Feb. 5, 2003 – This week's ArtThursday gallery walkabout includes a chance to see new work by a longtime St. Croix artist who has been off island for a while and features a new stop on the map, along with seven places already familiar to participants in the monthly Christiansted event that goes from 5 to 9 p.m.
Preston Doane, now working mainly in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts, is showing a collection of recent Caribbean paintings and screened prints at Danica Art Gallery that "recaptures some of his earlier island experiences in Trinidad and St. Lucia and expresses his feelings about his St. Croix home of many years," gallery owner Danica David says.
Primarily a self-taught "scape" artist, Doane is known for his decorative borders and his techniques for building the surface of works to emphasize depth and distance perception. His images "capture the energy, movement and authenticity of many islands," David says.
The gallery also has Doane's series of 10 signed miniature, limited-edition giclee prints on paper and canvas. The artist, who has been printing and exhibiting for nearly half a century and now also owns the Curious Crow Gallery in South Egremont, Massachusetts, will be on hand to discuss his work on Thursday night — and again on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m.
This month's ArtThursday newcomer is Correa Studios, owned by Brazilian-born etcher Jimena Correa. "A wonderful addition to our art scene!" is how Maria Henle, whose own studio is located right across Company Street from Correa's, describes the latest in-town art enterprise.
Yet another special attraction for Thursday is a work by the late St. Croix watercolorist Charles "Bud" Hawes, probably the most in-demand 20th century artist the Virgin Islands has seen. The piece, being shown at the Christiansted Gallery, has become available from a private collection in the States.
The full lineup of ArtThursday participants and what they're currently featuring:
Christiansted Gallery — featuring a Charles "Bud" Hawes original watercolor..
Correa Studios – original etchings by Jimena Correa.
Danica Art Gallery – "Preston Doane: Encore," celebrating the return of the artist who for many years called St. Croix home.
Gallery Gia – solo show of work by Catherine Roche.
Maria Henle Studio – "Maria Henle: Water Works."
ib Designs – new artistic disc jewelry.
Iona Skye Gallery – jewelry from the sea: "Black Pearls and Mermaids."
Jewelweed – jewelry for Valentine's Day: "Lovers' Rocks."
All galleries and shops participating in ArtThursday, held the first Thursday of the month during season, are located within comfortable walking distance of one another.
Bellows International is providing sponsorship, and as a result there will be wine specials at nine in-town restaurants that invite art appreciators to stop by at the beginning or end of their foray (or, for that matter, along the way): Bombay Club, Indies, Kendrick's, Paradise Café, Restaurant Bacchus, Tannins, Tivoli Gardens, Top Hat and Tutto Bene.
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