In an interview with Neville James on his WTJX-hosted “Analyze This” radio show on Wednesday, Jan. 17, Alpine Securities USVI and 81C Arts announced a significant collaboration of community impact planning aimed at bolstering art and education programs and creative youth enrichment initiatives in historic Charlotte Amalie through The 81C Studio Project and related artist support programs.
The news is also a rallying call to fellow commercial entities and foundations that are passionate about the arts in the community to join Alpine Securities in support of 81C Arts’ mission to advance creative impacts on youth and dynamic venues in the historic district. The vision of the 81C Studio Project springs from 81C Arts’ dynamic base, rooted in historic Charlotte Amalie since 2020.
Located on Main Street in the Camille Pissarro Building owned by The Cyril V Francois Associates, The 81C Studio Project was pitched to Alpine for philanthropic contribution and community partnership in late 2023. The program outline offers no-cost workspace to Virgin Islands artists who are accepted into the program and provides after-school art mentorship opportunities between studio artists and students overseen by local educators Dyonna Potter and Shem Matthew.
New programs launching at 81C Studio for 2024 include a digital arts class named Digilocal, taught by UVI alum Jenique Jolly, and a youth arts summer camp, led by current All Saints Cathedral School art educator Dyonna Potter.
Alpine Securities has contributed a generous $20,000 gift towards a 2024 season of the 81C Studio Project, assisting the organization in carrying out necessary enhancements to their physical studio space and jump-starting additional program operations within the building.
Additionally, 81C Arts has planned a research and development phase for creating a Camille Pissarro House Museum on the second floor of the building (14 Dronningens Gade / Main Street), which is the birthplace of the renowned impressionist painter by the same name. The museum concept focuses on an authentically restored interior and a curated selection of original works by Camille Pissarro.
The museum concept project will be supported by local volunteers and led by Zack Zook, creator of 81C.
Atelier St. Thomas Arts Foundation (81C Arts) was founded in 2017 three years before the 81C brand opened its doors on Strand Gade as a contemporary art gallery and pop-up venue. 81C Arts manages all art programs and social impact initiatives associated with the brand. 81C Arts is a federally recognized not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.
“Supporting Virgin Islands art and culture is part of our philanthropic mission at Alpine. 81C Arts offers a unique and exciting opportunity to bring young artists to the historic Camille Pissarro building to continue their education in contemporary and visual arts. It’s a pleasure to support programs and initiatives like this.” – Vernon Araujo, Alpine Securities USVI
“The original vision for founding this organization was to create a shared art studio workspace on the top floor of what is now our gallery and pop-up venue location. We shifted gears and opened the gallery on the ground floor after an unfortunate setback — yet operating the gallery and then creating programs in that space focused on youth enrichment has taught the team so much in terms of community and impact. We have developed relationships with countless artists and have developed a wide and dynamic support network. Operating an art studio and providing resources for artists never faded from my highest interests, and I am very excited and grateful to find reputable community partners who share our vision for supporting the arts in our beautiful and enigmatic historic district.” – Zack Zook, founder and executive director, 81C Arts
“DigiLocal is a digital art class that can have a transformative impact on the local community and the region as a whole. First and foremost, it provides residents with access to valuable education and training in the field of digital art, enhancing their creative skills and employability. This class can serve as a hub for artistic collaboration, fostering a vibrant art scene that attracts tourists and contributes to the cultural and economic growth of the islands. Furthermore, it can bridge the digital divide, enabling aspiring artists to participate in the global digital art industry, ultimately improving the island’s cultural identity and economic sustainability.” – Jenique Jolly, 81C Arts
“The Cyril V Francois Associates have made it a goal to move away from the jewelry store and cruise ship mentality, and instead focus on providing rental spaces that encourage local development and greater appreciation for the island’s deep historical and cultural roots. We hope to see this project help provide a foundation for inspiration and community involvement as we help bring Main Street into the new era and revive the “golden days” that once defined a trip to town.” – Jennifer Stevens, The Cyril V. Francois Associates LLC, owners of 14 Dronningens Gade (The Camille Pissarro Building).
“The creation of studio arts programming for island artists and students is of utmost importance to us. Having the support and shared vision of Alpine Securities for this project, in the famed Camille Pissarro House, best exemplifies what is achievable through collaboration.” – Joseph Hewes, president of 81C Arts
Entities who are interested in receiving information on potential community partnership and fiscal sponsorship for this project can contact 81C Arts directly by writing to Zack@81cvi.org or 81cvirginislands@gmail.com
