Weekly News From the National Gallery
As you may know, we have had some recent changes to the National Gallery team. We are saddened to say goodbye to a dear friend and welcome two new promotions as well as new member of staff. We hope you will join us in wishing Lesley Arthur all the best with her adventures, and in welcoming our newest member of staff, Debra Illes-Walters.
I
n other news, registration is now open for the brand new workshop with the talented seascape artist Christel Ibsen and we are please to report that this term’s Cine Club has been a tremendous success so far! If you are interested in any of these programmes be sure to get in touch with us at the National Gallery.
Bon Voyage Lesley!
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Lesley Arthur for her unwavering commitment to the NGCI, initially as a volunteer, and later as a member of the Gallery’s senior management team. You will be greatly missed by all of us.
Lesley arrived at a time when the NGCI was in transition, growing rapidly in stature and reach. There is no doubt that the National Gallery in 2014 is an organization to be proud of. Her energy and dedication have played a critical role in this development and her work will have a longstanding reach. Wishing Lesley all the best in her upcoming adventures!
Photo Caption: Artwork photographed above by David Bridgeman
Congratulations Ivanna and Meegan!
Please also join us in congratulating Meegan Ebanks, our Events Coordinator, and Ivanna Powery, now Senior Office Assistant, who have both been promoted for their efforts over the past few months and will subsequently take on increased responsibilities in their areas. Congrats ladies!
Welcome Debra!
We would like to officially welcome Debra Illes-Walters to the NGCI team as our new Operations and Facilities Manager. Debra has previously worked in the museum field in the US as the Executive Director of both the History of Diving Museum and the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, and prior to that in museum retail. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the areas of retail, programming, development and general administration. As you will agree Debra’s experience will be of great benefit to the NGCI and we are delighted to have her with us.
Cayman Arts Festival Presents
Fringe Event: Our Story of Art & Gypsy Jazz Guitar
The National Gallery is pleased to collaborate once more with the Cayman Arts Festival to present, as part of this year’s Fringe Events, an evening of art and music. Join us 12 February 2014, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a walk through of the exhibition Our Story of Art alongside a short talk and performance by Yorgui Loeffler’s unique gypsy jazz quartet.
Officially, “gypsy jazz” is the only recognised branch of jazz which was not born on the American continent. Yorgui Loeffler (b 1979) of Manouche origin (gypsy from Northern Europe) or Sinti, is a gifted self-taught guitarist belonging to the new generation of gypsy jazz which offers a very personal and sensitive interpretation of the great masters’ music. Whilst sometimes tinged with latin or bossa influence, and also close to the Alsatian school (Tchavolo Schmitt, Bireli Lagrène, etc.), Yorgui’s style remains swift and precise. Yorgui developed his phrasing and technique to display his emotional and musical virtuosity. His left hand and his sense of the “pompe” (gypsy rhythmic) is admired by experts worldwide.
Our Story of Art is an exhibition that celebrates the development of fine art in the Cayman Islands. Works from over fifty artists have been drawn together from public and private collections and accompanied by text that anchors our artistic development within the wider history of modern Cayman. This is the first fully comprehensive exhibition of Cayman’s art history to be hosted by the National Gallery.
We hope you can take advantage of this unique opportunity to view the National Gallery’s current exhibition after-hours with accompaniment by the world-class music and entertainment presented by Cayman Arts Festival.
Cine Club | Upcoming film
Monday 10 February, Run Lola Run. 1998. 80 min. German.
Starring Franka Potente and Moritz Bleibtreu
7:00 PM in the Dart Auditorium
Fees are $50 for 6 meetings ($40 NGCI members)
$10 drop-in per session($8 members)
FILM EXHIBITION: Modern European Cinema – popular and award winning films from across Europe. 13 January – 24 March.
Showtimes every other Monday.
Did you know? The colours red (Lola’s hair, numerous cars, telephone) and yellow (the phone box, supermarket, tram) appear very often in the film. These colors were selected by the director to signify danger. The reds are mainly in Lola’s scenes and yellows in Manni’s. The film was nominated for 41 awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Film not in the English Language. It won 26.
For more information about Cine Club click here.
Registration Now Open Two Day Workshop
Seascapes, Cayman style
Taught by Christel Ibsen assisted by Judy Mir
15 and 16 March 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Class limited to 12, $180 ($162 for members)
Registration closes 7 March or when class is full.
Many thanks to Christel and Judy for kindly donating the workshop fees to NGCI.
Join us for this rare opportunity to work with an artist and learn her secrets! At this workshop, Christel will teach you the techniques she uses to create multi-layered, textured paintings using mixed media, acrylic and oil.
The workshop will explore how the spectrum of light and contrasting hues are the most important factors to consider when attempting to capture the glorious colour and texture of the Caribbean waters and the Cayman beaches. Students will create a seascape by exploring reflection and the effect of light flickering on the water, creating life on a blank canvas.
For more information about this workshop email [email protected].
Outreach Programmes
Lighthouse Art Club
with Joseph Betty Every Thursday 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
(No class on 6 March)
Art Talk for seniors and their family
with Kieshona Brown Every other Thursday 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Admission free, all welcome!
For more information on our outreach programmes email [email protected].
Kids and Families
Pre-schoolers and Parents
with Kieshona Brown Every Friday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Admission free, drop-in, all welcome!
Family Fun
with Kieshona Brown Every Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
$5 per child or free with NGCI Family Members, drop-in (first come first served), for children and families!
For more information on our youth educational programmes email [email protected].
In the Brac…
Live Studio Night with Monte Lee Thornton
Sponsored By Coldwell Banker
Every Monday 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Cayman Brac,Coldwell Banker Office.
Outdoor Painting with Simone Scott
4th Saturday of the month 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Beach west of Divi Tiara abandoned Timeshares, South Side
Free for residents (visitors: $10 includes use of supplies)
Both residents and visitors can attend this open-air class
and record their contemporary experiences and the beauty
of the island.
Art for the Elderly with Simone Scott
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Kirkconnell Community Care Centre
Free for residents (incl. use of supplies)
This class is designed to allow people who live in rest homes to engage with art.
Sponsored by Ernst & Young.
For more information on our Cayman Brac programmes and events contact: Simone Scott Tel: (345) 917 7718 or email
Volunteer with us!
Thank you to everyone who signed up to volunteer in 2014! There are a couple more volunteer positions to fill. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, meet new friends, learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. If you’re interested in volunteering at the National Gallery please send us an email or give us a call on (345) 945 8111. We would love to hear from you.
Opportunity of the week!
Volunteer Event Coordinator: Community Projects
Tasks involve: Working with NGCI staff to coordinate community projects such as The Big Draw art festival and the upcoming 2015 art fair. This involves a 3-4 hour commitment per week and assistance at community events. Volunteer work leading up to community events can be done at the Gallery during our office hours or from home.
VISIT US!
GALLERY HOURS
Monday to Friday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sundays and Public Holidays Closed
Thank you Corporate Members!
Purchase NGCI Memberships for 2014…
2014 promises to be an exciting year for the National Gallery. The Gallery has seen some 17,800+ visitors in 2013 including young and old, locals and tourists. As you know, the Gallery offers a Permanent Collection Exhibition, a temporary exhibition space, an education centre including an auditorium, an arts library and a fully equipped art studio, all within beautifully landscaped grounds in a fabulous location. Your membership enables us to continue with our busy exhibition schedule, education and outreach programming, and gives you the opportunity to be a part of and enjoy this wonderful cultural facility.
To renew your Gallery Membership or to purchase a gift membership stop by or give us a call on
(345) 945 8111.
School Tours
Schools can now book a tour for the new exhibition Our Story of Art. NGCI Active Learning Sessions are also available. These sessions explore the National Collection of art and covers different areas of the National Curriculum.
Both of these programmes are FREE for local schools, but must be booked in advance.
Group Visits
The National Gallery welcomes group visits. Contact us in advance to organise a guided tour or educational package. For more information on group tours click here.
Gallery Gift Shop
Kids Art Guide – What is contemporary Art?
$25
The Gift Shop is located in the National Gallery’s lower exhibition hall. Proceeds from the Gallery Gift Shop help to fund our exhibitions and education programmes.
Public Art – Sculpture Competition
The judging period. The judging period is now in the process and will be finished on 14 February.The winner will be announced 13 March 2014 at the opening of the Public Art – Sculpture Competition exhibition a showcase of finalists’ projects held in the National Gallery Dart Auditorium and Community Gallery. Invitations to follow.
Maples Art Library
Building a new home, or thinking about updating your tired abode?
Stop by the NGCI Library, and browse through our collection of interior design, landscape design, and architecture books.
Featured Book: Interior Design by John F. Pile Considered by many to be the quintessential introduction to interior design as it is practiced today.
This book is packed with over 750 photographs and diagrams to help illustrate the history, materials, elements, and social responsibility of Interior design.
Opportunities for artists at the National Gallery…
In February/March 2014 the National Gallery will be hosting a call out for anyone who is interested in selling items in the Gallery Gift Shop. Details to follow soon!
CONTACT US | VISITING INFO | SHOP | VENUE RENTAL
Our Story of Art | 14 Nov 2013 – 13 Mar 2014 | A Survey of Cayman Islands Art History
Exhibition kindly sponsored by Susan A. Olde, OBE
Artwork (detail) by Aston Ebanks
Love Art?
Donate today!
VISIT US!
GALLERY HOURS
Monday to Friday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sundays and Public Holidays Closed
Thank you Corporate Members!
Click here for Corporate Membership Inquiries.
Purchase NGCI Memberships for 2014…
2014 promises to be an exciting year for the National Gallery. The Gallery has seen some 17,800+ visitors in 2013 including young and old, locals and tourists. As you know, the Gallery offers a Permanent Collection Exhibition, a temporary exhibition space, an education centre including an auditorium, an arts library and a fully equipped art studio, all within beautifully landscaped grounds in a fabulous location. Your membership enables us to continue with our busy exhibition schedule, education and outreach programming, and gives you the opportunity to be a part of and enjoy this wonderful cultural facility.
To renew your Gallery Membership or to purchase a gift membership stop by or give us a call on
(345) 945 8111.
School Tours
Schools can now book a tour for the new exhibition Our Story of Art. NGCI Active Learning Sessions are also available. These sessions explore the National Collection of art and covers different areas of the National Curriculum.
Both of these programmes are FREE for local schools, but must be booked in advance.
Group Visits
The National Gallery welcomes group visits. Contact us in advance to organise a guided tour or educational package. For more information on group tours click here.
Gallery Gift Shop
Kids Art Guide – What is contemporary Art?
$25
The Gift Shop is located in the National Gallery’s lower exhibition hall. Proceeds from the Gallery Gift Shop help to fund our exhibitions and education programmes.
Public Art – Sculpture Competition
The judging period. The judging period is now in the process and will be finished on 14 February.The winner will be announced 13 March 2014 at the opening of the Public Art – Sculpture Competition exhibition a showcase of finalists’ projects held in the National Gallery Dart Auditorium and Community Gallery. Invitations to follow.
Maples Art Library
Building a new home, or thinking about updating your tired abode?
Stop by the NGCI Library, and browse through our collection of interior design, landscape design, and architecture books.
Featured Book: Interior Design by John F. Pile Considered by many to be the quintessential introduction to interior design as it is practiced today.
This book is packed with over 750 photographs and diagrams to help illustrate the history, materials, elements, and social responsibility of Interior design.
Opportunities for artists at the National Gallery…
In February/March 2014 the National Gallery will be hosting a call out for anyone who is interested in selling items in the Gallery Gift Shop. Details to follow soon!
Have you been to the Gallery recently? Why not share your visit on TripAdvisor…
As you may know, we have had some recent changes to the National Gallery team. We are saddened to say goodbye to a dear friend and welcome two new promotions as well as new member of staff. We hope you will join us in wishing Lesley Arthur all the best with her adventures, and in welcoming our newest member of staff, Debra Illes-Walters.
In other news, registration is now open for the brand new workshop with the talented seascape artist Christel Ibsen and we are please to report that this term’s Cine Club has been a tremendous success so far! If you are interested in any of these programmes be sure to get in touch with us at the National Gallery.
Sincerely,
Natalie Urquhart
Director, National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Bon Voyage Lesley!
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Lesley Arthur for her unwavering commitment to the NGCI, initially as a volunteer, and later as a member of the Gallery’s senior management team. You will be greatly missed by all of us.
Lesley arrived at a time when the NGCI was in transition, growing rapidly in stature and reach. There is no doubt that the National Gallery in 2014 is an organization to be proud of. Her energy and dedication have played a critical role in this development and her work will have a longstanding reach. Wishing Lesley all the best in her upcoming adventures!
Photo Caption: Artwork photographed above by David Bridgeman
Congratulations Ivanna and Meegan!
Please also join us in congratulating Meegan Ebanks, our Events Coordinator, and Ivanna Powery, now Senior Office Assistant, who have both been promoted for their efforts over the past few months and will subsequently take on increased responsibilities in their areas. Congrats ladies!
Welcome Debra!
We would like to officially welcome Debra Illes-Walters to the NGCI team as our new Operations and Facilities Manager. Debra has previously worked in the museum field in the US as the Executive Director of both the History of Diving Museum and the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation, and prior to that in museum retail. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the areas of retail, programming, development and general administration. As you will agree Debra’s experience will be of great benefit to the NGCI and we are delighted to have her with us.
Cayman Arts Festival Presents
Fringe Event: Our Story of Art & Gypsy Jazz Guitar
The National Gallery is pleased to collaborate once more with the Cayman Arts Festival to present, as part of this year’s Fringe Events, an evening of art and music. Join us 12 February 2014, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a walk through of the exhibition Our Story of Art alongside a short talk and performance by Yorgui Loeffler’s unique gypsy jazz quartet.
Officially, “gypsy jazz” is the only recognised branch of jazz which was not born on the American continent. Yorgui Loeffler (b 1979) of Manouche origin (gypsy from Northern Europe) or Sinti, is a gifted self-taught guitarist belonging to the new generation of gypsy jazz which offers a very personal and sensitive interpretation of the great masters’ music. Whilst sometimes tinged with latin or bossa influence, and also close to the Alsatian school (Tchavolo Schmitt, Bireli Lagrène, etc.), Yorgui’s style remains swift and precise. Yorgui developed his phrasing and technique to display his emotional and musical virtuosity. His left hand and his sense of the “pompe” (gypsy rhythmic) is admired by experts worldwide.
Our Story of Art is an exhibition that celebrates the development of fine art in the Cayman Islands. Works from over fifty artists have been drawn together from public and private collections and accompanied by text that anchors our artistic development within the wider history of modern Cayman. This is the first fully comprehensive exhibition of Cayman’s art history to be hosted by the National Gallery.
We hope you can take advantage of this unique opportunity to view the National Gallery’s current exhibition after-hours with accompaniment by the world-class music and entertainment presented by Cayman Arts Festival.
Cine Club | Upcoming film
Monday 10 February, Run Lola Run. 1998. 80 min. German.
Starring Franka Potente and Moritz Bleibtreu
7:00 PM in the Dart Auditorium
Fees are $50 for 6 meetings ($40 NGCI members)
$10 drop-in per session($8 members)
FILM EXHIBITION: Modern European Cinema – popular and award winning films from across Europe. 13 January – 24 March.
Showtimes every other Monday.
Did you know? The colours red (Lola’s hair, numerous cars, telephone) and yellow (the phone box, supermarket, tram) appear very often in the film. These colors were selected by the director to signify danger. The reds are mainly in Lola’s scenes and yellows in Manni’s. The film was nominated for 41 awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Film not in the English Language. It won 26.
For more information about Cine Club click here.
Registration Now Open Two Day Workshop
Seascapes, Cayman style
Taught by Christel Ibsen assisted by Judy Mir
15 and 16 March 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Class limited to 12, $180 ($162 for members)
Registration closes 7 March or when class is full.
Many thanks to Christel and Judy for kindly donating the workshop fees to NGCI.
Join us for this rare opportunity to work with an artist and learn her secrets! At this workshop, Christel will teach you the techniques she uses to create multi-layered, textured paintings using mixed media, acrylic and oil.
The workshop will explore how the spectrum of light and contrasting hues are the most important factors to consider when attempting to capture the glorious colour and texture of the Caribbean waters and the Cayman beaches. Students will create a seascape by exploring reflection and the effect of light flickering on the water, creating life on a blank canvas.
For more information about this workshop email [email protected].
Outreach Programmes
Lighthouse Art Club
with Joseph Betty Every Thursday 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
(No class on 6 March)
Art Talk for seniors and their family
with Kieshona Brown Every other Thursday 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Admission free, all welcome!
For more information on our outreach programmes email [email protected].
Kids and Families
Pre-schoolers and Parents
with Kieshona Brown Every Friday 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Admission free, drop-in, all welcome!
Family Fun
with Kieshona Brown Every Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
$5 per child or free with NGCI Family Members, drop-in (first come first served), for children and families!
For more information on our youth educational programmes email [email protected].
In the Brac…
Live Studio Night with Monte Lee Thornton
Sponsored By Coldwell Banker
Every Monday 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Cayman Brac,Coldwell Banker Office.
Outdoor Painting with Simone Scott
4th Saturday of the month 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Beach west of Divi Tiara abandoned Timeshares, South Side
Free for residents (visitors: $10 includes use of supplies)
Both residents and visitors can attend this open-air class and record their contemporary experiences and the beauty of the island.
Art for the Elderly with Simone Scott
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Kirkconnell Community Care Centre
Free for residents (incl. use of supplies)
This class is designed to allow people who live in rest homes to engage with art.
Sponsored by Ernst & Young.
For more information on our Cayman Brac programmes and events contact: Simone Scott Tel: (345) 917 7718 or email
Volunteer with us!
Thank you to everyone who signed up to volunteer in 2014! There are a couple more volunteer positions to fill. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, meet new friends, learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. If you’re interested in volunteering at the National Gallery please send us an email or give us a call on (345) 945 8111. We would love to hear from you.
Opportunity of the week!
Volunteer Event Coordinator: Community Projects
Tasks involve: Working with NGCI staff to coordinate community projects such as The Big Draw art festival and the upcoming 2015 art fair. This involves a 3-4 hour commitment per week and assistance at community events. Volunteer work leading up to community events can be done at the Gallery during our office hours or from home.
Community Events
(non-NGCI events)
The National Gallery seeks to “promote visual arts in and of the Cayman Islands”. Through this e-bulletin you can learn about other arts-related happenings in our community.
What’s Happening
Cayman Arts Festival 2014
6 – 15 February 2014
For festival information and tickets visit
www.caymanartsfestival.com
Cayman Heart Fund
Red Dress Cabaret Gala
Friday 7 February Marriott Ballroom
Contact [email protected] or call (345) 916 6324
Davinoff’s Concrete Sculpture Garden Workshop
Saturday morning, February 8th from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Located on the “Far Side,” 249 Old Robin Road
VAS Visual Music An art exhibition by the sea
Saturday 8 February 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 9 February 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Monday 10 February 2:00 PM – 8: PM
Pedro’s Castle For more information call (345) 546 9422 or
email [email protected]
CI Humane Society
Bargain Book Sale
All proceeds benefit the animals
22 February 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
AL Tompson parking lot
VAS
Painting Loose in Acrylics II
Well known UK artist and instructor Carole Baker returns to instruct Workshop II
February 2014
For details about this workshop email [email protected] or call (345) 546 9422
To the Edges of the World
Underwater and Land Photogallery
90 School Road George Town
Darvin Ebanks (345) 929 7181
Cayman Islands Craft Market (waterfront)
Come out and support our local artists.
Items on sale include prints and original pieces.
Please contact Cira Bush on (345) 929 4777
Opportunities
New Montessori By The Sea
Looking for creative, dynamic artists to
work with children for this year’s
live art auction!
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.mbts.ky
‘Red Sky at Night’ arts festival
Cayman National Cultural Foundation
1 March 2014
F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre
Contact: Lorna Bush / Rita Estevanovich
(345) 949 5477
Website: www.artscayman.org
‘Big Ole Looky Ya’ cultural festival
National Museum of the Cayman Islands
May & November 2014
National Museum, George Town
Contact: Maia Muttoo
(345) 949 8368
Website: www.museum.ky
Various events at the Visual Arts Society
Visual Arts Society of the Cayman Islands
The Watler House at Pedro’s Castle
Contact: Marry McCallum
(345) 327 0751
Website: www.visualartcayman.com
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed at non-National Gallery events are the artist(s)/organisations personal views/ideologies and do not necessarily reflect the views and ideology of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.
