Territorial Artists' Day, Saturday, October 17, 2026 at the Wall House Territorial Museum

Among the highlights of the evening was an interview with Natalie Clifford, owner and director of Space Gallery St Barth, conducted by Jenny Mannerheim of L’Officiel St Barth Magazine as part of the Art Conversations series. The discussion brought attention to the perspectives of art professionals who contribute to Saint-Barthélemy’s cultural landscape and help connect the island’s creative community with the wider international art world.

The evening also celebrated the laureates of the fifth edition of the Salon des Artistes de Saint-Barthélemy, recognizing the remarkable talent and creativity of local artists. Through this initiative, CEM Art and its partners continue to champion artistic expression, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the cultural identity of Saint-Barthélemy.

By bringing together the 2026 Artists’ Salon Awards and Les Conversations de l’Art, the Journée Territoriale des Artistes reaffirmed the importance of creating opportunities for dialogue, recognition, and exchange — celebrating the artists and cultural voices that make St Barth’s art scene so distinctive.

10 quick questions · Her story

Natalie Clifford · Space Gallery · CEM’Art

Jenny Mannerheim of L’Officiel Magazine St Barth interviewing Natalie Clifford, director of Space Gallery St Barth

Jenny Mannerheim: Who are you, and what is Space Gallery, in one sentence?

Natalie Clifford: My name is Natalie Clifford, and I am the founder and director of Space Gallery, which I established in Saint Barth in 2011. It is a contemporary art gallery that brings local and international artists into dialogue.

Jenny Mannerheim: Why open a gallery in Saint Barth in 2011?

Natalie Clifford: At the time, there were few spaces on the island truly dedicated to contemporary art, and I felt that an independent art gallery could make a valuable contribution to Saint Barth’s cultural life while allowing me to share a passion that means a great deal to me. I wanted to contribute to the island’s cultural landscape, showcase local and French artists, and open a window onto the international art scene. The idea was to present engaging exhibitions and projects, introduce audiences to new artists, and create opportunities for conversations about art with both residents and visitors.

Jenny Mannerheim of L’Officiel Magazine St Barth interviewing Natalie Clifford, director of Space Gallery St Barth

Jenny Mannerheim: Beyond being a gallery, what role does Space play in island life, and why is that important to you?

Natalie Clifford: For me, a gallery should be much more than a place where artworks are exhibited and sold. Above all, it is a place for people to meet, share, discover, and connect through a common passion. After 15 years, Space Gallery has become an integral part of the island’s cultural life. Events and exhibition openings are part of the island’s social scene.

The gallery also serves as a platform through which we can play our part in the wider community. Through various initiatives, we continually strive to support causes and projects that contribute to community life. It is important to us to be part of this environment and to make our own contribution.

The gallery also plays a role in introducing visitors to Saint Barth’s cultural scene. Art offers a way to discover another side of the island, beyond its beaches and lifestyle. It is this human and cultural dimension that gives our work its true meaning.

Jenny Mannerheim: Why are the island’s artists, such as Julie Fumat, important to you?

Natalie Clifford: We enjoy presenting a mix of local and international artists, both established and emerging. Regardless of their background or reputation, what matters most to us is their talent and their desire to share it.

Julie Fumat is a very talented watercolor artist. She also has a remarkable sensitivity for capturing some of Saint Barth’s iconic locations. Her works have a great deal of charm. Watercolor is a delicate and particularly demanding technique. I felt it was important to recognize her talent and help it gain greater visibility locally.

She fully deserves the success she is achieving, and we are delighted to be able to help bring her work to a wider audience.

The underlying theme: art on a small Caribbean island.

CEM Art - Art Conversations of the Island, at the St Barth Wall House Territorial Museum

Jenny Mannerheim: Art on a small Caribbean island: what makes it unique, and what are the challenges?

Natalie Clifford: Being on an island like Saint Barth comes with some very interesting characteristics, as well as a few challenges. What makes it unique is, of course, the light, the beauty of the landscapes, and the island’s energy, all of which are a real source of inspiration for artists.

On the other hand, logistics can sometimes be more complicated. It is not always easy to obtain certain highly specialized materials, although Librairie Barnes does an excellent job of offering a fairly wide selection of art supplies.

Transporting artworks and arranging shipments are probably the most complex aspects, due to the costs and logistical constraints. We must also take the tropical climate, humidity, and heat into account, both when selecting artworks and when considering their installation, preservation, and maintenance.

But these constraints are also part of the reality of our environment. They simply require planning ahead, adaptability, and great attention to detail.

Jenny Mannerheim: A gallery depends on its audience. With six months of low season, how do you keep operating?

Natalie Clifford: Saint Barth does indeed have two very distinct seasons, and like all local businesses, we experience busier periods than others. We therefore adapt our program to the different times of the year and to the audiences we welcome.

After fifteen years in business, we are especially fortunate to have a loyal base of collectors who trust us and regularly choose to enrich their collections with new works. Our relationships with our clients are essential. We place great importance on this loyalty and on the relationships that develop over time.

At the same time, we are always looking to offer a dynamic and engaging program, with new discoveries, in order to attract new collectors as well. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by both our loyal clients and those discovering the gallery for the first time.

It is this combination of loyalty, renewal, and a passion for art that allows us to continue our work throughout the seasons. Our clients’ trust truly lies at the heart of our success.

CEM Art - Art Conversations of the Island, at the St Barth Wall House Territorial Museum

Jenny Mannerheim: What role does art play in tourism in Saint Barth? What does it bring to visitors to the island?

Natalie Clifford: I believe art plays a very important role in Saint Barth’s tourism offering. An active cultural scene and a vibrant artistic community bring a great deal to residents, but they also enrich the experience of visitors.

Many people who come to Saint Barth appreciate art and are looking to discover artists, exhibitions, and places that allow them to experience the island in a different way.

Through our exhibitions, we offer them the opportunity to encounter artworks, discover artists, and connect with the people who bring the island to life every day. Art helps create a more personal connection with Saint Barth, its identity, and its culture.

We are proud to contribute to this cultural richness and to offer an experience that goes beyond traditional tourism.

Jenny Mannerheim: Hotels and restaurant chains pay more for local premises. Can an artist still find a studio here?

Natalie Clifford: Part of Saint Barth’s beauty lies in its rarity and unique character. But this scarcity inevitably brings challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing professional spaces.

The cost of living is high, and commercial rents can be very expensive for an emerging artist or someone who simply wants a dedicated workspace.

It is still possible to find solutions, but this often requires a great deal of research, financial resources, and sometimes solidarity among artists.

I believe this is a real challenge for the future. If we want young artists to be able to develop their talent here, we also need to think about the spaces and conditions that will allow them to create, work, and thrive professionally in Saint Barth.

Natalie Clifford

Jenny Mannerheim: What should CEM’Art prioritize first: studio spaces for rent, art classes, or programs for young people?

Natalie Clifford: I think CEM’Art is a wonderful initiative that can only benefit the island by supporting and developing its artistic community.

I believe the priority should be to explore affordable creative spaces for artists, such as a shared studio with dedicated areas for painting, photography, and other artistic practices. It would be worthwhile to identify the resources and spaces already available on the island, particularly those dedicated to culture, and see how they could be put to use. Art classes and programs for young people are also essential. We would be delighted to support CEM’Art and the Collectivité in exploring these possibilities, because supporting artists enriches the island’s entire cultural life.

The goal should also be to give young people on the island the means to develop their talents, receive training, and, why not, build a genuine career in the arts. I believe CEM’Art has an important role to play in identifying available resources and bringing people together around these projects. Anything that supports local artistic creation can only enrich Saint Barth’s cultural life.

Jenny Mannerheim: A recurring theme: “What does CEM’Art mean to you?”

Natalie Clifford: To me, CEM’Art represents an exciting new chapter in the artistic and cultural development of Saint Barth. It is an opportunity to bring the artistic community together, raise awareness of the arts, and recognize them as a genuine form of expression, as well as a potential career path.

It is also a way to give young people on the island the tools and spaces they need to develop their creativity and nurture their talent.

It is also a way to preserve and showcase the island’s creative heritage. I hope we can all contribute to helping this initiative grow.

Culture is built collectively: artists, institutions, businesses, and residents all have a role to play.

“I firmly believe that art should not simply be exhibited; it should be experienced, shared, and made part of island life.”

Jenny Mannerheim: If time allows: What aspect of Saint Barth’s creative heritage should the world discover?

Natalie Clifford: I believe the world should discover the human and creative richness of Saint Barth, not just its natural and architectural heritage. The island is home to artists, traditional skills, stories, and a cultural identity that deserve greater recognition.

Preserving and encouraging this creativity also means preserving part of Saint Barth’s identity. I hope initiatives like CEM’Art will allow this richness to continue to flourish and be shared far beyond our shores.

CEM Art - Art Conversations of the Island, at the St Barth Wall House Territorial Museum

Space Gallery St Barth had six of its artists featured in the 5th edition of the Salon des Artistes de Saint-Barthélemy, held at the Wall House Territorial Museum (Musée Territorial du Wall House). Organized by Charles Moreau, Director of the Museum, in collaboration with the Collectivité of Saint-Barthélemy, this cultural event celebrates the island’s artistic talent and creative spirit.

Launched in 2022, the Salon des Artistes highlights the work of local artists and artists who share a special connection with, or draw inspiration from, the island of Saint-Barthélemy. This year, six artists represented by Space Gallery St Barth participated in the exhibition: Rémy de Haenen, Isabelle Lindbergh, Marco Glaviano, Jason Bereswill, Julie Fumat, and Charles Moreau, Director of the Wall House Museum, who is also an artist himself.

Unlike previous editions, traditionally held in June, this year’s Salon took place in September, bringing together a diverse community of artists and offering visitors the opportunity to discover a wide range of creative expressions.

Visitors were invited to explore the exhibition and vote for their favorite works. Prizes are awarded in three categories: 

1. Best Plastic Arts (paintings / drawings); 

2. Photography Work 

3. and Sculpture.

The Salon des Artistes de Saint-Barthélemy is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the island’s vibrant artistic community and the many creative voices that contribute to its unique cultural identity.

EVENT PHOTOS

Laureates of the 2026 Artists’ Salon Awards: Best Plastic Arts - Faiza Belkhatir, Best Photography Work - Liza Blanchard and Best Sculpture - Clara Cellerier

Best Plastic Arts - Faiza Belkhatir Raw Burn

Charles Moreau Conures Soleil dans un quenettier, 2025, Oil on canvas 102 x 170 cm (40.16 x 66.93 in)

For more information on any of Space Gallery St Barth Artists' represented at the Salon des Artistes de St Barth feel free to contact info@spacestbarth.com

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