June 23, 2003 – With the old Yacht Haven Hotel structures soon to come tumbling down to make way for redevelopment, the resort's new ownership is seeking up to 20 community youth groups to paint a mural on the wall that temporarily cuts the work site off from the street.
The company, IN-USVI, LLC, will host the mural Paint-a-Thon next month, but Tuesday is the last day to sign up teams to participate.
The Paint-a-Thon will allow local young people to showcase their talents on the wall, which will remain standing for several months while contractors demolish the old structures, according to a release from the company. The wall's fresh layer of white paint will serve as the undercoating for the artwork.
Youth group and summer camp leaders are encouraged to sign up a team for the Paint-a-Thon, the release stated. IN-USVI will provide all art materials needed.
"We are only asking that the children bring their ideas and enthusiasm," Andrew Farkas, chief executive officer of Insignia Nautica, said. Insignia Nautica is the parent company of IN-USVI.
Painters must be between the ages of 7 and 15. Each team must have 10 members, including two adult chaperones.
The groups selected to participate will be required to develop their own ideas and design concepts focusing on any of the following themes:
– Virgin Islands history.
– The land or sea environment.
– The marine industry and local watersports.
To sign up a team, go by the Yacht Haven Marina office on Tuesday between noon and 5 p.m. and fill out a short application form. The application must include a brief description of the planned mural design.
"We can't wait to see what they come up with," Farkas said. "The IN-USVI team is really excited about this. We see it as the first phase in the Yacht Haven transformation, and we want to make it fun and include the entire community."
The Paint-a-Thon will take place on July 12, with mural painting beginning at 9 a.m. The day will conclude with a barbecue and an awards ceremony. For more information, contact the Yacht Haven Marina office at 774-6050.
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