Artists Gather at Cayman Turtle Centre for free outdoor painting session

By Christopher Tobutt

Sunshine, sea turtles, and splashes of watercolor — Saturday’s open-air painting session at the Cayman Turtle Conservation and Education Centre was a picture-perfect celebration of creativity in West Bay.

Hosted in collaboration with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, the free event welcomed artists of all ages and skill levels to paint amidst the natural beauty of the Centre’s marine exhibits. It was part of the Gallery’s summer programming tied to its A Story in Symbols exhibition, which explores Cayman’s national emblems through artistic interpretation.

Local artist John Broad, beloved for his vivid portrayals of island life, was present to offer gentle guidance. “We are very grateful to the Turtle Centre for letting us paint here today,” Broad said. “The National Gallery is sponsoring the event and providing materials so people can paint the location.” Most participants gathered in the shade near Turtle Lagoon, where turtles and snorkelers glided side by side — a living muse for the day’s artwork.

Watercolors were handed out on stretched paper, and soon the area buzzed with creative energy.

Families like Amol and Sandhya’s came out in full force with their children, Sanvi (10) and Ankit (8). “It’s really good to come and join in,” Amol said. “My daughter is really an artist — she loves to draw. I’m sure she’ll be a good one.”

Nearby, Naomi Tobutt, 12 blended realism with imagination, painting a fish surrounded by bright yellow stars and circles. Angela, a local resident, conjured a whimsical undersea world featuring a shark and a boat. “I live close by,” she said, “and just felt like coming along and joining in.”

Even those new to painting found joy in the experience. Eamon Cargo, who admitted he doesn’t paint often, was all smiles. “My wife likes art and I tagged along for the day. Drawing is something I could definitely work on, but it’s been a fun experience.”

Sidewalk chalk stations added extra flair, with kids sketching turtles and reef scenes before joining their parents at the painting tables. “There’s chalk for the kids — but now they’re joining the moms,” laughed Jjira. “This event is great—the materials are all free, and I even got advice from John Broad on what to do for my background!”

There was another group gathering in front of the Predator Reef fish tank – a lovely shaded area where you can sit and watch the magificent big fish – including two Nurse Sharks – oh and more turtles, lazilily swimming from the vantagepoint of a huge underwater window. It’s a way of looking more closely – of engaging with nature on a deeper level.

The event was more than just a painting session—it was a celebration of Caymanian identity, ecology, and artistic expression. By inviting the public to engage with the green sea turtle, a national symbol, the Gallery created a space where observation became creation, and creation became connection.

Admission was free for Cayman residents as part of the Turtle Centre’s Residents Day, and the Gallery encouraged everyone — from seasoned artists to first-time dabblers—to take part.

For future events or registration inquiries, contact the National Gallery at education@nationalgallery.org.ky .