Iconic art store opens its doors for Cayman Art Week

By Lindsey Turnbull

At the beating heart of Cayman’s art scene lies the wonderful Pure Art Gallery & Gifts, a beloved traditional Caymanian cottage in South Sound that is absolutely full of locally created art, craft work, sculptures, and much more.

The store, which possesses six rooms filled to the brim with fine art and craft, prints, canvasses, and illustrations, as well as locally made food, jewellery, kitchenware, baskets and décor, is participating in Cayman Art Week this year and should be on anyone’s agenda if they want to immerse themselves fully in Caymanian art. Many of Cayman’s most original and talented artists have their work for sale at Pure Art, making it a real treasure trove for anyone looking to snap up that perfect piece for their home. The stock is ever-changing and evolving with new artists frequently coming on board, making this an exciting centre point for local art.

Cayman Art Week, which runs from Tuesday 26th to Sunday 31st May, will host a whole range of exhibitions, pop-up events, discussions and studio events across the Cayman Islands. For this year, Pure Art will be holding a Meet the Artists Happy Hour on Friday 29th May. The evening will include traditional thatching demonstrations by Ms Eileen McLaughlin. Ms Eileen is a talented artisan and craftsperson who makes a variety of quality weaved-thatch products, including bags, hats, fans and placemats. Her skills are somewhat of a dying art in Cayman, such talents slowly being lost with the passage of time, so events such as these help to remind people of the intricate work such artisans have demonstrated for decades in Cayman and their continued value today.

Pure Art owner Maria Tom-Pack said Pure Art, as the oldest commercial gallery on island, was proud to play a part in Cayman Art Week.

“We celebrate our 38th year in business this year,” she advised. “Over the years, we have represented so many Caymanian artists and we continue to promote Caymanian heritage and culture.  Part of that is to promote all of the wonderful artists who we have on island.”

To help Cayman Art Week attendees to see as many of the exhibitions and art showcases as possible, there is a free shuttle bus service along with walking tours available, making sure everyone gets the most out of the experience. To enable anyone interested in attending the Pure Art happy hour, people can hop on the free shuttle bus running to and from the Cayman Art Week Hub on Cardinall Avenue in George Town, which will be running from 5-7pm.  For anyone who fancies popping into Pure Art on Saturday 30th May, there is also a stop on the Cayman Art Week East bus tour on that day.

For anyone looking to join the bus or walking tours, the following dates should be noted:

Thursday, 28 May - CAW West Bus/walking Tours (Camana Bay/Seven Mile Beach/West Bay Road)

Friday, 29 May - CAW Central Bus/walking Tours (Central George Town/Industrial Park)

Saturday, 30 May - CAW East Bus Tour (Savannah, Bodden Town, North Side, East End) and the CAW Brac Bus Tour

Pure Art Gallery & Gifts is open Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm.