Stories abound of Virgin Islanders who have moved away in search of greener pastures, only to return in recognition that, even with it's myriad problems, life can't get much better than it is right here. Most such people, however, do not create pictures to show the public why they feel this way.
Former and now again Crucian artist Judith King has done so.
The Color of Joy gallery in Red Hook will host a reception on Thursday, Feb. 17, to open a showing of King's recent oil paintings and whimsical drawings that she has titled "Nostalgia from Afar."
The exhibition comprises works King created during a recent sabbatical in North Carolina — an experience she says made her appreciate her island home more, "both for the tolerance of the people who live here and for the style of the historic buildings and towns." She created many of the island scenes working from photographs she took with her to the States.
According to Color of Joy owner Corinne Van Rensselaer, the paintings in the exhibition "reflect this style in their sentimental look at a passing lifestyle in the Virgin Islands. . . King's ability to capture the story and the mystery within the building has always enchanted her viewers. We are delighted that she has returned to our gallery walls and our islands."
The reception, free and open to the public, is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. On the deck outside the gallery, there will be refreshments and the music of Sally Smith on keyboards with friends all but certain to sit in.
The show will hang through March 14. Van Rensselaer notes that art teachers are welcome to bring their classes to view all Color of Joy shows — at a pre-arranged time. To set up a visit, or to learn more, call 775-4020.
