The Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute is sponsoring a symposium and photographic exhibition and competition to focus attention on last rites and burial of the dead in the Virgin Islands. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 13.
"Last Rites: Photographic Exhibition and Symposium on Virgin Islands Cemeteries and Burial Traditions" grew out of concern over the poor condition of many V.I. cemeteries as well as the disrespectful manner in which many Virgin Islanders are buried—sometimes by bulldozer.
All island photographers are invited to submit one or two photographs dealing with all or any of the aspects related to Virgin Islands burial grounds, funeral services or cemeteries, past and present.
This exhibition and competition is open to professional and amateur photographers. Photographers can also submit appropriate works for sale that can be excluded from competition. There will be a $15 entry fee for up to two (2) submissions. Interested participants should call or fax Lisanne Turnbull at the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute (phone 774-9537 or 776-8605) or Janet Cook-Rutnik (776-6809) for a prospectus.
The deadline for submission is Friday, Oct. 13. The competition will be judged by three qualified art and photography professionals selected by the institute's exhibition committee.
The awards will be presented at the opening reception on Thursday, Nov. 2. First prize will be a $200 purchase prize, with the winning photograph becoming a part of the Institute's collection. There will be second and third prize gift certificates as well as a People's Choice Award which is a custom frame from Frames Of Mind on St. John.
The exhibition will hang at the Institute through Dec. 16 and will be open to the public Monday through Friday during normal working hours. Watch for further notices regarding the symposium which will open in conjunction with the photographic exhibition on Nov. 2 at the Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage Institute, 5-6 Kongens Gade in Charlotte Amalie.
