On April 11, the Reyna Gallery opened "Our Sea, Our Life" exhibit featuring the extraordinary art of 15 artists celebrating Belize's phenomenal marine life with the creation of original paintings and sculpture. The exhibit is open to the public through June 2026.
Beginning In February 2026 Belize Sol sat down with Fernando and Janet Reyna of Reyna Art Gallery to begin the planning for the exhibit that would become "Our Sea, Our Life" celebrating marine life and the talented artists who render them through painting more beautifully than what one could imagine. The opening drew a notable crowd with live music, plenty food and drink - where many people showed up to enjoy meeting the artists and learning about their original art and extreme skills in rendering.
There had been initial concerns by the new gallery that most artists would need to sell their art immediately upon completion rather than have it installed over 2 month period- the anticipated duration of the show. Though those concerns were quickly vanquished by the positive response via the artists' submissions. The gallery also planned to travel it to other venues around Belize.
After that initial meeting a discussion arose regarding the need to bring women artists into the collective. Many of the artists Belize Sol connected with at the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival were overwhelmingly men of enormous talent. So it was a goal to present equally talented female artists including Sophia Lisbey, Caroline Carr, Emna Castillo and Gianni Martinez in this exhibition. Social media pages were thoroughly perused then contacts were made to inquire about the women artists' participation with half being able to participate. While others did want to participate, but didn't have new work to share at that point.
The youngest artist featured was Darlin Polanco, a 14-year-old who was inspired by her grandfather to paint marine life. This was the case with the turtle in the exhibit that she painted using a knife technique she learned from her art teacher at the Raquel Art School. Her grandmother and art teacher were beaming with pride. It was apparent how deep an impact both grandparents have had on her as an artist that led to her participation in this exhibit. And the gallery made sure she received recognition.
The gallery was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.15 artists participated in this exhibit, the 2nd exhibition in the gallery since it opened in February of 2025. There is a clear sense of camaraderie among the artists who are often in similar exhibitions throughout Belize. For example, Sophia Lisbey, Kelvin Baizar, Kevin Moralez, Lincoln Gordon and Fernando Reyna were all in the Skyward exhibit in late March curated by the Art Shack at Naia Resort in Placencia.
Belize Sol enjoyed a studio visit with Erwin Chan, a Bullet Tree artists, who then connected the curatorial team to Papo - the legendary artist from San Pedro who some artists attribute their natural realism painterly style to this established professional artist. Both artists agreed to share their monumental art in this exhibit.
Erwin Chan hails from nearby Bullet Tree- home to a number of legendary artists including Jorge Landero who also mentored Chan. Gianni Martinez who also goes by "Artsy" on social media, has her art studio in San Ignacio. Meanwhile, Lincoln Gordon, Kelvin Baizar made their way from Belmopan. Still further, Ludgwig Palacio made his way to bring his paintings from Punta Gorda in the far southern part of Belize. Sophia Lisbey Foreman in her determination to participate in the exhibit coordinated with Papo to transport their art all the way from San Pedro.
And while not all of the artists could make it to opening on April 11th, the space was electric with immensely gorgeous art and each of the artists genuinely appreciating sharing the space and expressing their support or each other amid a sizeable crowd throughout the evening. The youngest artists Darlin was given thoughtful attention by the other more established artists. There was a cherished moment, among many, when Darlin as the youngest artists took a photo with legendary artist Carolyn Carr, from the United States originally but has resided in Belize for 47 years- first as a commercial artist who then was drawn to making fine art.
From that discussion with an artist with a near 50 year history in Belize before the art scene was really "a thing," we also learned of creative forerunners George Gabb, Benjamin Nicholas, Nelson Young and Louis Belisle, who the Belisle Gallery at the Bliss Performing Arts Center is named for. Belize continually amazes with the caliber and depth of art the steadily growing community of artists proliferates here with unique visions like you will experience in the Our Sea, Our Life: exhibit at the Reyna Art Gallery.!
*Take note that all of this amazing art on exhibition at Reyna Art Gallery & Cafe is for purchase, so inquire in person at the gallery or via social media!
Also check out: "The Art of Belize, Then and Now"
Comments