Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the following upcoming events that will take place from February 23 – March 5 in at CMCA in St. Croix. Former Crucian resident, Kendal Henry from New York City will be making his second visit to St. Croix to follow up on a public artwork which was initiated a year ago. This project may focus on a theme of “Common Ground” and may reference the history and cultural use of the towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted. The project will be site specific and will be created during his ten-day residency. Artists and non-artists wishing to participate or just learn more about Public Art are invited to attend. It is Mr. Henry’s intention is to meet Virgin Islands artists and get to know their work. This Blog has been set up for this purpose.

Common Ground public art project and this residency is being sponsored by Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, Virgin Islands Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Virgin Island Artists who wish to post to the blog should request an invitation from Kendal at Kendal11101@hotmail.com.

Monday, January 18, 2010

What's On Your Mind?


Celeste in deep discussion.

As expected the artists (those who are currently making art and those who conceptualize ideas) came up with many different public art ideas. The concept behind the discussion was to put any and all ideas out there, find a common theme, and hope something develops into a project or series of projects. It was obvious what inspired them from the previous day's slide show as most ideas involved projection. One of Celeste's many ideas included projecting some of the historic imagery on the exterior surface of the Fort as a way to entice locals and tourists alike to the Fort and provide a dose of the rich history that surrounds the structure. Her idea would use public art as an educational tool and PR for the Fort.

In a very different direction, Carolyn's idea involved working with the young people. The concept involved obtaining confiscated firing arms from the police, destroying them then using the pieces to build sculptures when will be displayed throughout the island. Similar project have been very successful in bringing attention and reduction in gun violence in many of the cities I've worked in especially when local government agencies collaborate with the artists.

The local architectural "ruins" inspired Janet's public art proposal. With the use of projection through the window openings of the once beautiful coral building, parts of what might have occupied those rooms return to haunt the crumbling structure.

The sixth graders Nyomi, Chadiya, Kiyarra, Anisha, Quianna had about 10-15 suggestions of what the public art should do which reminded the group that the younger artists-to-be had a voice as well.

Mike suggested a web presence while Barbara spoke passionately about the "invisible" people which ignighted issues that were on everyone's mind. Esh and La Vaughn discussed some strong ideas and concepts that were on their minds for a while which I hope they explain on this blog (hint, hint).

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