An exhibit is running this week in the Dart Auditorium and Community Gallery showcasing works of art from artists at ‘Art Haven’.
Close to 60 works of art by 31 participants are on display. The exhibition, titled ‘Inside Out’, includes paintings, drawings, mixed media pieces and poetry.
The exhibition, which is free to the public, is open 10am to 5pm until 27 Sept.
Art Haven is an outreach programme by the Cayman Islands National Gallery offering guided art classes and materials at HMP Northward Prison, Fairbanks Prison, as well as Caribbean Haven Residential Centre.
The class is taught by Joseph Betty, with sponsorship from Kevin Butler and Lori Monk.
Classes encourage the discovery of new skills and development of abilities, as well as using art as a therapeutic outlet to support mental health and overall well-being, according to the National Gallery.
“Art Haven is one of NGCI’s longest running outreach programmes, and is central to our mission of ensuring that art is accessible to all members of our community,” said Jessica Ebanks, education coordinator at the National Gallery.
“By offering guided classes and art supplies within HMP Northward, Fairbanks and Caribbean Haven, we aim to enrich participants’ lives and contribute toward the making of a healthy community,” she added.
“These artists are truly talented, and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase their work at the Gallery for all to enjoy,” she said.
Cayman Islands Prison Service Director Steven Barrett said they were pleased once again to partner with the National Gallery on the Art Haven programme and exhibition.
He said programmes which focus an inmate’s attention, hone their skills and enable personal expression, are extremely important to their rehabilitation and help them to understand that talent, when channelled in the right way, very often leads into something positive.
“Showcasing the work of inmates in this way helps to remind them that they are still very much part of the community and their talents are worth sharing,” said Barrett.
For more information, visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky.
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