PRESERVING VI CULTURE

I was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. During my younger years, I was a member of my elementary school’s quadrille group around age ten. I recall attending carnival parades, going to horse races, attending St. Croix Agrifest in February, and attending the festival village in December. I remember learning how to macramé in summer camp. I remember learning how to paint mocko jumbies, and make papier mache fishes in art class. Art was a significant part of my upbringing.

Aiding in preserving Virgin Islands culture is extremely important to me. I maintain my culture with every painting that I create and with every art lesson that I teach. I am thankful to the Almighty for a creative brain that is constantly churning with ideas. Before I begin a work of art, I think about its culture; significance. Often when I am preparing an art lesson, I think about the future of my islands. I think about creating art, cultural memories for my students to pass on to future generations. I strategically infuse culture into my lesson planning.