Sometimes tourists know the secret attractions of your home town better than you do. This might well be the case with Pure Art art gallery and gift shop.
 
“It’s ironic that visitors to the Cayman Islands might be more aware of what is sold and produced locally than the locals,” says Debbie van der Bol, owner of the store.
 
Far from limiting itself to paintings (although paintings adorn every wall) the store is packed with locally produced arts and crafts. From locally produced skin products and soaps to pepper jellies and hot sauces, and even the ubiquitous rum cake, the smells and tastes of Cayman are everywhere.
 
“We sell a lot of different jams from whatever’s ripe in season, some of the specialities being seagrape jam. It takes of a lot of those little seagrapes to make jam,” laughs Debbie.
 
The store also boasts locally made natural skin care products with Cayman scents.
 
If Cayman scents are what you’re after, the coconut candles might be just the thing, with scents like mango, papaya, coconut and ‘monkey farts’ (banana).
 
Products made from thatch also play an important part.
 
“Thatch is not only the traditional art of the Cayman Islands, but there is a fellow in East End who takes the rope and makes bowls that are usable and waterproof. He varnishes them – they could be used for fruit, with a plant for a planter, soaps in a bathroom,” says Debbie.
 
There are also thatch handbags, sunhats and fans, which are all very practical on a tropical island.
 
Then there is the selection of locally made jewellery, whether from Caymanite, black coral, sea glass, or a myriad of other materials.
 
“We have whelk shell that has been inlaid into white conch to make jewellery. People might not know that this is being done,” says Debbie.
 
Then of course there is the art, whether it be original works or prints of work by local artists.
 
“If you think about all the art that is out there, that has been selling all these years, it’s fabulous promotion for the Island,” says Debbie, herself a noted artist.   WH