One of my favourite ongoing community partnerships is with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). For many reasons…
#1… I am an artist and love all things creative, especially those that ignite conversation and spark thought.
Also, the NGCI was established around the time I moved to Grand Cayman (approximately 20 years ago). That same year, I met one of my best friends, who went on to become the current Director of the National Gallery. Natalie Urquhart has a vibrant passion for everything creative and is a strong advocate for local and regional arts and culture. My friends are a strong inspiration in my life. and we always have fun.
The annual Tea Party is graciously hosted by NGCI Board Member Ariane Dart in the lovingly designed gardens of her home. She invites a meaningful group of generous friends together for collaboration, fun and to raise money for education/outreach programmes. The NGCI programmes are available to all demographics, sharing an invigorating spirit of creativity. Everyone attending the Tea Party contributes directly and all actively share their love for arts and culture.
As a fellow Creative Cat… I must add that there is an Art to one’s Personal Style and Fashion. That said, I enjoyed seeking out a suitable ensemble… and strong shoes to hike the garden trails. Balancing artistic fashion with Caribbean heat… and I curated a statement of light, breezy and… absorbent. Thank you Janet Jarchow of Better Angle Photography the amazing photo of me (which I don’t often get)… as well as all the great shots as everyone arrived. simply stunning.
I did have a small wardrobe malfunction (post-event)….My kitten-heel-wedge was admitted to the Doctor at #1 Shoe Shop for repairs… that is true, I hiked that hard. I walked through the gardens at least twice, spotting new inspiration with each step. I couldn’t help myself… I was lost in the art of creating visuals.
The NGCI hosts up to six exhibitions each year, the curatorial team balances quality Caymanian artwork with imported inspiration. Thank you National Gallery for all that you. We love you!
Melissa
FULL GALLERY AND ORDER PRINTS… CLICK HERE.
Wedding Ring inspiration from Cayman Islands Weddings
As wedding photographer, I get to photographer the most gorgeous wedding rings during my Cayman Islands weddings. From glitzy to elegant and understated there is something for every taste. Enjoy!
Jack Canfield in Cayman Islands
Earlier this year, Jack Canfield an American Success Coach and Author of the Bestseller “Chicken Soup for the Soul” held a seminar at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The seminar was organised by THRIVE.
Please click on the link below for the full images gallery:
Sir Richard Branson in Cayman inspiring young students
Being at Camana Bay with Sir Richard Branson in Cayman to engaging and inspiring young minds….. what a day.
Youth from across Cayman, including Minds Inspired.
I’m Branson’s biggest fan… and I took many MANY photos of our outstanding and impressive young people and some of SirRich too..
Showcasing the recent Cayman Parent Magazine Covers
Officially launched in February 2015, Cayman Parent Magazine delivers relevant news and reviews in a vibrant and fun way to the parents of the Cayman Islands.
I am proud to have been part of the magazine from the very beginning shooting the first cover featuring Her Excellency The Governor Helen Kilpatrick.
The magazine was founded by “Mompreneurs” Heather Cassidy, of SeaGrape Media Ltd. who wanted accurate information at their fingertips. Questions to fellow parents often yielded general answers, but specific information relevant to parents in Cayman is often passed along by word of mouth, as if we were members of a secret club. Cayman Parent is a place where you can find all the information you need delivered in one trusted place that is accurate, timely and relevant.
Please follow the links below for all issues:
Issue 1
Issue 2
Issue 3
Issue 4
One of my favourite shoots of the year was the 2015 YCLA (Young Caymanian Leadership Award). It was very stirring to see clips from the past TV productions(2000-2014) on the big screen and broadcast live by Cayman27. Equally fun and nostalgic was sitting with some Alumni and sharing stories from across the years. The Foundation celebrated it’s 15th anniversary “A Legacy of Leadership” at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Congratulations to the 2015 recipient Kellie McGee.
Full Album and High Resolution Images available here:
Young Caymanian Leadership Award Gallery
TedEx Seven Mile Beach at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
The second instalment of the TedEx Seven Mile Beach series was held at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. The event featured local and overseas speaker covering a great variety of topics. The youngest speaker Zoe Connolly Basdeo impressed everyone speaking about ‘Surprising constraints affecting how our Youth think’. She talked about giving young people the freedom to be able to step out form under the shadow of the past and into the light of change to secure their place in the world today, presenting our Youths point of view.
As an open forum TedEx Seven Mile Beach allowed speakers to address controversial local topics like transgender and the local landfill. If you didn’t have the chance to be at the event, please go to TedEX SMB’s YouTube page to learn and be inspired.
I am already looking forward to TedEX SMB 2016!
A Seven Mile Beach Wedding captured by Melissa Wolfe
Valerie and Clayton invited their close family to their nuptials on the shore of for their Seven Mile Beach Wedding. They chose the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for their wedding ceremony.
We started of the photography session in the lobby of the hotel as we made our way to wedding gazebo set up on the beach. The set up was just gorgeous with as the sun was dipping in to the Caribbean Sea.
National Gallery Tea Party raising funds for community programs
A staple in the Cayman Islands social calendar, is the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands Tea Party hosted by Ariane Dart brings together women from all walks of life passionate about the arts and supporting Cayman culture. The event raises funds for the gallery’s programs and initiatives. In elegant Ascot style the ladies come adored with their most beautiful hats which added a touch of glamour, fun and creativity to the tea party.
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is an inclusive gathering place which honours the Cayman Islands artistic heritage, celebrates art and seeks to provide inspiring learning experiences for all of our diverse public. Located just off the Easterly Tibbetts highway, The Gallery is open to the public, sharing frequently rotating art shows based on imaginative curation. The carefully crafted landscaping and outdoor installations give visitors a unique oasis from which anyone can artistically thrive. The cafe is a magical place to pop in for lunch or coffee, serving healthy lunches, snacks and homemade sweets (my personal favourite).
To support the National Gallery please visit their site: https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/
A Westin wedding and a Grand Old House Reception
Rosie & Will exchanged their vows with their toes deeply buried in the white sand of Seven Mile Beach at the Westin Grand Cayman Beach Resort. After the ceremony the whole wedding party took the festivities to their Grand Old House Reception where Rosie and Will partied the night away with family and friends.
wedding venue: The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort
reception: Grand Old House