Cayman Art Week (CAW) officially begins on Wednesday 22nd June 2022 and runs until Sunday 26th June 2022. This is only their second year, but it was such a hit with the community in 2021 that they have brought it back to be bigger and better across all three islands.

There are a few ways to approach this week as there is something for everyone: visit leading local galleries that represent over 60 artists, have a behind-the-scenes look inside the studios where these talented artists work, join in on a host of events including a curated bus tour, or swing by pop-up evets held in offices, hotels, restaurants and bars. It’s worth noting that some galleries and studios may require you to schedule a time in advance, but if you want to do it all in one go then it’s best to sign up for one of the three Studio & Gallery Bus Tours (note masks are required).

First up is the CAW West Bus Tour (23rd June, 6-9pm) that will transport guests to Seven Mile Beach galleries, studios and pop-up events where you’ll enjoy complimentary refreshments at some locations and drink specials at others. The CAW Central Bus Tour (24th June, 5-9pm) joins forces with George Town Revitalisation to bring back the popular ‘Art in the City’, a free event where galleries and studios throughout George Town open up to the public and are accessible via the complimentary hop-on/hop-off bus loop or a self-guided tour on foot. Lastly, the CAW East Tour (25th June, 9am-1pm) is a ticketed event at CI$25 that takes you to the galleries and studios east of George Town and includes a swag bag, refreshments and entrance into Ms. Lassie’s House to see her Mind’s Eye exhibition.

I’m especially keen to learn more about the local artists this year, particularly because this falls on my birthday week and so I have started to scope out some events that have caught my eye and below are some that I plan on attending.

STOAK’D Art (Photo Credit: National Gallery of the Cayman Islands)

CAW Public Launch Party (June 22nd, 7-11pm): This open event kicks off Cayman Art Week at Karoo in Camana Bay and also marks the 10 year anniversary of the weekly Open Canvas art night. I remember when this Wednesday night activity first began and one time I even painted within the lines of a Popeye popart piece that my friend Marc Laurenson of Stoak’d had on him. Not only will there be Karoo drink specials on the night, but you can watch a ton of local artists add their contribution to a large canvas piece. Open Canvas at Karoo is a unique event to attend on a Wednesday evening and I’m glad to see that it continues to this day. Sign up for this free event and learn more by visiting the EventPro website.

Visit the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (June 23rd-25th, 10am-5pm): Leading local galleries that are participating in Cayman Art Week will be open to the public from 10am-5pm on June 23-25. The reason that I’m particularly keen to visit the National Gallery is to see the newest solo exhibitions by local artists John Reno Jackson (John Reno Jackson: A Heron Amongst the Storm) and Nasaria Suckoo Chollette (Nasaria Suckoo Chollette: All the Coals We Left in the Fire). If you are free on June 23rd you can join a curated tour of both of these exhibits from 12:30-1:30pm.

STOAK’D Pop-Up at The Bird (June 23rd, 6-10pm): Stopping into one of my favourite bars on island, The Bird, to watch friends Pam & Marc Laurenson of Stoak’d show off their skills is a no brainer for me. Their eye-catching pieces that highlight figures in pop culture and incorporate recycled materials will be on display, plus you can watch Pam in action as she paints live on the night. If you’re feeling thirsty The Bird will also have drink specials available.

Words & Rhythm at Parcel 110 (June 23rd-25th, 7-11pm): Even though Words & Rhythm is a weekly event at Parcel 110, they will host it for three nights during Cayman Art Week. Performance artists who have the gift of gab or a musical skillset will showcase their polished pieces to guests in a welcome setting. It is not typical to see artists of this nature have a safe space to produce their work so I’m happy that Parcel 110 provides that and can’t wait to see what it is all about. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

Just researching this blog alone has opened my eyes to how many artists we have in our community and it’s exciting to watch them shine this week. Regardless if you are a connoisseur of the art world or a curious newbie like myself, take the time to visit the Cayman Art Week website to see all that it has to offer. This is a great way to not only #supportlocal talent, but to change up your routine and learning something new.

Are you ready for Cayman Art Week 2022?