Celebrate art at Chalkfest in Cayman Islands

Camana Bay Transforms into Larger-Than-Life Art Exhibit

Camana Bay, Grand Cayman (Wednesday, 5 April 2016): Artists and families looking for something fun to do over the long Easter weekend can create chalk art masterpieces on the streets of Camana Bay’s Town Centre for the 14th annual Chalkfest competition on Saturday, 15 April from 10am to 1pm on Market Street.

The competition is open to artists of all ages and abilities. Register on the day at Chalk Central, located at the junction of Market Street and The Paseo. The cost is CI$5 for kids and CI$10 for adults (18+) with exciting prizes to be won in different age categories – proceeds benefit The National Gallery’s Outreach Programme. Last year, CI$750 was raised for this non-profit organisation.

Even if you cannot draw a stick figure, this Easter-themed festival has something fun for everyone. Visitors can watch artists in action and enjoy free festivities, including lively music by radio station BOB FM, entertaining games and a special Story Time hosted by Books & Books and Cayman Music School from 10:30am. There will also be balloon animals available as a take-home gift.

Visitors can also escape the heat in the Bunny Burrow, which is a space located next to Bay Market. There will be opportunities to meet the Easter Bunny there and take playful keepsake photos with an interactive photobooth.

Local artists Pascal Pernix, Shilpa Tagalpallewar, Monte Thornton and others plan to showcase their talent for the cause and some will also create fun backdrops for visitors to take creative photos. Imagine standing in front of a chalkboard with colourfully drawn wings, making you look mystical.

This year, younger artists aged five and under can enjoy a bunny-drawing workshop at 11am and will have a dedicated doodle area. The Cayman Chalk Car will be at the event, this car is covered in chalk paint and everyone is invited to draw on it.

The artsy events continue with an Artisans Market located between West Indies Wine Company and Island Company. There will be face painting by Monica Powery from Young@Art and henna tattoos by Shilpa Tagalpallewar – all offerings available at a cost. There will also be an array of food options and sweet treats available to fuel creative minds.

Background:
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands started Chalkfest in 2003 as a part of Cayfest – a festival that showcases Cayman’s finest creative talent. Camana Bay, recognising the need for and beauty of art in our community, has been a sponsor of Chalkfest since 2008. In 2011, the National Gallery approached Camana Bay about taking over and growing the event for the future and it continues to be a beloved annual tradition enjoyed by artists of all ages and skill levels.

To keep up to date with the latest happenings at Camana Bay, like Camana Bay on Facebook and follow @CamanaBay on Twitter and @Camana_Bay on Instagram.