Art Thursday Spreads Christmas Joy

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - Santa is planning to come  early this year in the form of St. Croix’s fabulous array of artists and jewelry artisans delivering presents of Christmas joy at the December 18th Art Thursday event in downtown Christiansted.

To visit Art Thursday is to be transported into another world that is about as far away from the worries and troubles of everyday life as you can imagine. Upon entering each gallery you are immediately struck by the totally unique atmosphere and ambience that each space presents. You are taken on a sleigh ride of artistic adventure, down the chimney and into the imagination of dozens of extremely talented artists and artisans. You are drawn to explore their visions of life in the islands and beyond. Let the twelve reindeers guide you through their skies of creativity. Imagine yourself going off to never never land and meeting up with painters, jewelry designers, potters and artists, with visions so unique, so special that you never want to land back on terra firma. 

The magic of creativity explodes onto the Art Thursday gallery scene just in time to wrap presents for Christamas day. Each step you take up and down Gallery Row drives your imagination into places you’ve never been before. Behold Caribbean skies so wonderfully drawn, so remarkably shaded in pastels, you can feel yourself floating free across the horizon. Experience ocean waters so real, so blue, you can reach out and touch them as they splash across your bare feet. Hold in your hands, jewelry so finely crafted that your heart feels a burst of joy the moment you try it on. 

For just a short while, let yourself go, become someone else, live inside the mind of artistic people you’ve never met before,  walk inside their shoes, dream their dreams, feel their heart beat as they discover the magic of creativity. It’s called “having a creative moment.” And it can propel you into other worlds of thought, other dimensions of happiness, and new ways of looking at your existence. Christmas may only come once a year, but purchasing a work of art, a fine piece of jewelry, that you love, can last a lifetime. 

This month the two featured galleries are Chaney Chicks Gift Store and ib designs.

Heather and Zach Pearce describe their  Chaney Chicks Gift Store: 

“Discover the magic of Chaney Chicks Gift Store in downtown Christiansted, where the treasures of St. Croix meet the love and peace of Jesus. Bring in your own beach-found Chaney or sea glass and watch it transform into a beautiful keepsake in just minutes - for as little as $20. Each handmade piece carries the island’s history and a touch of God’s goodness, reminding you that beauty can rise from what was once broken. Our shop also features uplifting Christian-inspired gifts, scripture pieces, and faith-filled decor that speak life, hope, and joy into every home. 

“Step inside and explore a vibrant collection from over a dozen talented local artists, offering everything from stained-glass art and original Caribbean paintings to handmade Christmas ornaments. We also carry locally made hot sauces, jams, and more. Located in Kings Alley right off the water in the heart of Christiansted, we’re a joyful island hotspot where creativity and faith come together. And don’t miss the iconic Waldemar Broadhurst Moko Jumbie sculpture standing tall at our entrance - a symbol of culture, strength, and celebration! Come visit one of the best souvenir shops on St. Croix, where every treasure tells a story and every guest is welcomed with the love of Jesus.”

The second featured Art Thursday Gallery this Christmas month is the iconic jewelry store ib designs.

ib designs has been on Company Street for over 25 years. Their handcrafted “Feel Good” jewelry designs have been wowing customers since the day they opened the doors. Whealan Massicott, local artist and metalsmith, the founder of ib designs, and his partner in all ways, Kris Massicott, showcase their love for nature and environmental elements in Whealan’s remarkably unique designs. 

“We express the diversity of the Caribbean islands’ history, culture and spirit through our jewelry designs,” says Kris who feeds Whealan’s creativity. 

Along with her team, Kris, also embraces the customer and business culture at ib designs. Their designs have been featured at the Miami Swim Week and have been prominently displayed on the pages of Sports Illustrated.

So take a walk around Christiansted on Art Thursday, you may or may not run into Santa, but you may take a ride far beyond the North Pole, to a hidden cove called the Artist’s Paradise. It lies just beyond the ordinary coordinates, tucked into a place called ‘The Joy of Christmas on St. Croix,’ proudly presented by the Art Thursday Galleries.