The Leo Carty “Legacy” exhibit opened at Cane Roots Art Gallery in downtown Christiansted during Art Thursday and will continue through May 27, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The late artist’s work has been reproduced and framed with several renditions of historic churches on St. Croix. There are also “breathtaking beach scenes highlighted by his mastery of colors and values.” Nineteen works show the early years of the breadth and depth of Carty’s impressionistic style that captures his beloved island.
Leo’s youngest son Stefan founded Carty Fine Art Studios in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of his father’s death. In 2021, he brought to Cane Roots Art Gallery the “Remembrance” exhibit that displayed over 20 selections from the Carty collection, which raised funds for the Leo Carty Fine Arts Scholarship.
This year, Stefan has returned with more of Leo’s work that preserves the legacy of the many years his father worked and taught and developed his unparalleled style of black culture through art.
The Scholarship continues each year and is open to graduating high school students who desire a career in the arts. For those artists who are not interested in entering art school and want to submit work, they would be part of the evaluation process, as well. Stefan encourages all artists to submit their work. This is open to all artists, he said.
Stefan shows three of his works in the exhibit. “Still Waters” is an original acrylic on canvas that “shows the strength and resilience of the Black woman by the intensity in her eyes that draws and commands your undivided attention. Her braids are symbolic of a crown on her head.” “Early Morning Stroll” depicts a father and daughter on horseback taking a morning stroll, an acrylic on canvas. The textural piece, “Moko Jumbies,” is a mixed-media of acrylic, broken glass, and resin on canvas.
Carty Fine Art Studios’ mission is to continue the legacy of illustrating life through vivid images that capture the imagination. The art is visually expressed through paintings and archival prints by father and son.
Cane Roots Art Gallery owner Sonia Deane opens the gallery to visiting school children to broaden their horizons in their education of the fine arts.
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