Two young Caymanians who took part in the first Cayman Mangrove Festival art show were selected to feature in the 2T022 International Children’s Mangrove Art Calendar organized by the Mangrove Action Project (MAP).

Arshiya Anuji and Shrubbhavi Choudhary, both aged 7, from Montessori by the Sea school were selected from entries from all over the world sent to MAP for the 20th anniversary calendar. Their artwork, depicting Cayman’s mangroves and Grand Cayman’s various districts, was chosen for the month of December and is featured alongside student art from 12 other countries ranging from Bangladesh to Russia to Malaysia.

The girls were very excited to learn that children all over the world were going to see their artwork. They had learned that mangroves provide storm and flood protection and how they fit into the marine ecosystem. They were also excited to see the Hickatees and Whistling Ducks at the Governor Gore Bird Sanctuary, where they were presented with copies of the calendars and participation certificates by the Cayman Islands Mangrove Rangers.

Mangrove Education Project (MEP) executive director Martin Keeley explained that this was a particularly special calendar to be featured in, as it marks the 20th year that the children’s international calendar has been published and distributed world-wide.

“I have been involved in the competition since I started working with MAP over 20 years ago,” Keeley said. “And this is the first time art from Cayman’s students has been included. We are proud to see Cayman’s youth recognized for their interest in the islands wetlands.”

Selecting the featured art was not an easy process, Keeley said, as there were so many wonderful submissions. The Rangers plan to publish one art piece from the arts festival every month of 2022.

IMAGES: Kayla Young.