Arts

New Video Series Featuring Love City Locals

A few weeks ago, we highlighted ancestral St. Johnian, Ital Delroy Anthony in our first “Local Livin'” profile.

When I saw this amazing video pop up on Facebook yesterday, I was beyond excited!

I reached out to the videographer, Spencer Chaney, about permission to share this with you and about our dual interests in sharing the stories of the beautiful individuals who make up the Love City Community.

Spencer has just moved to St. John and started his company, Island Media Co.  His goal with this mini-series, Rooted in the Caribbean, is to “give a voice to the unheard.”

This is episode 1 and I, personally, am very excited about seeing more of his work!

Enjoy!

 

The Legend of the Hook Bracelet

Have you have ever bumped into a stranger somewhere completely random, only to notice they have on a bracelet that matches your own?   Then you know.  You know you have found someone else who leaves a little piece of their heart in the Virgin Islands.

If you don’t know what I am talking about, you’re likely reading this while dreaming of your first vacation to St John. Once you arrive, you will quickly notice this unique bracelet, one or more, on the wrist of every man, woman and child. Yes, we even put them on our babies.

Today the hook bracelet is an established symbol of the Virgin Islands. Its rebirth has been accredited to Sonya Hughes of St Croix.  Hughes began creating her handcrafted, unique and signature hook bracelets in 1964 and they quickly became a MUST HAVE for all who visited St. Croix.

This stunning tradition is now interwoven into VI culture, and artisans on St. John are now crafting their own versions of the notorious hook as well.  The St. John specific hook evolved from the simple “U” shape with the addition of a ball embellishment turning it into a “J.”

Read moreThe Legend of the Hook Bracelet

A Whimsical Side of St. John

explore dream discover

Like many people, Ali Norton always wanted to live a free and independent lifestyle. After a little soul searching, she found herself settled on our beloved island of St. John where, for the past 10 years, she’s created whimsical art that is sure to make you smile.

Ali focuses on creating artwork that brings the vivid colors and tranquility of paradise into the homes of her both travelers and locals alike. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, anyone who loves St. John will certainly see its beauty, and Ali hopes that through her art people can keep a piece of this beauty with them always.

See for yourself:

Ali Norton 2

Ali Norton Main

Ali sells her paintings and mixed media pieces at Hibiscus Jazz, a quaint little boutique tucked next to Chateau Bordeaux on Centerline Road. In addition to her paintings and mixed media items – many of which she creates right on site – the boutique also sells other artist’s works and touristy items. Nearly all of the items sold at the boutique are made in the USA, Ali said.

Ali Norton 3

Ali Norton 1

The next time you’re on Centerline Road, make it a point to stop by Ali’s shop and say hello. Be sure to bring home one of her amazing items. We did!

Ali is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also find her on the web at www.AliNortonArt.com

DPNR Issues Notice of Violation for Denis Bay Property

Photo Courtesy of John McQuillen
Photo courtesy of John McQuillen

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) issued a Notice of Violation to the Denis Bay property owner accused of altering the area’s landscape and VI National Park land.

DPNR found that property owner Tony Ingrao violated seven provisions of the VI Building Code including excavating and land clearing on National Park land; failure to secure an earth change permit; building without a permit; violating provisions of permits; and excavations affecting adjoining properties.

According to the Notice of Violation, the Division of Building Permits was notified on May 13 that a landslide occurred on a lower section of the roadway adjacent to plot 2B Denis Bay. Prior to the landslide report, the Division had met with the construction project manager to discuss concerns about possible environmental impacts and hazards created by the site. Mitigations efforts were discussed and it was indicated at the time that they would begin as quickly as possible.

Now that the Notice of Violation has been issued, Ingrao will be required to submit plans and a new building permit application for site stabilization, drainage and any associated structure needed to stabilize the affected area. Ingrao must submit any agreement or mitigation approved by the National Park with regard to the impacted areas. Ingrao is required to notify and receive approval for any work conducted on the recently reopened roadway leading to the property, and upon approval, Ingrao has 45 days to make repairs to that roadway.  DPNR also fined Ingrao $10,500 which must be paid within 30 days.

Jamal Nielsen, DPNR Media Relations Coordinator, stated Monday that Ingrao has already implemented corrective action measures, although he did not have specific details on what types of measures have been put into place thus far.

Ingrao is a world-renowned interior designer based in New York City. News of St. John reached out to him Monday, but was unsuccessful.

Below is a map of the property’s location:

Marked Denis Bay Map

VI Governor orders more security for the 4th

Coa_American_Virgin_IslandsIf you’re planning on visiting St. John for the annual Independence Day celebration and activities, bring ID.

“Together with federal law enforcement partners, Virgin Islands law enforcement agencies will stage random passenger screening for persons traveling by barge or ferry to participate in the annual Fourth of July festivities on St. John”, Governor John  P. De Jongh announced.  “This is for everyone’s safety.”

It's the third year for the increased security which will involve “screening on random days” at Red Hook, Cruz Bay dock, or both locations.

“Passengers are encouraged to have a form of identification on their person,” the Governor said.

Do some good, save some dough

Westin

You can save $100 a night at the St. John Westin by donating a few hours of your time to help the Virgin Islands National Park.

The Westin will credit you if you head out to the Park and put in a couple of hours doing things like picking up debris or maintaining the trails. The Westin is offering the deal in partnership with the Friends of the Park. To get in on it, mention it when you check in.

The Inquiring Iguana heard about the offer via a travel blog, but when he checked the Westin's Web site it said the offer was good through 2011. A call to the reservations desk at the resort got confirmation it's being offered this year, too.

A shuttle bus takes volunteering Westin-ers to the Park twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday.

Fresh talent on display at gallery

Michael Banzhaf, a talented jewelry designer and musician, is launching an exhibition at his Cruz Bay gallery featuring three of the island’s creative artists.

Thomas Sunset

Bob Phillips: St. Thomas Sunset, oil on linen

Painter Bob Phillips is showing scenes which demonstrate his love for sailing. “I take my studio with me and paint on calm waters,” explains Phillips. “I am particularly fascinated by St John’s mountainous topography and the movement of cloud shadows over land and sea. Throw in a few sails and I’m in heaven.”

Greenflash

Joan Farrenkopf’s inspiration is fired by sunrises and sunsets. “A painting … is a meditation to observe and paint the powerful color that nature teaches us.”

 

Seventh Wave sterling silver 14kt

Thomas O’Donovan: Seventh Wave Bracelet Sterling Silver/14K

Sculptor and goldsmith Thomas O’Donovan is showing his wearable art. “I often imagine the small pieces I create as monumental forms within a living environment; a ring made on a scale that becomes a portal, an entryway.”

The Banzhaf Gallery is hosting an opening reception Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where to go shopping on St. John

Shopping

Shopping is not the first thing that pops into your head when you think about visiting St. John.  That's what beaches and iguanas and sun are for.  But for some travelers, well, they just gotta.

"There's not an abundance of shopping on St. John," 10Best.com agrees, "but nevertheless there's ample opportunity for visitors to stock up on beachwear, souvenirs, trinkets, and unique gifts."

The list is heavy on art, collectibles, and clothing. 

Number 1 is Bajo El Sol in Mongoose Junction. "Paintings, collage, jewelry, sculpture and ceramics are just a few of the art forms you'll find, by celebrated local artists such as Aimee Trayser, Deborah St. Clair and John Holub."

"One thing you won't find in St. John are chain stores like Starbucks or the Gap," 10Best.com advises. "Just cute little boutiques selling creative items like dyed cloth, house wares made of tropical woods, and beautiful locally-made sculptures, and jewelry."

St., John Editions, is one of those gems, a small business in on the road to Mongoose Junction. "This charming little boutique specializes in tasteful women's clothing. Owner Molly Soper carries a selection of swimsuits, cotton dresses, straw hats and inexpensive jewelry."

Coral Bay artist lights up

George Hollander's talent is making the unique from the mundane.  

Goodyear.light11beCase in point: Goodyear – New Year!, a one-of-a-kind light sculpture fabricated from a collection of common old tirews.

"Almost no one regards natural surroundings as ugly or unappealing, but when it comes to man made objects we are less certain of our own reactions," the Coral Bay artist told the St. John Source in 2009.  Hollander has no such uncertainty as he accommodates the everyday into his art.

The lights-and-tires sculpture is his latest annual effort to mark a new year. The German-born artist made it by stacking nine tires and topping them with a Plexiglas-spiked dome made from half a marine buoy. He then wrapped Christmas lights around the piece. Its core lighting comes from florescent bulbs.

He crafted New Year's sculptures in 2009 and last year.  You can see them here, along with the more traditional handmade light fixtures he produces for homeowners and architects.