As 81C celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Charlotte Amalie-based arts organization is expanding across the territory with the opening of The Farmhouse Gallery at Prosperity Farm Distillery in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The new space officially debuts Friday, Dec. 19, with an inaugural exhibition featuring Virgin Islands artist Siyandi Matthias and a public opening event from 5 to 10 p.m.
The expansion reflects 81C’s growing influence in the Virgin Islands’ cultural economy, connecting art, education, and community engagement. Founded in 2020, 81C Arts — the nonprofit arm of Atelier St. Thomas Arts Foundation — has become a leading force in creative education, youth outreach, and historic revitalization, a press release announced.
“Our St. Croix expansion is a natural continuation of what we’ve been building over the past five years — a community-driven arts model rooted in collaboration and education,” said Zack Zook, founder and executive director of 81C Arts. “This new space strengthens connections across islands and celebrates the creativity that defines the Virgin Islands.”
The Farmhouse Gallery will occupy a third-floor art space overlooking Prosperity Farm’s 180-acre estate, blending historic architecture with contemporary art. The partnership between 81C Arts and Prosperity Farm Distillery aims to create a multidisciplinary hub for exhibitions, youth programs, and cultural events that highlight the territory’s growing art and tourism industries, according to the press release.
“Prosperity Farm is proud to collaborate with 81C Arts to bring contemporary art and youth programming to St. Croix,” said Mark Gelband of Prosperity Farm Distillery. “This partnership unites community and creativity while opening new avenues for cultural exchange.”
Over the past five years, 81C has hosted more than 30 major exhibitions, 100 pop-up showcases, and 1,000 annual student visits at its Charlotte Amalie gallery. Its educational initiatives, including the Artist Dialogues Series and DigiLocal digital arts program, have reached hundreds of young Virgin Islanders, the press release stated.
This latest expansion will also launch The Portfolio Project VI, a mentorship and scholarship program designed to prepare young artists for careers in the creative industries —supported by Merchants Commercial Bank, Christie’s International Real Estate USVI, and Orange Tree Staffing, the release stated.
“81C Arts’ programs are creating opportunities for self-awareness, confidence, and creative transformation among youth,” said Keturah Nelson, of the 81C Arts Advisory Council. “This expansion represents a powerful investment in our islands’ future.”
The Dec. 19 opening of The Farmhouse Gallery marks both a celebration of 81C’s first five years and a bold step toward shaping the Virgin Islands as a premier Caribbean arts destination, the release stated.
For more information, visit 81CVI.com or follow @81CVI and @prosperity_farm_distillery on social media.
