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Art piece from Lucien Downes By. LUCIEN DOWNES
The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural?Resources announced Monday that the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) is partnering with local Virgin Islands artists Lucien Downes and Augustin Holder to feature their group exhibition entitled “Virgin Islands Contemporary” at the Fort Christian Museum on St. Thomas.
The exhibition opening reception is on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m., with appetizers by chef Augustin Holder, a cash bar, and music by Bad Decisions from 3-6 p.m., DPNR stated. The show runs until Sunday, May 1st, and will be open to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Carnival weekend from 10 am-5 pm each day, with an entry fee of $10.
According to the release, the five-artist group show is conceived and organized by Lucien Downes. Other artists in the group include Agustin Holder, Amy Gibbs, Jared Shomo, and Jon Euwema.
Each of the five featured artists in the show are known for their unique style. Amy Gibbs is a mixed-media artist and art instructor who teaches various techniques. Jared Shomo comes from a long line of stain glassmakers, who has taken the art of stain glass to the next level. Jon Euwema is a world-renown artist who specializes in conceptual artwork across various mediums, particularly known for his edgy and thought-provoking installations. Augustin Holder is well known for his abstract expressionist art. Lucien Downes has popularized his signature resin pouring style. It is both ethereal and figurative, drawing inspiration from Virgin Islands culture.
“I’m excited to be working with DPNR on this inaugural exhibit at Fort Christian Museum. The DLAM team understood my vision and was on board to energize the Fort space by supporting the local Virgin Islands Artist Community,” stated Mr. Downes.
“DLAM looks forward to this opportunity to partner with local artists to build community and bring Virgin Islanders back into the Fort Museums for dynamic art exhibitions and cultural?programming,” said DLAM Director Amy Parker DeSorbo.
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The exhibition at Fort Christian Museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1.