In April, 2009, Hollace was selected to receive a National Guardian Award for teenage female entrepreneurs. From a pool of over 5, 000 applicants, Hollace and 14 other teens from around the nation were recognized as exceptional young business women who are making a positive impact on their communities. The scholarship award winners were commended for their business acumen, creativity, and integrity. The Guardian Life Insurance Company created this competitive national scholarship to foster leadership and business prowess in selected young women.

Hollace & Owner

The owner of Pappagallo’s Restaurant located in Grand Cayman purchased Hollace’s painting of one of the colorful parrots who grace his restaurant. In addition to gourmet Caribbean dining, the restaurant is famous for the lively parrots who entertain diners with their amusing antics. Visit Pappagallo’s Restaurant for a spectacular meal, and look for Hollace’s painting, hanging against a bamboo background above “Gina’s” tropical retreat.

“Honu Rising”

Hollace is pleased to announce that the Christian Riso Fine Art Gallery in Hawaii is now handling her original paintings and prints.  This prestigious gallery was established in the old sugarcane town of Koloa, Kauai (Hawaii) in 1994.  It is recognized as a traditional Hawaiian gallery featuring works of talented artists of both national and international origins.In spending time this summer (2008) on the incomparably beautiful island of Kauai, Hollace was inspired by the tropical beauty, the warmth of the people, and the folklore.  Having long admired the green sea turtle, which is nurtured and protected in the Cayman Islands, Hollace was fascinated by Hawaiian mythology where legend tells about a sea turtle, Kauila, who could change herself into a girl to watch over the children playing at Punalu’u Beach on the Big Island.  Kauila is known as the “mythical mother” of all turtles.  Turtles are also said to have been the guides for the first voyagers to Hawaii.  In appreciation for the Hawaiian folklore surrounding the green sea turtle, Hollace has entitled the painting she created this summer (see above) “Honu Rising”.

In addition to selling her work in Kauai, the Stone Harbor, New Jersey Gallery, “Island Art,” is also handling Hollace’s prints.

The Morgan Gallery, Grand Cayman

She continues to sell original paintings and prints at multiple Grand Cayman locations, including The Morgan Gallery, the Ritz-Carlton Gallery and retail shop, as well as Pure Art Gallery.

Twins, Mark and Matthew Ebanks, workshop students, sold their paintings for CI$400 and CI$525, respectively. Photo:Claire Davies.	Len Goldberg, the high bidder for both paintings, poses with workshop students, Mark and Matthew Ebanks. Photo:Claire Davies.

Hollace, along with the Morgan Gallery, Cobalt Coast Resort, and The Wharf restaurant, sponsored a gala evening held on June 28, 2008 at The Wharf to benefit the children’s programs of the National Trust.The theme of the Butterfly Ball was deliberately chosen for several reasons.  First, with proceeds from this event, every Cayman school child will receive a laminted card colorfully depicting the various butterfly species populating the Cayman Islands.  Through this educational tool, local children will learn about endemic and migratory butterflies of the Cayman Islands and their relationship to the eco-system.

The second reason that the butterfly was deemed an appropriate symbol for the event is the unique vulnerability the image projects, reminding those who attended the function that our relationship to the environment is a fragile thread which requires constant nourishment and recognition that our stewardship will chart the course for future generations.

The Butterfly Ball was a huge success, raising over CI$15,000 to benefit the National Trust.  Paintings from leading Caymanian artists were auctioned, along with many other exciting items, such as a sunset sail for 10, and a 2 night stay at Pirates Point Resort on Little Cayman.

Several workshop students were able to attend the event, and participate first-hand in the excitement generated by the generous bids for their paintings.

“Wings of the Sea”. Photo: Dave Idhe.

Hollace’s painting, “Wings of the Sea”, created especially for charitable auction at this event, generated the highest bid of the evening — a great finale to a worthwhile project.

On June 25th and 26th (2008), Hollace taught a painting workshop attended by Cayman youth, ages 11 through 16.  The workshop was held at the Cobalt Coast Resort in West Bay.  She was assisted in this effort by Claire Davies, from New York City.

During this workshop, Hollace instructed on the Pointillism Technique, and her students were challenged to create original paintings for the auction at the “Butterfly Ball” charitable event, with funds to benefit the children’s programs of the National Trust.  The workshop was a wonderful success, with many beautiful paintings created.

Photos by: Claire Davies

In 2008, Hollace won several awards at the U.S. Scholastic Art Competition, showcasing the artistic works of talented teens. Among her awards was a Gold Key for her painting portraying a blue iguana — the highest level of recognition for excellence in painting.

Hollace has enjoyed the opportunity to donate prints of her paintings to several charitable causes this year, among them, Habitat for Humanity and the Juvenile Diabetes Association. She has been happy to be able to further the causes of these worthwhile organizations.

In September, 2007, Hollace’s paintings were  featured at the Fall exhibition at the Ritz Carlton Gallery, Grand Cayman.  All four of Hollace’s paintings were sold at this event.  The shops at the Ritz continue to carry Hollace’s prints and sets of note cards.

On June 29, 2007, Hollace participated in Grand Cayman in a fundraiser to benefit the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme. Over $20,000 was raised at the gala event, which was attended by Governor Stuart Jack. Hollace donated a framed print which sold for $400 CI ($500 US). Internationally renowned aboriginal dot artist Ron “Rogest” Steven acted as the celebrity auctioneer, but also donated an original painting of a blue iguana (24″ x 36″) which was purchased by Jean Cohen of the Ritz-Carlton for $4,200 CI.

Hollace admired her mentor’s masterpiece, which required three months to complete, as well as Ron’s tireless devotion to preserving the environment and to educating through his own generosity on the need to get involved to make a difference.

During her stay on Grand Cayman this summer (2007), Hollace acted as assistant to Ron Steven in teaching local children and teens the craft of aboriginal dot art. Each student was challenged to create an original blue iguana painting. These paintings were individually auctioned at the Blue Iguana Affair, both raising funds for the Programme, as well as instilling pride in the students by their contributions to this event.

Group Photo: Claire Davies
Iguana Photo:  Robert Kutay

Welcome to the brand new, official website of marine life artist, Hollace Kutay.  Please take your time and look around, visit the gallery, and make note that in addition to original art, both prints and card sets are available.  Thanks for stopping by today.