Oct. 23, 2001 – Speaking for herself and the rest of the art faculty at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Art Department chair M. Lisa Etre has this to say about the student artwork that will be on exhibit Friday evening in downtown Charlotte Amalie: "Prepare to be visually impressed. We are."
The exhibition of works by eight students currently enrolled in EKHS art classes will be featured at this month's Da Da Wine Down, Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Cafe Amici in Riise's Alley. It's the first exhibit of the 2001-02 academic year for the her department, Etre said.
The young artists — Danitra Brathwaite, Annie Bridgewater, Tyrone Brooks, Davin Charles, Jeb Harrilal, Melissa Hutchins, Willie Payne and McKenley Stanislaus — will be at Friday's gathering to introduce themselves and talk about their artwork.
Etre noted that Willie is one of four hearing-impaired freshman students who are new to Eudora Kean this year. "His art has a lot of people talking, seeing and listening," she said. "We are fortunate to have him in our Art Department as an inspiration to us all."
As is traditional, the Wine Down will have complimentary finger food courtesy of Cafe Amici and a cash bar, as well as an optional wine tasting and seminar, for which there's a $10 fee. This month, the samplings are of Undurraga wines, distributed locally by West Indies Corp. The evening's door prize will be a student work of art.
"This is the first time we're featuring student art," event organizer Priscilla Lynn of Prisco Public Relations and Marketing said. "We're hoping that it integrates nicely with our Da Da events and that we can look to offer this opportunity to student artists again in the future."
In addition to displaying the students' artwork, the EKHS Art Department will be having a silent art auction to raise funds to purchase art supplies. The works to be auctioned consist of "special pieces left behind by former students," Etre said. Also, student-designed Christmas cards, greeting cards and mouse pads will be available for purchase.
Etre noted that the Color of Joy and Mango Tango frame shops donated matting materials to assist the students in presenting their artwork professionally.
"If you have an interest in art, education and our talented young people, please make every effort to attend the exhibition," Etre said. For additional information call her at 775-6380, ext. 2126.
