Jan. 19, 2004 – This Thursday's St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours takes place at Gallery St. Thomas, located at the western end of Government Hill just up from Garden Street.
Owner Claire Ochoa will be showcasing the wood turning and wood carving artistry of Avelino Samuel. The gallery maintains a collection of the noted St. John artist's work "and is highlighting his newest pieces" for the Business After Hours reception, she says.
Samuel, a lifelong resident of Coral Bay, creates sculpture from such local woods as mahogany, grie-grie, mangrove and genip. Learning from an early age to appreciate the beauty and usefulness of native trees and to handle tools, he applied his sense of form and function in making such things as bows and arrows, Afro picks and other hair implements, and small ornamental wood objects.
After getting his bachelor of science in industrial arts from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and his master's in industrial education from Eastern Michigan University, Samuel returned home, where he has been teaching for the last 22 years. He has continued his own education, acquiring new techniques and perfecting old ones, in summer studies and at symposiums. He says teaching has facilitated his full engagement in his craft and his commitment to passing it on to others.
Business After Hours is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Chamber members, guests and prospective members are invited to stop by to enjoy the Gallery St. Thomas artwork, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and the chamber's ever-popular two-dollar bar.
For more information, visit the Gallery St. Thomas Web site or call 777-6363.
Publisher's note : Like the St. John Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.