National Gallery to showcase young artists
Premier Alden McLaughlin visits students creating at the Walkers Art Club
(CNS): An exhibition of artwork from students of all ages will open at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) on 8 June. More than 50 works of art created by students participating in the weekly Walkers Arts Clubs will comprise the exhibition, titled “Kaleidoscope,” which will run in the Dart Auditorium Community Gallery through 20 June.
Benefiting approximately 120 students each week, the free NGCI afterschool clubs, sponsored by Walkers, comprise pre-schoolers, primary and secondary school students from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, teens who are studying for their final exams, and young people with special needs.
As this school year draws to a close, students will present highlights from the many projects on which they have been working. Curated by NGCI Deutsche Bank intern Lyle Anderton, the exhibition showcases a cross-section of styles including drawing, printmaking, painting, assemblage art and batik.
Mark Lewis, senior partner at Walkers, spoke of the benefits of the club. “We are looking forward to seeing the array of artwork on display at the second annual Walkers Art Club Exhibition opening. Walkers Art Club plays a key role in filling the need for creative, engaging, and accessible after-school programming in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac,” he said.
“We are immensely proud of the programme, which enables students of different age groups from both public and private schools to meet and interact over art. Students learn new techniques, work in various medias and forge friendships at the same time. The remarkable talent of Cayman’s young artists is always inspiring.”
Kayla Jeffers shows off her artwork
Now in its 10th year, the Walkers Art Club continues to enjoy an excellent reputation throughout the islands, remaining in high demand amongst children and parents.
Darlene Corkish, whose child attends the club, said, “The Walkers Art Club is a fantastic programme that is a fun and focused way for our children to develop their artistic skills. It teaches them new techniques which challenge them and they look forward to the class each week.”
NGCI education coordinator Kerwin Ebanks added, “As we aim to develop talent and nurture creativity at the National Gallery, we look forward to watching students from the Walkers Art Clubs pursue further qualifications in the arts and to become our creative innovators of tomorrow.”
Through a combination of hands-on instruction and individual experimentation with art foundation principles, children learn techniques, art history, self-confidence and how to form and articulate opinions about the work they are creating.
In addition to individual art projects, students work collaboratively in groups which connects participants to one another across socio-cultural divides and encourages them to appreciate the unique abilities of their peers.
“We commend Walkers for their long-term commitment to this programme and are grateful for their ongoing support,” Ebanks said.
The public is invited to attend a special opening reception on 9 June from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Admission is free to both the reception and exhibition.
For more information about the Walkers Art Club, email the National Gallery or call the NGCI at 945-8111.
