Spring has arrived with flowers blooming, birds chirping, and V.I. artists showing their creations at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in downtown Frederiksted at an opening April 20, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The opening reception will feature the versatile musicians, “Baz n Dem” at 6:30 p.m., with the music continuing through 8 p.m. Chef Chevy will provide small bites for the culinary delights of the patrons.
“Rebirth” is a celebration of the arts ranging in dimensions, colors, and mediums from artists on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
Artist/curator Lucien Downes has collaborated with CMCARTS to stimulate the feelings of spring for the patrons of the arts. The upstairs gallery walls are filled with the exciting works of over 20 artists from across the V.I. territory.
“I have curated many shows, but this exhibit has some of the most stunning pieces I have seen in a long time,” Downes said. “The artists have gone above and beyond my expectations for this spring-themed exhibit.”
The seasonal spring equinox is visited in the arts with realms of rebirth, renewal, new beginnings, and enlightenment. This is the time of year where movement and growth are embraced. The artists have chosen to interpret conceptually broad dialogues or literal translations…running the gamut in the presentation of their creations.
Downes’ approach to the theme of Rebirth was the information he gained some years ago about the Gregorian calendar reform with respect to the equinoxes. “It’s the beginning that I was intrigued with – how spring is viewed – and how people explore the theme – the spiritual realm. It’s a whole other world, so interesting, and so much a part of our being. I felt I should do this…engage in this concept that brings the world ‘alive’ in so many ways.”
Alive is just what Downes has curated at CMCARTS showing the works of over 20 artists filling the upstairs galleries with the theme of the Spring Equinox.
“We all have a vision of spring,” CMCARTS Executive Director Lisa Mordhorst said. “It could be pastels, flowers, green, plants…and yet we all may have some slightly different takes on the spring Rebirth as we are seeing in the very exciting and very powerful works submitted.”
Mordhorst said, “there are some artists who have changed their style with this show, and that’s interesting.”
“We at CMCARTS really appreciate Lucien’s ability to draw together a larger community of artists within the Virgin Islands, so each year we are happy to give him space to curate his shows,” Mordhorst added.
This is definitely a strong show. Our V.I. artists are elevating themselves each time Lucien curates an exhibit. We are always impressed and so proud of our community artists, Mordhorst continued.
There is interpretive work that patrons will view with all types of movement. There is some work in black and white, which is very interesting and different from the usual colors of spring. There is also three-dimensional work and some surprises hanging in the windows catching the light – the light of spring, Mordhorst shared with the Source.
Downes and Mordhorst find delight in this spring showcase of V.I. artists and they encourage the community to come out and spring into step with Rebirth – the Spring Equinox. The exhibit will close May 25.
Anyone wanting more information about the exhibit or the museum, can call 340-772-2622.
