Art Thursday: Spring Brings New Art & Jewelry to RJS Handmade Designs & Mitchell Larson

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - Springtime is here and Art Thursday in Christiansted on April 16th, is welcoming in the season with a vast array of powerful new works of art, beautiful jewelry designs, and lovely glass and Chaney shapes and styles. 

There is something about Spring that not only fills the air with the sweetest of smells, but also fills the mind with thoughts of hope, new beginnings, and a renewed outlook on life. Spring points us towards the future like no other season of the year. It is with this theme of positivity that Art Thursday takes the stage for its monthly seasonal gathering of the best in what the Big Island has to offer in the way of creativity.

Christiansted Town is an exciting mix of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic brilliance. Take a stroll along the old Danish walkways, into the shops, and down Gallery Row, where you realize the power of artistic enlightenment that exhilarates you from every storefront window display, from every unique little sign, from every individualistic interior design. 

There is an enormous burst of creative talent in the old town that emanates out the doors of every gallery and sweeps down the old historic streets like a contagion of creative fire. It seeps through the minds of every business owner, beckoning them all to put on their best face, make sure their stores are at their peak, and play at the highest level of their commercial game. And Spring, Spring shouts to them all, telling them to throw out the old and ring in the new!

Spring is the footprint of Art Thursday this month. As the town shakes off the off-season, and faces a new season, a new beginning, clearing a path for the fortunes of the future, as artists of every ilk shake off their winter slumber, kick off their old designs, and produce new works that excite the senses and lead the way into the dawn of newly created works. 

Expect only the best from Jeweler Rosa Asencio, owner of RJS Handmade Designs. For over 18 years her unique handmade gold and silver jewelry has turned locals and tourists alike into her biggest fans. The moment you step into her intimate shop you are captivated by the one-of-a-kind treasures you find. In addition to forging, hammering, texturing and soldering, Rosa uses the Lost Wax Casting Method (an ancient process dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome) to create her magnificent, graceful designs. "I have always been inspired by the island's beauty and culture," says Rosa.

Mitchell Larsen Studio has been in operation since 1992, bringing world-class expertise in plate glass making to every project they create. They create handmade glass art pieces that range from ornaments to plates and platters, with pieces available for purchase from their wonderful shop. They also custom-design and create totally unique pieces, shipping anywhere in the world. They invite you to let their glass company create something special and beautiful for you.

So start Spring with a new step, wander about the streets on Art Thursday, soak up the creative atmosphere, enjoy the great vibes, the wine, the cheese, the groovy people you encounter. Take a peek inside the mind of an artist, dream their dreams, try to experience what they were thinking when they created their work of art, their beautiful piece of jewelry. Touch gold and silver in a way the creator of the jewelry desired to make you feel. For just one night, wrap yourself in the beauty of art. Fall in love with a night of creativity. Welcome the new visions that only Spring can bring. You might just be surprised at the wonders it can do for your body, your mind, your soul!