Artists wanted for Miss Lassie

(CNS): Local artists are being invited to reproduce the paintings on the doors and windows of Miss Lassie’s house as part of the restoration project. CNCF Artistic Director and member of the restoration committee, Henry Muttoo explained that the original paintings will have to be removed to preserve them therefore they need the local artistic community to help reproduce them.

“The original windows on the house have lost quite a lot of their visual and structural integrity to weathering and, with much of the paint fading and flaking, the images will soon disappear if we do not remove and, as far as possible, arrest the deterioration,” Muttoo said.

Consequently the Cayman National Cultural Foundation is inviting all artists who paint in oils, to sign up for the chance to be selected to paint one of the windows or doors on the house. Muttoo said that with Miss Lassie not being around to ‘refresh’ the images as she did, they will not last much longer.

“New window will be constructed by Steve Hawley, ‘aged’ to look authentic and the original artwork (using photographs in CNCF’s archive) copied onto the new panels which would have specially prepared surfaces and a finish that will help delay the effects of weathering,” Muttoo added pointing out that each artist will be responsible for painting one window or door and that will have his or her name engraved on a small plaque that will read, “This window is a copy by (artist’s name) from the original, by Gladwyn K. Bush.”

CNCF Chairman, Martyn Bould said that this contribution of our artists will enable financial resources to be redirected to other needy areas of the restoration – especially in these difficult economic times – such as the refurbishment of the duplex that will house a Gift shop/tea room, and an viewing and intuitive artists gallery, while giving our artists an opportunity to engage Miss Lassie’s process and making a valuable contribution to the restoration of the home.

Artists who paint in oils and are interested can contact the Cayman National Cultural Foundation at 949-5477 or email the Artistic Director at director@candw.ky