An estimated 4000 people turned out on Saturday for the National Gallery’s Celebration of Art extravaganza which was jam-packed with lots of art and entertainment for all ages, tastes and artistic sensibilities.

Parents and kids turned out in droves to the FREE event held at Pageant Beach where they had the opportunity to paint pictures, tie-dye t-shirts, get henna tattooed, have their hair braided or a body part airbrushed, purchase art, jewellery, clothing, arts and crafts, make Valentine’s Day cards, jump in bouncing castles, learn how to make rope, spin gigs or weave baskets, hurl paint-filled balloons at a huge wall, make sidewalk art using colorful chalk and sculptures using sand, eat free cotton candy, popcorn and sno-cones, buy great local food, drinks and desserts, hear good music and become a member of the National Gallery, all courtesy of National Gallery patron Sue Olde, who funded the entire event.

“This was a great event!” said Inga Thompson. “I came for an hour to give my little girl Ashley something to do but I stayed for three hours because she was entertained, and my husband and I had fun looking around at all the arts on display and watching her having fun. The three of us also really enjoyed the entertainment at the event. Thanks Mrs. Olde!”

“This event was awesome!” Erna Parchman agreed. “I wish we could have something like this more often. I enjoyed it and so did my three and five year old children. It had something for everyone. Even if you are not an art person, you could still learn something about our heritage or you could enjoy the entertainment.”

Two stages provided non-stop entertainment throughout the day from local bands and dance groups sprinkled with hilarious running commentary by Masters of Ceremony Island Boy Gil and Jules from HOT 104.1 FM’s morning show and disco provided by DJ Ralph.

A highlight for parents was the free babysitting services provided at the event using the expertise of Best Home Care.

The National Gallery’s area was also very busy as staff members promoted the Gallery’s membership programme and provided other information about the Gallery and its projects. People also had the chance to look at the site plan for the new National Gallery building which is currently under construction and purchase a paving stone or brick to be placed on the site of the new centre.

“Celebration of Art was an excellent opportunity for people to be exposed to different types of art,” said Carol Bennett who attended the event with her two-year old daughter Kadie. “It also provided a positive event where parents and their children could spend time together. I hope this will become an annual occurrence.”

“We are absolutely thrilled with the way the day went,” said Nancy Barnard, Director of the National Gallery. “The overall atmosphere was one of relaxation for visitors, charged with the excitement of the artists. There was a real sense of communal activity and artistic discovery which is part of what we wanted to achieve.”

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.

For more information about the National Gallery call 945.8811 or log on to www.nationalgallery.org.ky.