Artwork can be purchased from The Gallery at the Ritz-Carlton and Gallery Manager Chris prides himself on offering a bespoke service for clients, working closely with them to ensure their precious new piece of art is safely transported home, whether that is locally or overseas. So if you are looking to take a piece of the Cayman Islands back home with you, stop by The Gallery at The Ritz-Carlton and find some artwork that speaks to you. You will be spoilt for choice, we promise.