Miss Lassie Art Exhibition & Fundraiser

(CNS): An exhibition of selected works by Cayman’s renowned visionary artist Gladwyn K. Bush, better known as Miss Lassie, opens at the Harquail Theatre on 17 September with a private preview and fundraiser for the “Save Miss Lassie’s House” campaign. The exhibition opens to the public on 18 September and continues through 25 September.

The exhibition and campaign is spearheaded by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) in association with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands National Museum and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, according to a CNCF release.

Those attending the preview will have the opportunity to kick-off the campaign to restore the house, located at the junction of South Sound and Walkers Roads. They will be able to bid on art pieces by local artists during an opening night auction at the exhibition, and Derek Haines has volunteered his auctioneer talents for the evening. The general public will also be able to make donations to the campaign when they visit the exhibition.

The CNCF holds a collection of Miss Lassie’s original art which is not exhibited on a regular basis. This is an excellent opportunity to see examples of the work that brought Miss Lassie international recognition as a visionary artist. Her work is in private collections in England, the United States, Jamaica, South Africa, Germany and the Cayman Islands.

Miss Lassie started painting at the age of 62, after what she described as a visionary experience. Strong Christian themes run through her work, which she painted not only on canvas, but also on the walls, windows and furnishings of her home. The paintings on her house remain to this day and is one reason why there is an urgency to preserve the house as a national cultural treasure.

The Government of the Cayman Islands purchased the property and it is now up to CNCF to raise funding for the restoration and maintenance of the house. Private sector entities already lending their support either monetarily or in-kind are Dart Foundation, Bould Consulting, Cogent Communications, Caybrew, Evans & Associates, the Garden Club, John Doak Architecture, Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits, Patrick Broderick Photography, Pestkil Ltd., The Phoenix Group, Smart Construction Management, Ltd., Tortuga Liquors and Vision Real Estate.

The exhibition is open from noon until 7 pm on weekdays and from noon until 5 pm on Saturday. Admission is free. Anyone wishing to make a donation can contact the Cayman National Cultural Foundation at 345-949-5477 or by email at admincncf@candw.ky.