Cayman Islands culture hits Chicago with renowed Native Sons exhibition

Native Son's artist Luelan Bodden explains to the Hon 
McKeeva Bush and Mike Adam, CEO Cayman Airways, 
the intricate details that have gone into the creation of 
his paintings and sculptures

The National Gallery's Acting Director, Nancy Barnard 
and artists, Luelan Bodden and Horatio Estaban educate 
and enlighten the enthused audience of third-graders 
at Chicago's South Loop Elementary as part of the 
famed Native Son's exhibit in Chicago

Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Members of the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism and representatives from Cayman Airways in Chicago took part in a number of events recently to promote the inaugural Cayman Airways' direct service from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Grand Cayman. 

A formal ribbon cutting ceremony at O'Hare and the renowned Native Son's exhibit at Chicago's Griffin Gallery were highlights of the weeklong festivities, both of which were hosted by the Hon McKeeva Bush, Leader of Government Business and Minister of Tourism.

The art exhibit, organised by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, at the Griffin Gallery featured the work of four Caymanian artists. Coming from diverse artistic backgrounds, Wray Banker, Al Ebanks, Luelan Bodden, and Horatio Estaban presented their work to the Chicago land elite. 

"We are very proud of our Native Sons. Their work represents Cayman's tradition, culture and fortitude and to be displayed on a stage such as Chicago brings great honour to the Cayman Islands," stated the Hon McKeeva Bush.

During the art show, guests from the Cayman Islands and select members of the Chicago community enjoyed a cocktail reception and vied for free tickets to Grand Cayman via Cayman Airways' new service. Caymanian tradition and ethnicity mixed with Chicago's scenic holiday spirit and presence provided a unique blend of cultures that exemplified the importance of the week's events.

Capping off the week, the Native Sons received special invitations to a Chicago elementary school and a rehabilitation clinic to educate and enlighten Chicago's children and less fortunate adults on Caymanian art and the Island's distinctive culture. 

The National Gallery's Acting Director, Nancy Barnard escorted the artists through Chicago's snowy weather to the inner-city establishments where audiences young and old interacted with the artists as their work was displayed for the crowd. 

Fourth-grader, Joseph Williamson exemplified the intent of the visits best when he got up in front of the South Loop Elementary auditorium in front of his teachers and classmates and announced, "I never knew about the Cayman Islands before but it sounds like a cool place to live and make beautiful art".

In the past three decades, Chicago has emerged as an important market to the Cayman Islands. Consistently ranking in the top five US cities for visitor arrivals to the Cayman Islands, 'Windy City' guests are travellers who indulge in Cayman's meeting and incentive programmes, appreciate its unique appeal for weddings and romantic getaways, and who take advantage of the wide array of family vacation options. Now with Cayman Airways' new direct service, Cayman will further strengthen its relationship with the city and its people.

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