Youngsters were given a great opportunity to experience some real Caymanian culture recently as the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Catboat Club came together to offer an informative coconut catboat making workshop.
The weekend workshop offered children and adults alike an interesting opportunity to learn more about the cultural and historical significance of the catboat and the role it played in Cayman’s fishing trade many years ago.
Attendees were able to see an authentic catboat and learn first-hand from Kem Jackson, a representative from the Cayman Catboat Club.
Those attending the workshop learned about the elements that make up a catboat and how they have been used in the Cayman Islands, along with other facts regarding the iconic vessel.
“Being one of the largest volunteer groups of the National Gallery, it was a natural fit to join forces with the Cayman Catboat Club in creating a workshop that would allow kids – and adults – to learn about the history and culture relating to Catboats,” said Mona Watler, National Gallery of the Cayman Islands communications and marketing manager, who thanked the Catboat Club for their participation.
The children also were able to work on their own mini catboats. Each child was given natural and recycled materials, such as a piece of coconut, a sea-grape leaf, a piece of sheet metal and a stick to create the mast.
“Under the guidance of Mr. Kem Jackson, the kids were able to make their very own boat from natural materials, and to finish the project we painted the toy boats with the traditional ‘Catboat blue’,” said Ms Watler.
The event, which took place at Miss Lassie’s house, was deemed a great success all around.
“My son is from the Cayman Islands and events like these are very important in him understanding where he comes from and the history of these Islands,” said Richard Goulden, who attended with his son. “Although he is only four, these events are the cultural buildings blocks for him to identify what makes Cayman a special place and how far it has come in such a short period of time. It was also tons of fun for both parents and kids and I look forward to future activities like this.
“I am very proud of our National Gallery and its continued efforts in working with the community from all aspects of the arts. Great job to Mona and all of the dedicated staff at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands,” he added.
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