Have you seen Island Art and Soul – 2000? If you have, you know why it deserves the overwhelming raves it's been getting. This is the sixth annual presentation of island art, in calendar format (but who in her/his right mind would mark it up). This is a creation of the Caribbean Museum Center, originated by Candia Atwater Shield, now joined by Kate Garner.
The cover of this publication, and it is pan-Caribbean in nature, is a depiction of Main Street in St. Thomas, not flooded by bargain hunters, but by gentle folks going about their daily duties. It is the feature art for the month of November created by artist Diane Kreiner. Almost all twelve entries in this calendar issue deserve special attention, however the eyes of this reviewer were especially captivated by the entries for March and June 2000, and January2001, which are respectively: "View from Annaly" by Cindy Male; "Rock Garden" by Lisa Etre, and; "Caneel Bay" by Lucinda Schutt. One cannot, however, overlook the unique creations for the other months: "Home Safe Home" by Cynthia Hatfield; "Coconut Son" by Sue Snow; "A Taste of Antigua" by Priscilla Looby; "Market Scene" by Eunice Summer; "Summertime" by Janet Cook-Rutnik; "Sands" by Doreen Walsh; "We Be Poppin" by Don Dahlke; "Homecoming" by Bernard Brooks; "The Birthday Party" by Jean Merwin, and; "In the Shade" by Niarus Benjamin.
The Virgin Islands is fortunate to have such a significant publication, presenting a beautiful face of the Virgin Islands to the world. Artists included represent various media and sectors of the community. Most artists are recognized locally and many are recognized internationally. It is fortuitous to have two dedicated folk like Ms. Atwater and Ms. Garner who give this "good face" to the world. Their efforts, under the banner of the Caribbean Museum Center, are to be complimented on this volume of Y2K art do you suppose it portends the future of Year 2001 art?
This calendar is on heavy art stock and the creations are suitable for framing. It is available in outlets on St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and elsewhere. It might be advisable, however, to acquire your millennium art calendar before supplies are exhausted. If you have seen Island Art and Soul 2000, you'll know why it deserves the raves it's been getting.