Walkers art clubs end-of-year student exhibition at NGCI – A Kaleidoscope of Art!

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) and Walkers are pleased to host a vibrant exhibition of student artwork from six Walkers Art Clubs. Benefiting approximately 120 students each week, the NGCI afterschool clubs, which are kindly sponsored by Walkers, include pre-schoolers, primary school students, secondary school students, students from 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 they have been working on.

The exhibition titled Kaleidoscope, which will be held in the Dart Auditorium Community Gallery at NGCI, has been curated by NGCI Deutsche Bank Intern, Lyle Anderton. The exhibition consists of over 50 artworks and showcases a cross-section of styles including drawing, printmaking, painting, assemblage art and batik. Mr Mark Lewis, Senior Partner at Walkers, says; “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 afterschool programming in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. 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.”

Walkers has partnered with the National Gallery to provided free creative afterschool programming since 2005. Now it the tenth year, the Walkers Art Club is a well-established programme and continues to enjoy an excellent reputation throughout the islands, remaining in high demand amongst children and parents. Walkers Art Club parent Darlene Corkish explains, “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 Mr Kerwin Ebanks adds, “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 on group projects which connect participants to one another across socio-cultural divides and encourage 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,” says Mr Ebanks.

The exhibition Kaleidoscope opens to the public on 8 June and runs until the 20 June 2015. A special opening reception will be held on the 9 June from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM. All are welcome to attend, and admission to the opening reception and exhibition is free of charge. For more information about the Walkers Art Clubs please contact the National Gallery at (345) 945 8111 or email [email protected].