Gallery shows power of art in rehabilitation

(CNS): Thirty pieces of work by students on the Art Haven Programme will make up a new exhibition at the National Gallery which opens this weekend. All of the work that will be showcased was created by inmates and patients at Northward, Fairbanks and Caribbean Haven and demonstrate the importance of artistic outlets as part of the rehabilitation process. The monthly art programme held at the local prisons and drug re-hab centre under the  instruction of Cayman’s leading installation artist, Aston Ebanks, and poet and artist, Joseph Betty.

The students have been working on various themed artwork from landscapes, to still life and illustrations throughout the last year.  Betty said, “It is truly self-fulfilling for me, to have watched and embraced such transformation from negative minds to positive….through the power of arts.”

Art Haven is designed to offer participants a creative outlet and a chance to develop new skills.

“Our Outreach programmes are an integral part of what we do as a charity at the National Gallery,” says NGCI director Natalie Urquhart. “They are designed to strengthen communities by reaching people who cannot visit independently, but who might benefit from engaging in art as part of their wider rehabilitation process.”

The programme is sponsored by State Street Cayman Trust Company, Ltd, long-term supporters of the NGCI. Talking about the exhibition Shirley May Jackson  said, “State Street understands that exposure to the arts can provide a broad range of educational and personal development benefits to individuals and we are impressed with the positive results the National Gallery is accomplishing through their outreach programmes.”

The exhibition will be on display in the Dart Auditorium from August 10th to August 23rd and a there will be a public preview opening event on August 9 from 5-7pm.  Everybody is welcome. The art will be available for purchase. Admission is free.