Elexa Cotterell | Culture

As a kid, music has always been what connected me with my family, culture and my own

emotions. I grew up seeing my dad’s side of the family embrace their talent as musicians

and artists; and my mom’s side express their cultural heritage through music and the

arts. This motivated me to develop my own skills as an artist and musician; opening my

eyes to non-traditional career paths that would bring me happiness through my craft,

while preserving the cultural arts and encouraging others to do the same.

I achieved a Gold Award in the vocals category for my performance in the 2025 National

Children’s Festival of the Arts (NCFA). I have also participated in the National Drug

Council’s Vape Awareness Competition and was named the 2025 Art Aware Winner for

my sculptural art piece. I showcased artwork in the Walkers Art Club Exhibition, which

ran at the National Gallery in July 2025. I have recently performed at the Spark! Upper

Division Recital and received the Timeless Tone Award. I was recognised at my school for

my creative contributions to Hope Academy and the community.

I currently attend Spark! School of Performing Arts where I am fine-tuning my vocals

before professionally recording an original song that I have been working on. I am also

preparing an art piece for the 2025 Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Competition which is

hosted by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism and Ministry of Tourism & Trade

Development. The art piece will bring awareness to the historical and modern

contributions of maritime tourism. I wish to work with the National Gallery to continue

these kinds of efforts to preserve our cultural arts in the Cayman Islands.

An interesting fact about me is that I received my first ukulele at age six and now have an

electric guitar that I am teaching myself to play. As a Proud of Them Honouree, I will be

giving back by advocating for the preservation of Cayman's arts and encouraging others

to confidently express themselves through creativity.