Outreach students display artwork at National Gallery
Matthew Ebanks with some of his artwork
(CNS): The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is presenting more than 70 works of art by the students who have participated in the NGCI outreach programmes this year.
NGCI Deutsche Bank intern Lyle Anderton, who curated the exhibition, explained the idea behind the display. “I decided to call the exhibition Horizons because it reaffirms the idea of the NGCI outreach programmes which aim to expand the creative and artistic horizons of the participants who may be struggling with varying degrees of challenges,” he said.
These programmes cater to a wide variety of community groups, ages and artistic levels. Art classes are held at the National Gallery where possible and NGCI instructors also go out into the community to lead projects. Classes encourage the discovery of new skills and development of abilities through experimentation, and apply concepts of art therapy where appropriate.
Man’s Dominion by Art Haven participant from Northward
The exhibition, which represents the work of more than 55 students, runs until 2 July 2015 in the NGCI Dart Auditorium/Community Gallery. NGCI outreach programmes include Art Haven (for Caribbean Haven, HMP Northward, HMP Fairbanks, and HMP Northward juveniles), taught by Joseph Betty and sponsored by Lori Monk and Kevin Butler; two classes sponsored by Ernst & Young — EY’s Art Talk for people aged 50 and over, taught by Kerwin Ebanks and EY’s Meet Me held in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac for residents of rest homes — taught by Ebanks and Simone Scott; and Sunrise Art Club for adults with disabilities, taught by Meegan Ebanks.
NGCI education coordinator and outreach instructor Kerwin Ebanks explained the importance of the programmes. “Outreach is a vital link for people in the community who may not be able to attend public NGCI programmes, such as children with disabilities, young offenders, senior citizens, elderly people suffering from Alzheimer’s and ordinary people struggling to free themselves from drug addiction,” he said.
“These outreach classes account for a large portion of the National Gallery’s annual output and are made possible at no cost through the generosity of donors and sponsors.”
Curator Lyle Anderton with Horizons exhibition
In addition to the main display, curator Anderton is exhibiting work in the hallway gallery that leads to the Susan A. Olde Art Studio. The satellite exhibition, titled Artiversary, by Lighthouse graduate and Special Olympics athlete Matthew Ebanks, showcases 11 works of art done in coloured pencil. This exhibition also runs until 2 July.
The artist said, “I like that I have the chance to show the world my artwork. I hope that my friends, family and ministers show up to see the work.”
He added, “I like to share a story and to paint or draw whatever makes me feel comfortable and makes me feel good. When people see my work, like it and hang it in their homes it makes me feel warm.”
A recent graduate of the NGCI Walkers Art Club Lighthouse for young adults with disabilities and learning difficulties, Ebanks developed his passion for art from his grandmother. He is a long-term volunteer at the National Gallery and assists the outreach department every week.
For more information about NGCI outreach programmes call 945-8111 or email the National Gallery.
Category: Uncategorised
