Celebration of Art, the National Gallery’s upcoming extravaganza on Saturday, 10 February, will highlight all things art, including Cayman’s own traditional art forms such as gig spinning, thatch weaving and kite making.

Spearheading the Heritage Art section of the event will be local company Cayman Traditional Arts (CTA), owned and operated by Christopher and Trina Christian. CTA has become a staple at local events where organisers want to give attendees a taste of Cayman culture. Visitors to the heritage art area will be able to see and interact with authentic various Caymanian crafts and heritage activities including rope making, cooking fritters over the old caboose, gig spinning, thatch weaving, traditional grating and kite-making. Vendors will also be selling gigs, thatch products, graters (mini), local heavy cakes, local jams, mini catboats and other traditional Caymanian craft.

Cayman Traditional Arts was inspired by Christopher Christian’s grandmother, the late Mrs. Ellen Powery. Christopher, an accomplished native artist and Trina, founders of CTA, have taken the traditions and rituals that were once a way of life to Caymanians, and organised classes that allow for these trades and teachings to be passed on.

The Christians’ venture into Cayman’s traditional arts, crafts and culture began with visitors to their guesthouse experiencing the local traditions, tasting, and then wanting to learn more about Caymanian heritage, and it how to prepare local dishes and has evolved to include requests from residents and tourists alike who want to learn more about Caymanian culture. Formal classes were formed, taught by Cayman’s best native tradespersons, and from these classes, CTA has grown into what is now an organisation offering the public and private sector a true taste of authentic Caymanian heritage for any occasion. CTA has showcased its demonstrations, displays and traditional crafts, trades and art at such venues as Pedro St. James, the Jazz Fest, the recent Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and numerous private sector events.

“Any event which celebrates art would not be complete without Cayman Traditional Arts,” said Nancy Barnard, Director of the National Gallery. “Chris and Trina do an amazing job of pulling together all of our talented Caymanian heritage artists and craftspeople to present an authentic Caymanian product that educates people about the many traditions, customs, rituals and pastimes that embody our history and culture, many of which, sadly, are becoming obsolete. A visit to the Heritage Art area is going to be step back into Cayman’s rich cultural legacy, a journey to the islands that time once forgot. I look forward to seeing what CTA has in store for us all.”

Other exhibitions areas at the Celebration of Art event are:
• 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; and
• Funky art which will include jewellery making, tie-dying, nail art and henna tattooing.

There will also be a special area created for infants that will be fully staffed, and a Kids Zone featuring bouncing castles, a carousel and other arts and craft activities. 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 – including the Trade Winds, Sea n B, Barnes Dance Academy, Impulz, Coco Red, In Transit, Gone Country, North Side Kitchen Band and Heat – 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.