Al Ebanks Studio and Gallery

The studio and gallery owned and run by Al Ebanks in George Town is an excellent location to find high-quality work from local artists. Al is a prolific, self-employed Cay-manian artist whose work can be found all over the world and whose pictures were chosen by the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for the hotel's permanent collection. Al's studio showcases other artists, including the Native Sons, which is a group established in 1996 to develop and promote Caymanian artists. His gallery is also open to writers, poets and musicians. Located behind Phillips Electrical Store at 166 Shedden Road. Tel: (345) 916 0063. His work can also be viewed at www.the-morgangallery.com.

Cathy Church's Underwater

Photo Centre and Gallery

If you think that underwater photography is just about fish, visit Cathy's Underwater Photo Centre and Gallery and be amazed at her artistic interpretation of the underwater world. Cathy and her husband Herb Rafael's breathtaking prints capture the gentle beauty of the sea in ways that are adored by divers and non-divers alike. Print sizes from 3" x 5" to 40" x 50". Open daily, Cathy Church's Underwater Photo Centre and Gallery is located at Sunset House Hotel, South Church St. For directions call (345) 949 7415.

Ritz-Carlton

The Gallery at the Ritz-Carlton has become a haven of artistic activity. The exhibition space, located in the walk-way which connects the two sides of the hotel, plays host to regularly changing exhibitions on a quarterly basis. Coordinated by Trina Christian of Cayman Traditional Arts, the exhibitions feature local artists who explore themes relevant to the islands. Artwork runs the gamut, from realism to impressionism, photography, sculpture, water-colours, oils and acrylics. All artwork is for sale, available through the hotel's retail stores. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is located on Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 943 9000.

Guy Harvey

The Guy Harvey Gallery and Shoppe at 49 South Church Street next door to the Guy Harvey Island Grill, is an emporium with something for everyone.

Although there are other Guy Harvey Shoppes and restaurants elsewhere, this flagship store is the first of its kind; it carries everything that is available with the Guy Harvey signature.

There are original paintings, art prints, sculptures and tile art in the gallery upstairs. Guy, who is an eminent marine biologist, conservationist and artist, can be found painting in the store, most days, from 10am-4pm. Open 8.30am-6pm weekdays and 9am-3pm Saturdays. Tel: (345) 943 4891.

Island Art & Framing

Island Art is a delightful art shop packed with small treasures. Every local artist is represented with either prints or original artwork. Hundreds of local scenes are ready to be rolled and tubed for travel. There is a large selection of original art, including Cuban realist and abstract. Island Art is located at Grand Harbour. Tel: (345) 947 2606, email jghewitt@candw.ky

The Kennedy Gallery

Located at the West Shore Centre on West Bay Road, the Kennedy Gallery carries a range of locally-produced artworks as well as pieces by international artists. There is a wide selection of oils, watercolours and reproductions as well as some bronze sculptures and figurative pieces. The gallery also offers a full-service framing department. Situated next to Seven Mile Beach Post Office. Tel: (345) 949 8077.

Morgan Gallery

Bringing fine art into focus, this gallery has a contemporary air. The understated elegance exudes exclusivity and refinement. The Morgan Gallery is the islands' exclusive representative of Carol Owen, wife of former Cayman Islands' governor, Michael Owen, and has a stable of both international and Cayman-based artists, including Davy Brown (Scotland), William Heytman (Holland), Ng Foo Cheng (Malaysia). Cayman-based artists include Randy Chollette, Gordon Solomon, Avril Ward, April Bending and John Broad. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm, The Morgan Gallery is located in Galleria Plaza. Tel: (345) 943 5566, www.the-morgangallery.com.

NasArt Gallery

In the tradition of the ancient Greeks, intuitive artist Luelan "Luts" Bodden's studio can only be described as a temple to the arts. Nestled in the residential neighbourhood of Palm Dale, this astonishing structure is inescapable. Passers-by are greeted by vibrant mosaics, Egyptian hieroglyphs and a huge Sphinx-like wolf's head. Every inch of the interior is decorated, from the painted mosaic floor, and sculptural forms covering the walls and ceiling, to the many alcoves that display Luts' artwork. Luts welcomes visitors to the studio so don't miss the opportunity to view this masterpiece. Tel: (345) 945 8278.

Nelson Gallery

Located at Treasure Island resort, the Nelson Gallery features art by both established and emerging artists from Cayman and around the Caribbean. The gallery has a focus on acrylic and oil paintings and features a section of sculptures and art supplies. A local Caymanian artist is hosted by the gallery every month, with an entire wall devoted to their work. The gallery offers a professional custom framing division and all artwork purchased can be rolled into a tube for overseas travellers. Tel: (345) 324 5700/5562, email art@the-nelson-gallery.com, or visit www.the-nelson-gallery.com

Pure Art

Housed in a traditional Caymanian cottage, Pure Art is a gallery with lots of charm.

This is a great place to buy local paintings, prints and hand-made collectibles of all kinds. It's fun just to browse through the vast array of goods on display and enjoy the ambience of this colourful gallery and gift shop.

Island jewellery, spices, holiday ornaments, sculptures and Cayman art are some of the must-see items for sale. Located at the corner of South Church Street and Denham Thompson Way. Tel: (345) 949 9133 or fax 949 4473.

24K-Mon Jewellers & Art Gallery

This gallery boasts an array of hand-crafted items from fine jewellery to fabulous art. Visitors to the West Bay Road gallery will find much to tempt them including sculptures made from brass, bronze, porcelain, acrylic and glass. There are also collectible items such as painted and etched wine glasses, tiles, teapots, vases, paperweights, hand-painted hand bags and porcelain dolls. The gallery also has an im-pressive selection of reproduction photographs of historical Cayman some dating back to the 1900s. Original paintings and prints are by local artists including April Bending, Lorna Griggs, Debbie Tibbetts-Husted, Sue Widmer, Guy Harvey, Jayne Ford, and Lois Brezinski. For one-of-a-kind pieces look at the Bee Line designs beaded jewellery made on the premises as well as the store's range of antique and treasure coin jewellery. Located at Buckingham Square, West Bay Road, near the Hyatt resort. Tel: (345) 949 1499 or email 24k-mon@candw.ky