Pastels artist Bill Gutzwiller has been making creative contributions to the St. Thomas scene for a decade's worth of winters. And now it is all about to end — with one last opportunity for art collectors to acquire his work, be it a first or an additional piece.
The artist will host his 10th annual open house at his studio/gallery and condominium in Cowpet Bay East on Sunday, Jan. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. The showing "will, regrettably, be my last on the island," Gutzwiller says, as he and his wife will be leaving at the end of the month to take up full-time residence on the mainland.
Choosing the medium of pastel because it worked better for him than watercolor, acrylic or oil aboard his boat, Gutzwiller captured island images that crossed his bow or his mind as he sailed around the islands each winter. His impressionist land- and seascapes have won numerous awards at the St. Thomas-St. John Arts Council's annual Caribbean Colour shows and his work can be found in homes and corporate offices around the world.
Gutzwiller, whose other home is in Wisconsin, not only found inspiration for himself as an artist working in the Virgin Islands; he also helped others to do the same. For several winters he organized and led weekly (or more frequent) outings to scenic local sites for artists to travel as a group and then paint or draw on their own. The rules were simple: Gather at the appointed time and place, bring your own materials and creature comforts, and don't offer anyone else advice without getting their permission first.
The showing on Jan. 16 will be of the types of work for which he is known — colorful impressionist interpretations of familiar island scenes. His studio/gallery is located at 28 Tara Way in the Cowpet Bay East community, located in Estate Nazareth on St. Thomas' East End between the Elysian and Ritz-Carlton hotels. Those interested in seeing his work at another time may arrange studio visits by calling him at 775-1580.
