MAY 30 2026 | CAYMAN COMPASS | Young artists celebrated

By Lynn Markoff

Cayman Art Week kicked off in style on Wednesday, 28 May, with two back-to-back events held at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.

The collector’s reception, hosted by National Gallery chairperson and founding patron of Cayman Art Week Susan A. Olde, was held on the upper level of the gallery. Guests were invited to view the permanent art collection while enjoying complimentary prosecco and canapes. Patrons, artists and friends of the gallery could meander through various sections of the collection to experience the works on display, which included traditional and contemporary crafts and works of contemporary art, realism and more.

Kay Smith, one of the artists whose studio will be open as part of Cayman Art Week’s East End bus tour, brought a sense of whimsy as she celebrated the kickoff, wearing a white dress dotted with round red Cayman Art Week decals that looked both elegant and arty. Other artists mingled with the crowd, sharing details of their upcoming shows.

Art came to life in different ways as the evening continued. Within an hour, the second event got underway, and even more people poured into the main gallery. Guests also enjoyed refreshments while taking in the works available in the current exhibit, Randy Chollette’s ‘Conversations in the 7th Dimension’. Chollette’s work included both familiar and new pieces, ranging from large installations, sculptures and oil paintings to sketches and other works. To add to the vibrancy of the evening, Chollette and other musicians performed in a drum circle outside.

More art as fashion could be viewed as some guests wore full suits designed by Al Ebanks, showcasing some of his signature abstract patterns.

EMERGING VOICES IN ART  

A key highlight was an exhibition showcasing 32 students’ works from across all three Islands, titled ‘Next Wave: Emerging Voices in Cayman Art’.

Olde, when asked about the event, said the boards of the Cayman Islands National Gallery and the Cayman National Cultural Foundation have come together for Cayman Art Week.

The evening culminated with the director of the National Gallery and Cayman Art Week founder, Natalie Urquhart, welcoming attendees and inviting West Bay MP Julie Hunter, who also serves as the parliamentary secretary for Culture and Heritage, to say a few words on behalf of the ministry.

Hunter acknowledged the importance of Cayman Art Week when she said, “I’m a huge fan of this National Gallery and anything to do with the arts. It’s my distinct pleasure to be here tonight with all of you to celebrate this important week.”

After extending apologies on behalf of Culture Minister Isaac Rankine, who could not attend, she added, “The Ministry … is delighted to support Cayman Art Week for another year.”

Hunter said that when she walked into the gallery that evening, she was “blown away” by the number of supporters, patrons and friends of the arts present. She added that “art is not a luxury” but is indicative of “how a society understands itself”.

“The arts are how we preserve our path and make sense of our presence and [help us] imagine our future,” Hunter said. “The Cayman Islands is a place that has changed faster in the last 50 years than almost anywhere on earth – and Cayman Art Week is a testament to that change … that transformation that we continue to see in the Cayman Islands. In just six years, Cayman Art Week has built something very, very special.”

Hunter highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation of local artists, noting exhibitions featuring young artists aged 16 to 20. She said this support helps build a pipeline that will shape the future of the country’s arts scene in 20 years.

Hunter ended by saying, “As you experience Art Week 2026, know that you are not simply enjoying a programme of events, but you are supporting the artists who are shaping and developing cultural levels and showcasing Cayman’s identity.”

Urquhart also spoke, saying that the National Gallery provided the scaffolding and that it was the artists who provided the work. She also highlighted the young artists and encouraged attendees to visit ‘Next Wave: Emerging Voices in Cayman Art’.

Urquhart noted the difficulty and high level of work required of the emerging young artists. “This wasn’t about accepting any art. These students had to work hard to have their place in this exhibition. So please honour them by going next door and seeing their work – and staying curious about it,” she said.

Urquhart also encouraged people to attend the variety of events that make up Cayman Art Week 2026. “Please, everyone, get out on the road this week. There’s so much to see and to enjoy the events planned across the biggest Cayman Art Week yet – with 60 venues across three islands,” she said.

To see a full list of Cayman Art Week events, visit caymanartweek.com