Art@Governors 2006 - ‘Design Excites’

Some of the past artists whose work has been
displayed at Art@Governors

Friday,  January 27, 2006

This year Art@Governors, the Cayman Islands’ most prestigious annual visual arts event, held in the grounds of Government House, promises to be more spectacular than ever, with the work of over one hundred artists on display. 

Art@Governors, which is organised each year by the National Gallery, does much more than feature the work of artists. The artists are actually present to demonstrate and talk about their work, which covers such diverse media as painting, ceramics, sculpture, leatherwork, thatch work, quilting, and photography. 

The performing arts, such as interpretive dance and music, are also represented at the exhibition.

This will be the first year that the Governor, H.E Stuart Jack, and his wife Mariko Jack, will be hosting the event. Both Mr and Mrs Jack are known to be art enthusiasts. Mr Jack said: 

“I am looking forward to seeing all the works of art on display. I have heard so much about this event.” Mr Jack went on to say that he felt it was encouraging for amateur artists’ work to be shown alongside that of professionals. 

Mrs Jack said that she was looking forward to the exhibition too, and explained that she practices a traditional kind of monochromatic Japanese art, involving the application of black ink.

Nancy Barnard, Director of the National Gallery, explained the choice of this year’s theme for the exhibition, ‘Design Excites.’

“So much of what we experience is through the design talents of interior designers, architects, landscape Architects, graphic designers, product and fashion designers. 

“We have also been so busy during the past year in the Cayman Islands, re-designing our living and working environments, as we rebuild. 

“It is time to pay attention to the exciting design arts in these Islands, and worldwide.”

Art@Governors provides a good opportunity for participating artists to interact with, and learn from, fellow artists, and for them to critique one another’s work.

The event also encourages the ‘emergence’ of people who may not consider themselves to be artists -- many artists who now show their work began when they came to Art@Governors.

The National Gallery’s ‘Featured Artist’ this year is Kansas City based metal-smith, Robyn Nichols who specializes in working in silver and whose designs are inspired from the natural world, and from her background in horticulture.

There are always many activities specially aimed at children at Art@Governors. This year, several local businesses involved in home design have got together to provide materials so that children can design their own miniature houses or rooms. 

The companies are supplying building materials, ceramic tiles and fabrics for the children to make their own work of art to keep. 

Art@Governors is free and open to the public from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. For more information about Art@Governors, please contact the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands at 945-8111 or by e-mailing assistant.ng@candw.ky 

christopher@caymannetnews.com

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