April 2, 2003 – Two new exhibitions opening this week as part of the monthly ArtThursday gallery walkabout are a collection of computer-enhanced images of historic Christiansted structures by Dr. Robert V. Vaughn at Danica Art Gallery and a showing of recent encaustic paintings by Haitian-born artist Tebo at Maria Henle Studio.
'Architecture of Yesteryear'
Vaughn's "Architecture of Yesteryear" is a collection of Christiansted architectural treasures in ruins. A 38-year resident of St. Croix, Vaughn has been drawing, painting and photographing his world throughout his life.
As a bomber pilot in World War II, he photographed Hiroshima a few days after it was bombed, an illustration that appears in his memoir "In the Shadow of Trinity."
In his work today, he utilizes the computer to create mixed media works that sometimes are called "digraphs." His mission with "Architecture of Yesteryear" is to illustrate the extreme effort that must be expended in Christiansted town to rejuvenate the many architectural treasures in ruins. Many of these structures are remnants of the opulent era when "sugar was king" in what was then the Danish West Indies. He says he hopes that these works of art "will reflect what should and must be done to save important historical buildings."
Vaughn notes that the hasty removal of Danish sovereignty and the confusing aftermath of transfer, the subsequent worldwide Great Depression and Prohibition in the States led to a significant decline in investment in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This, in turn, led to the inability of families to maintain properties. Succeeding generations on the mainland, he says, appear to have had little incentive, economically or otherwise, to maintain or improve properties in the islands, especially when increased property taxes might result.
Complicating the picture, he points out, was the passing on of such properties. Children of owners, both on island and off, often inherited holdings with disputed titles and disputed ownerships. Where clear titles to properties could not be acquired, it became very difficult for anyone to purchase them and, of course, financial institutions were not inclined to offer loans on such properties.
Vaughn commends those who have rejuvenated important historical sites and structures on St. Croix and said he hopes this artwork will bring attention to other such properties which can be rejuvenated and again contribute to the culture and commerce of St. Croix.
The exhibition runs through May 1. For more information, contact Danica Art Gallery by calling 719-6000 or e-mailing to Danica Art.
'Sasha Tebo: New Work'
Working in encaustic, a hot-wax based medium, Tebo creates horses, pelicans, archetypal symbols and the female form. They float, brightly pigmented, on luminous ground. Inscribed into the malleable color, his strong and deft use of line animates the figures which virtually dance across his canvases.
His work is at once playful, sensual, evocative and symbolic; his unique style is instantly recognizable.
"Sacha Tebo: New Work" opens at Maria Henle Studio for ArtThursday. The studio is located at 55 Company Street in Christiansted. For more information, contact owner Maria Henle by calling 773-7376 or e-mailing to Maria Henle. For images of the owner-artist's own work, visit the Maria Henle Studio Web site.
ArtThursday: Lots of locales in easy walking distance
ArtThursday runs from 5 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to take in both of these openings as well new and ongoing shows at other participating galleries and shops on Thursday evening. Other participating galleries and artisan shops are:
Christiansted Gallery
Correa Studios
Gallery Gia
ib Designs
Iona Skye Gallery
Jewelweed
ArtThursday is held the first Thursday of each month during season. All venues are located within comfortable walking distance of one another in downtown Christiansted.
Bellows International sponsors ArtThursday. On Thursday evening, nine town restaurants invite gallery goers to stop by and enjoy wine specials at the beginning or end of their foray, or along the way: Bombay Club, Indies, Kendrick's, Paradise Café, Restaurant Bacchus, Tannins, Tivoli Gardens, Top Hat and Tutto Bene.
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