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The Cayman Islands are an idyllic trio of islands in the Caribbean, located approximately 90 miles south of Cuba. Grand Cayman, the largest, most populous and most visited of the three is a premier vacation destination globally recognized for its scuba diving, beach resorts, and snorkeling sites and is home to the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.
Grand Cayman has quietly established itself in the last several years as the culinary capital of the Caribbean but its vibrant art scene is also making waves.
While you’re staying in one of our Grand Cayman beachfront condo rentals, spend a day exploring these impressive art venues to feed your spirit and your creativity.
The National Gallery Cayman Islands (NGCI)
Exploring a Cayman Island art gallery is a beautiful way to beat the heat and learn about Cayman’s rich and diverse artistic heritage. The country’s leading public visual arts organization collects and exhibits works of art in various mediums and is committed to promoting and encouraging the appreciation and practice of the visual arts in Cayman.
In addition to the exhibition areas, you will discover the onsite art studio, library, auditorium and multi-purpose area that hosts all the Gallery’s hands-on art activities. Enjoy a coffee break at the Art cafe and select the perfect gift or souvenir from the gift shop. You’ll find a wide variety of products from publications and art reproductions inspired by the permanent collections to a large selection of unique locally made fine craft design objects, jewelry and accessories. Proceeds from the shop provide support for the NGCI’s public programs.
The digital gallery features a collection of over 200 artworks that can be viewed in one slideshow and also lists the names and biographies of 85 artists, along with a short history of their previous work. While you can view the collection online it’s highly recommended to visit the Gallery and view the art in person. A camera simply can’t capture the intricacies or the sheer beauty and passion poured into a work of art.
Cayman Islands National Museum
Uniquely among the Cayman Islands’ cornerstone cultural institutions, the Museum is housed in the historic Old Courts Building, dating from the 1830s and features an exceptional audiovisual experience, interpreted garden, permanent natural and cultural history galleries, and regularly changing exhibitions, openings and special events. Open to the public six days per week and aspiring to reach all local children, individuals and families, as well as visitors from abroad, they provide guided tours to school groups at no charge, year-round, and are re-launching the special evening Speaker’s Series on a wide variety of cultural and historical topics. Promoting the special Looky Ya! celebrations of Caymanian traditions in the grounds surrounding the historic building – these events are growing in entertainment, food, attendance and general popularity, reaching and entertaining all ages. The Museum is charged with the collection, research, conservation, care, and interpretation of the Museum Collection of artifacts, currently numbering 9,300 objects.
Pure Art
Pure Art is a #1 rated art shop that features a collection of Cayman Island’s best artists and art from the past 30 years. The art includes paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted gifts. All examples are original pieces (no replicas here)! It’s located in a little cottage on South Church Street, one mile south of Georgetown. Even though it’s a relatively small shop, it is still chock full of Cayman Islands art history.
Kennedy Gallery
Kennedy Gallery is proud to display one of the largest arrays of art you’ll find in the Cayman Islands. The gallery proudly represents over 60 Caymanian, Cuban and international artists and offers all original artwork, including paintings, sculptures, photography, giclees, prints, and even handcrafted cards. The gallery also has a certified framer with over three decades of experience, so if you need something framed, you’re in good hands. Any Cayman Island art gallery is a great experience, and Kennedy Gallery is no exception.
Kennedy Gallery also carries a vast inventory of unique frames, mats, glass, and Plexiglas covers. Whatever you need for your art project, they’ve got you covered. Not only that, but the Gallery also has a top-notch, 64-inch printer that can produce the highest quality prints you’ve ever seen. Beautiful art and skilled artists. What more do you need?
Plan Your Visit
Contact the team at Grandview Condos to learn more about our Grand Cayman vacation rentals and to book your next trip to the islands!
Cathy Church’s Photo Center
Cathy’s Church Photo Center is devoted to making you a better photographer while in the Cayman Islands. Cathy specializes in underwater photography and is considered a pioneer in underwater photography, especially around the Cayman Islands. Guided tours are available, taking you to the best underwater photography locations in the Cayman Islands. Workshops dedicated to photo development, underwater photography, and more are available as well. The Photo Center also offers framing services and underwater camera rentals, so you can channel your inner wildlife photographer. Cathy’s Photo Center is one of the most exciting attractions on Cayman Island. If you are into photography, she’s worth a look!
Cayman Craft Market
There are many exciting things to do on Grand Cayman Island; one of those is visiting craft markets. Grand Cayman is home to many independent craft markets that sell beautifully handcrafted examples of anything you like, including hippos, pigs, and dolphins. The best craft market around is undoubtedly Cayman Craft Market.
One defining point of Cayman Craft Market is the crafters making thatch crafts. Thatch is woven out of hay/grass, and the artists twist and manipulate it into whatever they fancy. A thatch basket is perfect for carrying other souvenirs you’ll pick up on the island. The thatch crafters at Cayman Craft Market are some of the oldest and best thatch weavers on the island, so don’t miss them!
Locally made jams, jellies, and baked goods are also on sale at Cayman Craft Market, and you should give them a try. Who doesn’t love locally made jam on toast in the mornings? There’s also an entire section devoted to sculptures and crafts made from recycled cans, bottles, and more. The Cayman Craft Market is an expression of the extraordinary creativity wielded by the artists on Grand Cayman.
3 Girls & A Kiln
3 Girls & a Kiln is a women-owned/run art collective that is managed by three artists who produce local art and other designs that take their fancy. They create art out of everything from magnets to wine corks and spare pendants. If you want to learn how to make your own art out of various objects, 3 Girls & a Kiln offers monthly art classes for woodworking, clay decorating, and glazing. The classes encompass all ages, but on top of that, a kids’ drop-in studio is offered every other Sunday, and holiday camps are offered during school holidays. 3 Girls & a Kiln produces art that is sold all over the Caymans; if you see art in a shop, there’s a high chance it came from 3 Girls! If you enjoy art and, more importantly, enjoy creating art, make sure to check them out.
If you ever needed a reason or excuse to book a trip to the Cayman Islands, you can always say that you can’t miss:
Cayman Art Week
Cayman Art Week (CAW) is a week-long curated program of gallery tours and open studios around the Cayman Islands, held annually in June. Designed to celebrate and encourage the collection of Caymanian art, CAW offers unparalleled access to over 30 art venues and provides a singular platform through which to showcase a range of discussions, pop-up interventions and exhibitions to local and international audiences, dedicated to ensuring Cayman’s cultural landscape continues to thrive by connecting collectors with creators to facilitate the sale and appreciation of art.
Where To Stay
By booking a stay at the Grandview condos you are sure to be literally steps away from all the artistic happenings in Cayman. You can walk to most venues and discover more of Cayman along the way. Brilliantly located close to “town” yet still on the beach and a stone’s throw away from it all. In our Grand Cayman condo rentals, you’ll have all the features and amenities you might need for an unforgettable experience and countless memories. You can’t go wrong with any of our Grand Cayman vacation rentals; just choose according to your family’s size and the length of your vacation, and you’re all set! The Cayman Islands offer beautiful art, gorgeous weather, blue waters, and brilliant food. When you visit the Cayman Islands, the stage is set for the best vacation you’ll ever have.
Contact the team at Grandview Condos to learn more about our Grand Cayman vacation rentals and to book your next trip to the islands! 1-345-945-4511
