Education

Inaugural 'Art St. Croix' Showcase To Benefit School Art Programs

In an effort to provide art classes in St. Croix's public and private schools with much-needed supplies, local artists have joined forces for the first annual Art St. Croix benefit that will kick-off on Friday, March 27 at the Top Hat Gallery located on Company St. in Christiansted. The idea for the three-day showcase originated after St. Croix artist, Lucien Downes, visited a selection of schools on the island to share his work with youngsters. "I've been to a few schools on the island to do talks and they have no supplies," Downes said. "They get supplies from the government, but if you have 120-140 kids, and you need crayons, and they give you only four boxes of crayons, how is that going to work?" The experience, Downes said, compelled him to take action. "Being an artist myself, I know how it is when you don't have supplies," he said. While Downes pointed out that he has been fortunate to have the means to purchase the supplies he needs, he empathized with artists w...