From finger painting and a giant paint by numbers to making Valentine’s Day cards, colouring and an exciting sand sculpting competition, the National Gallery’s Celebration of Art event on Saturday, 10 February promises to entertain and delight kids of all ages and teach them that art is indeed everywhere and that it’s for them too.

The Kids Zone will be fully staffed and jam packed with fun activities for kids age 10 and under such as bouncing castles, carousels, face painting and arts and craft projects. However, the highlight of the kids’ celebration is expected to be the sand sculpting competition, which will take place on site at Pageant Beach, a natural artist’s palette.
All children age 4 to 10 will have a chance to explore their artistic side using one of nature’s gifts: sand. The little sculptors will be provided with buckets and spades.

The competition will be broken down into three 90-minute sessions, beginning at 11:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm. Up for grabs will be first, second and third prizes in each session.

“Pageant Beach is the perfect location for sand sculpting,” said National Gallery’s Financial & Operations Officer Anne Goulden, who is coordinating the contest. “Sand is nature’s tool. It is clean, and it is a recognised means for children to develop their artistic skills.”

Parents can register their children on the day of the event. Volunteers are also needed to help with the sand sculpting competition and other elements of Celebration of Art. Interested persons can call the National Gallery’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Woodford at 945-8111 for more information.

The theme for the Celebration of Art event is “Art is for everyone!” Attendees young and old alike can see and interact with art in the following categories:
• Fine art which will include sculptures, paintings, carvings and other pieces all created by local artists and available for purchase;
• Gift art which will include making Valentine’s Day cards, candles and soaps;
• Film and Photography which will feature the work of local photographers, videographers and budding filmmakers;
• Culinary art which will include cake decorating, ice sculpting and decorating with fruit and vegetables;
• Design art which will include interior, graphics and landscaping design;
• Funky art which will include jewellery making, tie-dying, nail art and henna tattooing; and
• Heritage art which will include traditional Caymanian art forms such as basket weaving, kite-making and thatch making;

Free babysitting for children 6 months to 8 years old will be available and local and international food will be on sale.

In addition, numerous bands and dance troupes will be performing throughout the day and there will also be a fashion show. Island Boy Gil and Jules from HOT 104.1 FM ‘s morning show will serve as Masters of Ceremonies.

Celebration of Art is longtime Cayman resident and National Gallery patron Sue Olde’s contribution to the huge fundraising campaign being carried out by the Gallery to raise funds for the new building whose construction began in November.

Admission to Celebration of Art is free and complimentary bus transportation will be provided to and from all districts. For more information, contact organizers Kelly Holding at 623.8822 or email info@KellyHolding.com.