(CMR) Donna Bryan will be honored at the Annual National Arts & Culture Awards on 17 February. She will be presented with the Heritage Cross gold award for her works of art using thatching.
Donna Bryan grew up in Cayman Brac and, from the age of 10, was taught by her mother how to plait silver thatch palm. When she came over to Grand Cayman to live, she continued with her thatching skills.
Ms. Bryan, who is the mother of Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, has taught thatching in all but one public school, including her visits to the John Gray High School (JGHS) during lunchtimes.
Government funds were allocated to assist with the JGHS initiative. During one of the school’s Professional Development days, Ms. Bryan came in and shared her knowledge with the teachers in the Art Department. They embraced the class and decided to offer it to Key Stage 3 students as part of the curriculum during the term.
Ms. Bryan has also taught thatching at a few private schools. Her thatch pieces have been showcased by Girls Brigade International, at Heritage Week (formerly known as Pirates Week) and the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa.
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