Turks and Caicos Art Galleries & Studios
The Grace Bay region on Providenciales is the center for art galleries and luxury shopping in the Turks and Caicos. Unlike some of the larger countries in the Caribbean region, the Turks and Caicos does not have a national art gallery. However, there are several shops where you can browse the paintings, fine art photographs, sculptures, and mixed media creations of local artists. Visiting the local art studios and shops is a lovely way to spend an afternoon if you want to buy fine art or simply enjoy looking at it.
Most shops and galleries are located in the shopping plazas in Grace Bay, including the Saltmills, Regent Village, and Ports of Call. These plazas are close to one another, so you can browse their galleries on foot.
If you're looking for a museum to visit, both the Providenciales National Museum and Heritage Site and Grand Turk Turks and Caicos National Museum have a limited number of art pieces on the walls that represent the islands' history (though it's really best to go to browse the historical artifacts).
Art Shows and Exhibitions
Providenciales occasionally hosts the odd art exhibition, but these events aren't frequent. The biggest one is An Evening of Art, an upscale art show at a luxury resort that features live and silent auctions, live entertainment, and plenty of local art.
Held each December, the Art and Craft Expo at the Saltmills Plaza hosts a gathering of local artists who sell paintings and crafts made in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For upcoming art events, see Turks and Caicos Events.
Popular Themes and Imagery
As may be expected, the incredible marine environment and spectacular beaches of the Turks and Caicos inspire much of the art created locally. Every artist has their own perspective, interpretation, and media, yet cerulean blue, turquoise, and topaz hues for the sand and sunsets are often the prevailing themes and colors. Many artists also paint portraits of Turks and Caicos people.
There’s a wide array of Turks and Caicos scenes represented, including well-known coasts such as Grace Bay Beach, Mudjin Harbour, Sapodilla Bay, and Blue Hills, as well as often-overlooked yet beautiful beaches such as Northwest Point, Bambarra Beach, and Three Marys Cays.
You'll also find local animals in Turks and Caicos art, including flamingos, sea turtles, dolphins, and the cute potcake dogs.
Media
There are thousands of paintings to browse through, including colorful works done with acrylic, oil, or watercolor paint. Some artists work with resin and sea glass right from the beaches. Silk, glass, ceramic, and glazed works offer another interesting perspective. Many of these crafts are vibrant gifts or reminders of your vacation in the Turks and Caicos.
Photography
There’s a great selection of fine art photography for sale on Providenciales. As with paintings, ocean and beach scenes are popular, and prints on a wide range of media are available, including face-mounted acrylic, aluminum, canvas, and matted prints. Prints can be found in sizes ranging from tiny desktop examples to large format prints that are several feet wide. Many photographers are able to accommodate custom sizes, triptych displays, and unique mediums.
Sculpture
Sculptures can also be found in the local galleries, though to a lesser degree than paintings. Wood carvings are popular, as well as additive works that incorporate seashells, driftwood, conch, and corals. Glazed ceramic tiles are another colorful option.
Exporting Art From Turks and Caicos
Bringing a large piece of artwork home from the Turks and Caicos can be a daunting task, and in some cases, it's simply not possible to do so on your flight home. Several local shops are happy to help with international shipping or can sell you unmounted paintings that can be rolled and brought home in a suitcase. Crating can also be arranged through local galleries.
Art Classes
The local studios occasionally host art classes that are popular with locals and visitors. Both public and private art classes are offered on Providenciales. These events are a great way to meet locals and practice your technique, or simply to relax and create a keepsake of your trip.
You can also find the occasional sip and paint event in the Turks and Caicos.
Art Galleries
