Plenty of local pride is invested in the artists and artisans of Montego Bay, and their work can be viewed and purchased at any gallery in the city centre.
Don't expect a big legacy of art, however, there are some decent galleries in this small town. Dating back to the 1960s, the renowned Gallery of West Indian Art is amongst the biggest and most noteworthy in Montego Bay, and resides on Fairfield Road. The scope of the artwork in the Gallery of West Indian Art goes beyond Jamaican pieces to include works from Cuba and Haiti as well.
Gallery of West Indian Art
Address: 11 Fairfield Road, Montego Bay, Jamaica, JM
Tel: +1 876 952 4547
This commercial art gallery business is one of the best places to go in Montego Bay to get a take on the modern-day art scene in the region. Original paintings, ceramic pieces and sculptures in several media are on display. Some of the most notable artists exhibited here include Albert Atwell from Jamaica - who is widely regarded as being a founder of the Jamaican Intuitive Movement, Andre Pierre - famed for his detailed Haitiian paintings, and Orestes Gaulhiac, who is a particularly accomplished Cuban artist.
Tourists looking for a quality souvenir tend to be drawn to the detailed carvings of indigenous African wildlife, which are created by local artists and often painted in a kaleidoscope of bright colours. Particular favourites include the wooden giraffes, fish, zebras and parrots. There are also a variety of mirrors, chests, tables and similar furnishings available for purchase, as well as regional handicrafts.
Open: Monday to Wednesday, Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Thursday - 09:00 to 14:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: free
