ST. CROIX — After 27 years of serving the arts and cultural community on St. Croix, the Henle Gallery will be closing its doors at #55 Company Street in Christiansted, a release issued Tuesday morning by the gallery has made known.
The gallery was opened in 1993 by Maria Henle and became the showcase of not only her paintings and prints but also the photographs of her father, Fritz Henle and her sister Tina Henle, the release said. Numerous exhibits of many on-island and off-island artists were part of the St. Croix art scene for almost three decades. The gallery was instrumental in creating the popular monthly event of the Art Thursday Gallery Walk that enlivens Christiansted during season.
The history of the Henle legacy began with the arrival of Fritz Henle in 1947. Originally from Germany and a preeminent photographer in America beginning in the 1930’s, Henle was known for his outstanding photo journalism and free lance work. His initial visit to the Virgin Islands was for Holiday Magazine, photographing fashion models in the beauty of outdoor natural settings. St. Croix was an obvious and ideal location. Henle fell in love with it and made it his home by 1955, raising his four children here and becoming an integral part of St. Croix until his passing in 1993. Since Maria’s passing in 2007, Tina and her brother Martin have maintained the gallery.
“It is bittersweet for us” says Tina. "This has been an incredible source of connection, our offering to the community and being a part of so much creativity here. We are so grateful for all the support we have received for all these years."
The good news is that the gallery will be taken over by another local artist this Fall and will be announced soon. Henle artwork will still be displayed and available for purchase. “It is about the next generation now and opening new doors to new possibilities. This feels exciting as we all sit in the question of ‘What’s Next?' in this challenging time’” says Tina.
For now, the Henle Gallery is open by appointment until the end of August with all health measures in place. Artwork is being offered at discount and it is simply a good time to come by and visit.
Please call 340-332-1628. HenleGallery.com
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