April 8, 2002 – An exhibition of Carnival-theme photography will open Thursday evening at the V.I. Cultural Heritage Institute with a reception that will feature not only contemporary and historic camera images but also a discussion of the good old days by some of those who had a lot to do with how good they were.
The show and the program are part of this year's V.I. Carnival 50th anniversary celebrations tracing the start of modern-day carnival on St. Thomas in 1952. Of course, the territory's tradition of mas goes back in time much farther than that — and the photo exhibit will include pictures from local celebrations in 1914 as well as 1952 and the years since.
The "50 Years of Carnival Photography" exhibition is an opportunity for the public to view "rarely seen images of early carnival and wonderful contemporary pictures of this great cultural event," a release from the institute states.
Many of the photos to be displayed were submitted by members of the community in a competition hosted by the institute. The call for entries was to submit pictures "that capture the artistry and spirit of carnival." The winning photographer, who will receive $350, will be announced at the reception, which begins at 5 p.m.
Taking part in the program of reminiscences that's to follow at around 6 p.m. will be Irvin "Brownie" Brown, Dorothy "Dotsy" Elskoe, Gerald Hodge Sr. and Ron "Mango Jones" de Lugo. Their assignment is to "share their great stories about the early carnivals," the release states.
The photography exhibition will remain up for an indefinite period for public viewing. Admission is free.
The Cultural Heritage Institute is located on Lower Kongens Gade, commonly called Education Street, across from the "White House" of attorney Desmond Maynard. For additional information, call 774-9537.

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