Home Blog Page 162

Registration Opens for Six-Week Children’s Art Class Taught by KC Art at Virgin Islands Children’s Museum

Source staff
-
0
Registration Opens for Six-Week Children’s Art Class Taught by KC Art at Virgin Islands Children’s Museum
KC Art Creations offers new six-week children’s art classes at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum on St. Thomas. (Shutterstock image)

Registration is now open for a new six-week children’s art class led by a local artist at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum on St. Thomas, with sessions beginning Jan. 18.

The Sunday program offers young people a consistent space to explore visual arts, including sketching, painting, comics, manga, and other creative forms. Classes are held weekly at the museum and are structured as a full six-week session.

The cost is $100 per child, which covers all six weeks of instruction. Two levels are available each Sunday: a beginner class from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and an advanced class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Both classes are offered at the same price.

The class is led by Karim Callwood, the artist behind KC Art Creations and the popular VI Guardian comic book. Callwood said the program began before the COVID-19 pandemic, when a parent asked him to help teach a child how to draw comics. What was meant to be a one-on-one lesson quickly expanded through word-of-mouth.

“I started the class … out of a parent who wanted me to teach their child to do comics,” Callwood said. “On the day when I was going to teach that one child, it ended up being 24 children. A bunch of parents heard about it, and they joined too. That’s how it started.”

While the class began focused on comics, it has expanded to include painting, portraits and other forms of drawing. Callwood said the shift was driven by student interest and the desire to give children more freedom in how they express themselves.

Callwood said his class is designed to let students explore the forms of art that interest them most. “In my class, I give them the opportunity to express what they want to do,” he said. “Some people may want to paint backgrounds. Some people may just want to draw portraits. Some people want to do comics.” He added that he guides students through their creative choices by asking questions about their interests and ideas.

“When they come into the class, I ask them specific questions: What do you like to do? What do you love? What do you want to do? What’s in your heart, what’s in your mind, that you want to create?” Callwood said. “They will explain to me, and I get to help them.”

Callwood said parents often tell him there are limited opportunities for artistic children in the territory, particularly options that reflect modern interests and styles. “Many times, the parents have told me, there’s nothing for these children to do, you know, for them to express their art,” he said.

In an effort to combat this, Callwood is also seeking support to launch a digital art class, an idea he has developed for years but has been limited by access to equipment. “I’ve been trying to get some tablets to start a digital class, because we are in a digital age,” he said. “I’m hoping that I could maybe get some kind of sponsorship or something, because the kids are asking for these digital classes. I don’t know how to get it done.” He added that he believes he would need about 10 tablets to launch a class.

Callwood emphasized the broader community benefits of programs like this one. “This is a community … it’s not just about art alone,” he said. “It’s a community of children building bonds and friendship. So in my class, there’s no discrimination, no argument. What matters is building friendship, doing art, and working together.”

Registration is now open for the six-week Sunday sessions at the Children’s Museum. Families interested in enrolling their children or learning more about KC Art Creations can visit https://www.kcartvi.com

Fortifying Resistance: Reflections on ‘Embodied Histories: Art, Archive, and Memory in the U.S. Virgin Islands’

Source staff
-
0
Fortifying Resistance: Reflections on ‘Embodied Histories: Art, Archive, and Memory in the U.S. Virgin Islands’
Cynthia Oliver and Paloma McGregor, choreographers, who led portions of the Embodied Histories: Art,
Archive, and Memory in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Screenshot from YouTube video)

Sometimes the most consequential work does not happen on a stage or inside an institution, but in the quiet spaces between meals, in shared pauses, in conversations that stretch late into the evening. That was the energy that carried Embodied Histories weekend, a gathering of artists, scholars, and cultural workers whose collaboration felt less like an event and more like a reckoning.

“We need to strike while the iron is hot,” said Monica Marin, chief curator of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums, reflecting on the urgency that shaped the weekend. For Marin, the work is not episodic. It is long-form, relational, and deeply rooted in a belief that Virgin Islands artists are not simply creators, but living archives. “Our artists are archives,” she said. “They are reclaiming the narrative. They are excavating the historical record. They are the truth tellers.”

In this interview, Monica Marin, Paloma McGregor, Cynthia Oliver, and Chalana Brown reflect on Embodied Histories, reclaiming Virgin Islands narratives, and the power of collective cultural work.

That conviction runs through Marin’s decades-long practice, which bridges contemporary art, movement, and decolonial scholarship. Her interest in tangible and intangible heritage converged years ago through collaborations with two art historians, Thor Mednick and Bart Pushaw, whose research on decolonial practice and the repatriation of Indigenous and African diasporic artifacts mirrored her own questions about absence and access.

“We don’t have our tangible artifacts,” Marin said plainly. “We had petroglyphs in Salt River — Atabey and the bat god — excavated by Nazi archaeologists. They’re sitting in the basement of the National Museum. Our students need to know who the people of AyAy were and be able to see what they made.”

The absence is not abstract. Marin spoke of early African percussion instruments documented on St. Croix plantations, of basketry, woodworking, dolls, and material culture that shaped everyday life but now live in off-island collections. “Imagine being able to borrow those things,” she said, “and reimagine them through contemporary artists.”

Embodied Histories took that idea seriously, structuring the weekend around both tangible and intangible heritage. Woodworker Kurt Marsh spoke about vanishing craft traditions and the urgency of keeping them alive. Priscilla Hinds-Rivera Knight shared basket-weaving knowledge alongside work on a forthcoming catalog. Pushaw presented images of Virgin Islands life sourced from auction houses, including a striking post-emancipation painting of Black Virgin Islanders dancing. Movement artists, scholars, and performers explored how the body itself becomes a vessel for memory and reclamation.

“Dance is a space of revolution,” Marin said. “People aren’t always familiar with the body as a medium, but when you’re watching someone perform, you start to feel in ways other art forms can’t reach. It hasn’t been properly archived, even though Bamboula and Cariso were used to communicate.”

That sense of embodied knowledge resonated deeply with participants. Paloma McGregor described movement as “a way of activating our full intellectual capacity,” calling the body “an ancestral archive coming forward.” For her, returning home to the U.S. Virgin Islands to work alongside Crucian cultural producers was fortifying. “You might be able to go faster alone, but you can’t go deeper alone,” she said. The weekend, she added, felt like a call-and-response between the territory and the mainland, weaving shared struggles alongside shared visions.

Cynthia Oliver, a Crucian dancer and scholar whose work examines pageantry, feminism, and performance as resistance, spoke about curiosity as an act of preservation. “I’ve always been intellectually curious about how things come to be — the backstory, the history,” she said. “It’s about revealing Black genius.” Even the smallest gestures, she noted, are rooted in cultural memory. “The air hits my skin and goes into my lungs,” she said gently. “Ah deh yah! It changes the attunement.”

Throughout the weekend, the line between artist and archivist dissolved. “The institution is sort of like us,” said Stephanie Chalana Brown, emphasizing that the preservation of cultural knowledge does not have to wait for formal validation. “People of the diaspora have always done this work.” Still, the hope remains that these living archives will one day be housed locally. “Hopefully the archives will be in our libraries here,” Brown said.

For Marin, the work ahead is already unfolding. Plans are underway for continued gatherings, including work on St. John next summer and a longer-term vision for a major exhibition in the near future. The collaborations, she stressed, are lifelong. “There were moments that touched me to the soul. It affirmed why we do this work — to honor their legacies and pass the torch to the next generation.”

This project was initiated and organized by curator Monica Marin, Bart Pushaw, and Thor J. Mednick, with help from co-curator Juliana Berry and project assistant Lydia Myrick, and hosted by Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism.
This project is supported by the St. Croix Foundation, Terra Foundation, NEFA National Dance Project, Mark J. Bevington, and Ryan Flegal and Corina Marks of Featherleaf Inn.

Community Writing Series Offers Space for Healing and Creativity in 2026

Source staff
-
0
Community Writing Series Offers Space for Healing and Creativity in 2026
Pass the Word VI will offer a workshop, a monthly series creating space for reflection, creative expression, and community connection. (Shutterstock image)

St. Thomas-based creative writing organization “Pass the Word VI” will host its first session of 2026 on Tuesday from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Mystic Brew.

Titled “Standing at the Waterline,” the workshop will be facilitated by guest writer Angela Vaughn-Likewise and is designed to provide a reflective, community-oriented space for writers of all levels.

Founded and curated by Katie Landry, the monthly workshop series began in 2023 with the intention of creating a consistent outlet for communal processing and creative expression. Landry was inspired after attending a writing-for-healing workshop led by Anne Nayer and Rosalyn Rossignol, where she witnessed participants engage with grief, trauma, and personal history through writing. “I recognize that what we don’t process outside of our bodies gets stored inside. Every month, I try to organize one or two workshops so the community has a structured opportunity to process difficult experiences in a supportive environment,” Landry said.

The January theme, “Standing at the Waterline,” refers to the transitional space between past and future, a concept Landry hopes will resonate as participants enter the new year. “We want people to feel that pause, and to honor it. Not everything in life is clearly defined. This is about allowing that undefined space to exist together,” Landry said.

Pass the Word VI emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity. No prior writing experience is required, and attendees are not expected to share their work. “All you have to do is come. The goal is to be in community,” Landry said.

Landry selects a diverse rotation of guest facilitators each month, prioritizing those who value community-building and understand the therapeutic potential of writing. Looking ahead, Landry and her team have planned several new formats for 2026, including archival writing workshops led by co-host Sara Kirkpatrick, which will use historical documents and photographs as creative prompts. Additionally, there will be outdoor writing workshops, led by co-host Jahfiyah Gumbs, which will combine nature exploration with writing practice.

Interested participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and a pen. As Landry emphasized, the series aims to foster what friend and collaborator Holly Nicole calls “a brave space, if not always a safe one.”

Pass the Word VI also hosts regular open mic nights and youth writing workshops, reinforcing its role as a hub for literary arts and community connection on St. Thomas.

For more information, follow Pass the Word VI on Facebook and Instagram for updates and future event details.

Upcoming January 2026 Events:

Jan. 6, 6–8 p.m.: “Standing at the Waterline with Angela Vaughn-Likewise” at Mystic Brew

Jan. 11, 3–5 p.m.: “In the Beginning was the Word” with Anne Nayer

Jan. 13, 7–9 p.m.: Community Storytelling Open Mic, “Second Chances” at Hotel 1829

Jan. 20, 6–8 p.m.: Youth VIBE Workshop & Open Mic at Barefoot Buddha

Jan. 22, 7–9 p.m.: Spoken Word Open Mic, “Reclaiming Ourselves” at Cutlass & Cane

Man Arrested After Reported Domestic Violence Assault in Lorraine Village

Source staff
-
0
Man Arrested After Reported Domestic Violence Assault in Lorraine Village

A 21-year-old man was arrested early Monday after police said he forced his way into an apartment and assaulted a woman in Lorraine Village on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

The VITEMA 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched VIPD patrol officers at about 2:25 a.m. Monday, in reference to a disturbance of the peace, domestic violence incident in progress, according to the police report.

According to the report, the victim reported that Malachi Thompson came to her apartment intoxicated and barged inside when she opened the door. She told officers that Thompson assaulted her with his hands, causing bruises to her head. Police said the victim called 911 shortly after the incident.

Police said Thompson exited the apartment when officers arrived and was taken into custody. The victim sustained visible injuries to her head that were observed by officers.

Thompson was arrested on domestic violence charges. No bail was set pending his appearance before a judge under Virgin Islands domestic violence law. He was booked and transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility is pending an advice of rights hearing scheduled for Tuesday at Kingshill Superior Court, police said.

Burglary Arrest on St. Croix Sends Suspect to Jail Without Bail, Police Say

Source staff
-
0
Burglary Arrest on St. Croix Sends Suspect to Jail Without Bail, Police Say

A 43-year-old man was arrested Jan. 2 on burglary and related charges after police said he forcibly entered an office and accessed a prohibited area on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

VIPD patrol officers arrested John Allen at about 1:21 p.m. Jan. 2. Police said Allen admitted to forcing open office doors and damaging locking mechanisms to gain access to items inside a storage cabinet he was not authorized to possess while on the compound.

Allen was charged with third-degree burglary, destruction of property, and domestic violence, according to the police report.

Following his arrest, Allen was booked and processed. No bail was set because the case is classified as domestic violence. He was remanded to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility pending an advice of rights hearing, police said.

Two Arrested After New Year’s Day Shooting in Bovoni, Police Say

Source staff
-
0
Two Arrested After New Year’s Day Shooting in Bovoni, Police Say

Two 23-year-old men were arrested in connection with a New Year’s Day shooting in the Bovoni area of St. Thomas, where police say a firearm was discharged into a crowd during a disturbance, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

VIPD officers assigned to the Special Operations Bureau were dispatched to the area near the Lima Laundromat about 2:08 p.m. Jan. 1 after Central Dispatch received multiple reports of a large disturbance and gunfire, according to the police report stated.

According to the report, officers identified Engember Brito as the individual who discharged a firearm into a crowd of people who were engaged in a physical altercation. Police said further investigation showed that Robert De La Rosa fled the scene in a vehicle with Brito after the incident.

Officers later conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at the Racetrack Gas Station on Rhymer Highway. Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed Brito and De La Rosa switching driving roles at the gas station, the report stated.

Both suspects later provided recorded statements to the Criminal Investigation Bureau and denied possessing a firearm, police said. Investigators obtained additional evidence that corroborated Brito’s involvement in discharging a firearm into the crowd before fleeing the scene, the report stated.

Brito and De La Rosa were arrested and charged with illegal discharge of a firearm and multiple related offenses. Police said Brito’s bail was set at $231,000 and De La Rosa’s bail was set at $131,000. After failing to post bond, both were booked, processed and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending advice of rights hearings, police said.

Three-Car Crash on Memorial Drive Leads to DUI Arrest, Police Say

Source staff
-
0
Three-Car Crash on Memorial Drive Leads to DUI Arrest, Police Say

A three-car collision on Dec. 30, 2025, on Nicholas “Nick” Friday Memorial Drive on St. Thomas led to the arrest of a 77-year-old man on driving under the influence charges, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

VIPD officers were dispatched to the crash at about 7:13 p.m. Dec. 30. Police said three vehicles were involved and all drivers refused medical attention, according to the police report.

According to the release, officers observed that one driver, Richard Lawrence, had glossy red eyes, difficulty standing, stumbled while walking and emitted a strong odor of alcohol. Officers administered a standardized field sobriety test, which Lawrence failed to perform as instructed, police said.

Lawrence was detained and transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command, where he was booked and processed on driving under the influence charges. Bail was set at $1,000, according to VIPD.

Man Arrested on St. Thomas Domestic Violence Case Involving Infant, Police Say

Source staff
-
0
Man Arrested on St. Thomas Domestic Violence Case Involving Infant, Police Say

A 34-year-old St. Thomas man was arrested Saturday on multiple domestic violence charges after police said he assaulted a woman during an argument at a residence, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

VIPD patrol officers were dispatched to the residence about 11:17 a.m. Saturday in reference to an assault. The victim told officers that she and Ashby Gibson argued and the dispute escalated into a physical altercation, the police report stated.

According to the report, the victim stated that Gibson caused her to fall, dragged her on a rug and strangled her while she was on the ground. She further told officers that Gibson threw objects at her, striking her, and later pushed her against a glass front door while she was holding her infant child as she attempted to leave the residence. The victim said she was able to get away and then called 911.

Police said the victim sustained visible injuries and complained of neck pain. Emergency medical technicians examined her at the scene, but she refused transport to Roy L. Schneider Hospital. The infant was not injured, the report stated.

Officers made contact with Gibson, advised him of his constitutional rights and placed him under arrest, police said. He was transported to the Richard Callwood Command, booked and processed, and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice of rights hearing, the report stated.

Gibson was charged with assault, second-degree domestic violence, assault, third-degree domestic violence, simple assault, domestic violence, disturbance of the peace, domestic violence, and reckless endangerment, second-degree. No bail was set under Virgin Islands domestic violence law, the report stated.

Shots Fired Outside Home in Anna’s Retreat Under Investigation

Source staff
-
0
Shots Fired Outside Home in Anna’s Retreat Under Investigation

The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a shots-fired incident reported Saturday in the Anna’s Retreat area on St. Thomas, the department stated in a police report.

Police said officers were dispatched after receiving an alert from the ShotSpotter system. An adult male told officers he was sitting outside his residence when he heard gunshots and believed bullets passed above his head. He reported dropping to the ground and crawling inside his home for safety. The man told police he did not see who fired the shots and is unaware of anyone who would want to harm him or his family, according to the police report.

Officers later observed several pock marks on the residential structure and recovered numerous spent shell casings in the area. The scene was processed by the Forensic Identification Unit, and the case has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Bureau for follow-up, the report stated.

The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the 911 Emergency Call Center, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, or Crime Stoppers U.S. Virgin Islands at 800-222-8477. Tips may be provided anonymously, police said.

Bryan Seeks to Deliver 2026 State of the Territory Address Jan. 26, Not Jan. 12

Mat Probasco
-
0
Bryan Seeks to Deliver 2026 State of the Territory Address Jan. 26, Not Jan. 12

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. will deliver the 2026 State of the Territory Address at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, from the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chamber in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s 2023 State of the Territory Address was upbeat and optimistic.. (Photo by Barry Leerdam for V.I. Legislature)

The 2026 address will be Bryan’s eighth and final State of the Territory Address. The governor will present an accounting of the administration’s work over the past seven years, the territory’s current outlook, and the priorities and decisions that will shape the year ahead.

“This is a moment to speak plainly to the people of the Virgin Islands about where we stand, what we have built together, and what must still be done,” Bryan said. “It is also a moment to honor the strength of our people. We have been tested, we have worked, and we have moved these islands forward. I encourage every Virgin Islander, at home and across the diaspora, to tune in.”

The Office of the Governor has requested that the Legislature approve an extension for the State of the Territory Address from Jan. 12 to Monday, Jan. 26. The Legislature is expected to formally consider the request and act on the date change during its scheduled session Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.

The State of the Territory Address is the governor’s annual report to the Legislature and the public, outlining major initiatives and policy priorities affecting the lives of Virgin Islanders across St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.

Viewing options

An enhanced livestream of the 2026 State of the Territory Address will be available on:

• facebook.com/governmenthouseusvi

• facebook.com/viconsortium

The address will also air on:

• Government Access Network, Channel 27 for One Communications cable subscribers

• WTJX, Channel 12

• LEGVI, Channel 26

Additional livestream options include:

• facebook.com/wtjx

• facebook.com/LegislatureUSVI

1...161162163...13,071Page 162 of 13,071

VI JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs - Click Here