Local artist/curator Lucien Downes did it again with the “Spring Equinox” exhibit that opened at CMCArts in downtown Frederiksted April 12. The forces of spring brought feelings of rebirth and renewal for Downes to recreate and curate an exhibit for the second year in a row. It’s in his blood!
Patrons experienced the expertise of Downes’ ability to discern and curate the high-quality work that would be “harmonious to the theme of the show.”
There are 67 entries of artwork displayed in the rooms of the upstairs gallery – submitted by 27 artists in the territory, mostly from St. Croix, with a note to collectors: They are all for sale.
“Spring is life,” Downes said, as he mused about “folks back in the day.”
“They looked at spring as the beginning of the year. Everything starts to bloom. Everything comes to life, while the Gregorian calendar sends a nod to Jan. 1 as the beginning of the year.
“Of course, this is the beginning of the spring equinox,” Downes said. “So, I thought about how we go through life learning about things they taught us. And as we grow older, we learn the truth about things; it’s as if what we learned in our childhood was all a lie,” he laughed as he leaned into his recollection and detection of the ‘truth.’”
Downes found it all very interesting when he decided to do the spring collection show. He believes, he said, in life and the really great energy at this time of the year.
“We don’t pay attention year ‘round. Then we notice when there’s a good amount of rain, everything turns from brown to green. I love to see the Flamboyant tree in bloom – when everything else is dying, they come out in their splendor; they are the brightest thing around when there’s no water. The islands take care of themselves. They know when to bloom and when not to bloom. It’s still beautiful yearly.”
Downes spoke to the Source about the “Taste of Spring” collaboration between him and CMCArts. He and executive director Lisa Mordhorst brainstormed about an inspiration for patrons to come again and for new patrons to experience the work.
“We talked about a ‘meet and greet’ for the artists and the patrons. It would be a very interactive event — a whole immersive experience,” Downes shared.
“Last year, we experimented with a private event: a sit-down dinner as a suggested donation fundraiser with a one-hour walk-through with the artists. It was well-received and very impressive,” Mordhorst said.
This year, the collaborators (Downes and Mordhorst) decided on a more reception-style affair with curator Downes guiding a tour throughout the gallery, giving a more intimate view of the artwork, with some of the artists present to speak about their work.
“We are very grateful for our partnership with Lucien each year because he is very conscientious about wanting to create a fundraiser to help CMCArts. Not only does it help the artists, in this case, because we’re talking about the show, to invigorate interest in buying the work. Lucien is always very concerned about creating deeper fundraising opportunities for CMCArts and I’m grateful for that,” Mordhorst said.
“Philanthropy by Design has donated the energy and the food: charcuterie towers — a smorgasbord — paired with wines. CC1, although wholly focused on the St. Thomas Carnival, has donated wines from a specific vineyard for tasting at the event,” Mordhorst shared.
“We’re classifying ‘A Taste of Spring’ as a fundraiser. It’s an amazing opportunity for the community. It’s an Equinox Experience: Celebrate the beauty of spring in full bloom with us at a special evening with the ‘Spring Equinox’ Exhibition! Step into a lush world of color, flavor, and creativity with an exclusive artist-guided tour led by curator Lucien Downes, discounts on some original artworks, and savor an exquisite charcuterie spread by Philanthropy by Design with wine pairings sponsored by CC1. May 8, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $45, Couples: $40 each. All proceeds contribute to the SEA Education Fund Match and Candia Atwater-Shields Scholarship Fund,” Mordhorst said.
Music by a special guest will take place on May 8. The exhibit will be open until May 24.
For more information:
cmcarts.org
Call: 340-772-2622
