The Virgin Islands Council of the Arts (VICA) invites the public to an opening reception to view “Love, Abundance and Gratitude,” presented by Aubrey Artworks from 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, May 16, at the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts Gallery in the Francois Building, 5070 Norre Gade.
The local community curator describes the show as “a mixed-media presentation of stellar photographs, sculpture in porcelain and stained glass by 10 local artists centered on the themes of love, abundance and gratitude.”
Featured artists include Luther Parris and his detailed ceramic works depicting historic coal workers of St. Thomas and modern day boxers from 340 Boxing Promotions. It’s a chance to experience the strength and grace of Virgin Islanders from the past and present captured in a detailed and delicate medium. It should be noted that all of these pieces are expertly framed by Bambini-Swane Art Studios.
Parris’s work can be seen throughout the show, which is enhanced by the textural photography of Aisha-Zakiya Boyd, Jose Morales and Andrew Casazza. These photographers, working independently, allowed Aubrey Artworks to explore a printing technique using mesh to add a new dimension to a study of an East Indian elder by Boyd. Morales takes his textural photography undersea with works featuring jelly fish in a cobalt blue sea and a striking black and white of his child’s turning on a water spigot.
Photographer James Gaillard presents a view of the V.I. Carnival, shot from the old Bornn Law Firm building. Because of the building’s location, across the street from the Council on the Arts, viewers will get a sense of seeing Carnival “from the outside, looking in.”
St. John magic moments photographer Morgan Ryan, macro-photography and portraiture by Timeed from Rock City Bless also have exhibits in the May 16th show. Visitors to the show will also have a chance to see from St. John, the vanishing art of hoop vine basketry, presented by Mathew Sewer-Gibney. Tulip Fleming of Tropical Creations presents natural art using materials from local Calabash.
Stained glass creations round out the show with works by Shomo Art Studios. Harold Shomo, a master craftsman specializing in both stained glass and fine sculptures using metal and wood. This particular exhibit displays glass candle holders made from recycled liquor bottles.
Portions of the proceeds from the show will benefit the Practice Peace Initiative, whose goal is to reduce violence and build a more civil and peaceful community. “Our vision is that overall crime will be reduced by 75 percent and homicide by 70 percent within 10 years,” said organizers of the Practice Peace Initiative.
For more information, call 774-5984.