VISUAL ARTS SOCIETY HELPS NCVO

The Visual Arts Society (VAS) has teamed up with NCVO again collecting gifts for the children. Mary McCallum Administrator/ Marketing Coordinator for VAS has been collaborating with Katie Edwards, the new Program Director for NCVO, on ways to improve the Christmas experience for the children of the Cayman Islands.

The idea started a few years back when the VAS board decided to take up a donation of toys to give to children in need, in place of their gift exchange at their Christmas gathering. The concept expanded and they have been collecting unwrapped toys during the festive season at various local art markets over the past few years, including their annual Art & Craft Christmas Sale, which they will be hosting this Saturday.

2025 marks their 15th annual Christmas Arts & Craft sale at Camana Bay and the market will take place in GARDENIA COURT from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday December 13. Gardenia Court is a nice quiet space tucked away behind Abacus & Star Bucks and can also be accessed by Bedside Manor. This Saturday you will find local artists displaying one-of-a-kind treasures for sale in a festive atmosphere. Some of the locally made items, which make lovely gifts, are; hand painted silk scarves, string art, festive decorations & crafts, pottery, acrylic & batik prints & originals, art cards, scented candles, skin products and a large selection of unique jewelry and so much more. Other activities going on will include henna tattooing, face painting & live art demos.

The Toy Drive Collection will be under the VAS tent on the deck and volunteers will be accepting gift donations. NCVO are suggesting unwrapped toys appropriate for boys or girls ages 4-12. “Over the years the NCVO have been thankful to receive Santa sacks full toys and it’s so heartwarming to see the extra generosity this time of year”, Ms. McCallum expresses.

NCVO will be set up by Abacus offering gift wrapping services and accepting cash donation who have been helping low-income families since 1974 and dedicated to the care, education and well-being of children and families of the Cayman Islands. Katie Edward shares, “Thanks to the generosity of your donations, we are able to support families in need with the cost of Christmas. This support really is appreciated and makes a huge difference in our community”.

Chairperson, Mr. Ivan Burges comments, “The society is a non-profit organization, founded in 1988, who provide opportunities for artists of all levels to develop in the creative community. Mr. Burges further adds, “on behalf of the board of directors & the VAS membership they are sincerely grateful for the annual sponsorship in-kind from Camana Bay.”

Come down to Camana Bay this Saturday and support NCVO, VAS, & local artists and join in the Christmas spirit. Directional signs will be distributed within the town centre to guide you to the Gardenia Court Area cash is accepted for purchases and NCVO donations.

For more information on the Visual Arts Society of the Cayman Islands email VAScayman@gmail.com , to learn more about NCVO or how to donate directly, visit: www.ncvo.org.ky .