The National Gallery is on a mission to build a first-rate home for visual arts in the Cayman Islands, and now the public has an opportunity to contribute to the massive capital fundraising campaign by purchasing an engraved brick or paving stone to adorn the grounds of the new centre.

The bricks and stones are available for a donation to the National Gallery of CI$250 or CI$500 depending on size, and can include either a name or the names and dates (if applicable) of someone that the donor wishes to recognize. The stone sizes vary according to the number of characters or lines required, and purchasers can choose from one of seven different fonts in which to have their stones engraved.

“We are very excited about our Name-A-Brick programme,” said National Gallery Director Nancy Barnard. “This is a great way for our wonderful patrons and supporters to own a piece of the new building. The new National Gallery centre belongs to the Cayman community and this particular fundraiser presents an excellent opportunity for individuals and businesses in the community to establish a permanent memorial of their generous contribution to, and support of art and culture in the Cayman Islands”.

Other areas to which people can contribute for the new building include sculptural benches, outdoor seating and the planting of large trees on the grounds of the Gallery.

More information about the Name-A-Brick programme, including purchase forms, will be available at the National Gallery’s Celebration of Art which takes place on Saturday, 10 February at Pageant Beach from 10am to 6pm. This event is longtime Cayman resident and National Gallery patron Sue Olde’s contribution to the Gallery’s fundraising efforts, and aims to celebrate art in all its forms, from fine art, gift art and film and photography to culinary art, design art and funky art. Visitors to the Celebration of Art event will be able to have a very interactive experience with these various art disciplines.

Admission to the Celebration is free but attendees will have a unique chance to demonstrate their artistic skills while making a small donation to the National Gallery. For just $25 or $50 participants can paint their names on a piece of ceramic tile which will make up an exterior wall mural at the new National Gallery building. The painting will be done on site when the tile is purchased.

Other elements of the Celebration of Art include 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.

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.