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By Verna Penn Moll
Environmental enthusiasts and cultural activists maintain that the islands should remain as natural as when Columbus and his men saw them more than four centuries ago. From The Baths in Virgin Gorda to Fallen Jerusalem, Hans Creek at Beef Island, the Norman Island caves, Salt Island, the Sage Mountain forest, Sandy Cay near Jost Van Dyke and all the other national parks in between, a combination of geography and geology gives a certain natural beauty to the BVI. It is that pristine character of the islands that organisations like the Virgin Islands Environmental Council and the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society are striving to preserve. The activists have big plans to promote ecotourism, a culture that will sustain the environment and in which both contemporary and folk art will flourish, making the Territory a stronger magnet for artists.
The Caribbean Crafts Show, now in its sixth year, honours a local artist annually. Painter Reuben Vanterpool, renowned for leading the Great Mural project, was honoured in 2009 for his talent, contributions to the community and for developing the painting culture. The craft show held at Trellis Bay around March is a growing popular attraction, with some 60 artists and artisans from around the Caribbean.Sponsored by the Caribbean Artisan Network and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, it is now a five-day affair: three days at Trellis Bay and two days on Virgin Gorda and Road Town. Colourfully decorated booths accommodate displays of baskets, potter, calabash, jewellery, leather and more, coupled with crafts demonstrations.
Creative Inspiration
The natural beauty of the islands inspires artists in their creativity. Their art is a mirror that reflects the British Virgin Islands' history, culture and heritage. That's why cultural activists are vigorously seeking to maintain a pristine environment of azure waters, lush green hills, coral reefs and sandy beaches, making sure that heritage tourism becomes a way of life for all Virgin Islanders. Everyone is beginning to appreciate the contribution of artists to the economy and culture of the islands' society, since they capture and record the life and history of the islands.
The options for art lovers to see and purchase works of art are many. Art shows are growing in interest and popularity and include seasonal art and cultural shows during Christmas, spring, summer and autumn. Also, the Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, the National Archives, the Parks Trust and St. George's Church organise other exhibitions. This growth illustrates a fertile land, nourishing and inspiring Virgin Islands artists.
An exhibition of photography by local photographers, hosted by the Archives and Records Management Unit from 16 April-8 May 2009 at the Central Administration Building in Road Town, celebrated the unique contribution that they make to society in recording so much of the history and culture for generations to come. The photographers who exhibited were John Black, Troy Christopher, Elroy Turnbull, Dexter Penn, Marc Downing, James Scheiner, Paul Hubbard and Dougal Thornton. The exhibition will certainly contribute to the growing interest in photography and the arts.
The BVI Culture and Art Series, established in 2004, is still very active and continues to display exhibitions of local paintings at the BVI House in London. It showcases local artists and the different mediums, techniques and styles they use. The BVI Arts Guild is succeeding in establishing an identity locally and in the international art community, organising exhibits across two continents. The Guild exhibits regularly at the Metropolitan Hall of the Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum. Contributing artists are Carol A. Vanterpool, Reuben Vanterpool, Lutia Tai Durante, Daniele Laure Ellis, Thor Downing and Abby O'Neal.
Wall murals of cultural and historical scenes are also springing up in various villages and are themselves appearing to dance to the sounds of the fungi band, calypso, reggae and gospel that are firmly rooted in African traditions yet distinctly Caribbean. In addition to the Great Wall Mural on the Ridge Road, there are walls of cultural paintings in Virgin Gorda and West End. Another is planned for East End. These art forms also celebrate our heritage at hotels, bars and parks.
Cultural Festivals
At crafts fairs held throughout the year, local artists and artisans display their amazing works in rattan, terracotta and wicker, as well as sculptures, watercolours, oil paintings and photography. The Easter Festival in Virgin Gorda is held in the spring; the Music Festival in May; the Emancipation Festivals in Road Town, East End and Carrot Bay are held in the summer; and the Christmas Festival brightens Main Street in Road Town in December with lights, food, gifts and festivities. There's also a Christmas Shopping Jamboree in Upper Main Street in Road Town, whilst traditional foods, recipes, crafts and livestock are exhibited at the Agricultural Fair held annually in February, accompanied by lively fungi, steel pan and calypso music.
A Fascinating Museum
Besides its three permanent exhibits, the Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, established in 2007, has already mounted several changing exhibitions, including Granny's Room, Musical Instruments from Around the World, Paintings by Carol Vanterpool and Jewellery by Danielle Ellis, Paintings by BVI Arts Guild Members, Art and Craft from Around the World, The Art of Scrolling by Fonseca and Anchorages of the Virgin Islands.
Originally used as a sugar refinery, the museum is housed in a restored 18th-century building. Its permanent exhibitions are Metal Works in the Socio-Economy from the 16th Century to Present Day, Virgin Islands Natural History and Virgin Islands Maritime Displays. The main room contains the original cotton press, along with the iron works items. The once-open courtyard has been transformed into the Cosmopolitan Hall, connecting the main room to its southern section. The Cosmopolitan Hall stages the changing art exhibitions. The southern room features a photographic display of the Territory's cultural history, flora and fauna. A staircase at the front of the room leads down to what was once an armoury; this room now displays various maritime artefacts.
Built in 1780 by the McCleverty family with slave labour, the building itself has a fascinating history. It was first a sugar refinery, then a cotton ginnery, a courthouse, the annual agricultural exhibition centre and the offices of the Town and Country Planning Department.
Ermin Penn, historical adviser to the Tourist Board, and a band of determined culture activists come up with exciting ideas for exhibitions, and the displays are always fascinating. The museum is open every day, and guide Hayacinth Martin gladly shows visitors around.
The Arts Come Alive
BVI folk dance group The Cultural Dancers, mocko jumbies on stilts called sky dancers, and local fungi bands playing calypso and folk tunes on exhaust pipes, guitars, ukuleles, washtub basses, scratch gourds and triangles perform regularly at local events. They also represent the BVI at regional cultural festivals and BVI Tourist Board events abroad. In addition, instruction in classical and Caribbean music such as steel pan and fungi is offered as part of the music curriculum at schools.
Theatre arts are now offered at the Caribbean External Examinations level, and the BVI High School's drama group is vibrant, whilst the HLSC College sponsors classical and jazz performances bimonthly from October to March. In addition, the College Chorale attracts huge crowds with performances of their Spring-Summer concert and a Christmas extravaganza in which all the ensembles participate in grand style. Seasonal concerts abound, especially approaching Easter.
There is also a rich oral tradition, including story time at public libraries and formal recitations of poetry in school concerts and church festivals.
The Allamanda Gallery
Tel/Fax: 494-6680
The Allamanda Gallery, centrally located in Road Town, showcases stunning colour and black & white photographs of the British Virgin Islands. Inside, you will find cards and small gifts as well as beautifully framed archival photography. Worldwide shipping is available.
The Gallery
Main Street
Road Town
Tel: 494-2096
E-mail: thegallerybvi@yahoo.com
The Gallery is home to an exciting group of BVI Artists. Collections include watercolour and acrylic paintings, oils on canvas, handpainted silks, wax batiks, VI and Caribbean Maps. Choose from original paintings or limited edition prints, framed, matted or in tubes. Worldwide shipping service affords you the choice and ability to buy a specially created BVI product.
Soper's Hole Wharf & Marina
West End, Tortola
Tel: 495-3087
Some shops at Soper's Hole stock West Indian fine art and artefacts. Also available are antique and reproduction maps, prints and gifts.
Thee Artistic Gallery
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
Tel: 495-5104; 495-5338
Fax: 495-5761
This delightful gallery and gift shop has catered to the community for more than 10 years, offering tanzanite and opal jewellery, crystal ornaments, artwork, chimes, spices, music, frames, books and souvenirs. Be sure and stop by for lovely items to take back to your friends, family and kids. Don't forget to treat yourself, too.
Take me shopping in the BVI.
Get a complete list of events, Bomba Full Moon Parties, public holidays, festivals, regattas and sporting events here.
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Environmental enthusiasts and cultural activists maintain that the islands should remain as natural as when Columbus and his men saw them more than four centuries ago. From The Baths in Virgin Gorda to Fallen Jerusalem, Hans Creek at Beef Island, the Norman Island caves, Salt Island, the Sage Mountain forest, Sandy Cay near Jost Van Dyke and all the other national parks in between, a combination of geography and geology gives a certain natural beauty to the BVI. It is that pristine character of the islands that organisations like the Virgin Islands Environmental Council and the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society are striving to preserve. The activists have big plans to promote ecotourism, a culture that will sustain the environment and in which both contemporary and folk art will flourish, making the Territory a stronger magnet for artists. 
The Caribbean Crafts Show, now in its sixth year, honours a local artist annually. Painter Reuben Vanterpool, renowned for leading the Great Mural project, was honoured in 2009 for his talent, contributions to the community and for developing the painting culture. The craft show held at Trellis Bay around March is a growing popular attraction, with some 60 artists and artisans from around the Caribbean.Sponsored by the Caribbean Artisan Network and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, it is now a five-day affair: three days at Trellis Bay and two days on Virgin Gorda and Road Town. Colourfully decorated booths accommodate displays of baskets, potter, calabash, jewellery, leather and more, coupled with crafts demonstrations.
The options for art lovers to see and purchase works of art are many. Art shows are growing in interest and popularity and include seasonal art and cultural shows during Christmas, spring, summer and autumn. Also, the Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, the National Archives, the Parks Trust and St. George's Church organise other exhibitions. This growth illustrates a fertile land, nourishing and inspiring Virgin Islands artists. 
At crafts fairs held throughout the year, local artists and artisans display their amazing works in rattan, terracotta and wicker, as well as sculptures, watercolours, oil paintings and photography. The Easter Festival in Virgin Gorda is held in the spring; the Music Festival in May; the Emancipation Festivals in Road Town, East End and Carrot Bay are held in the summer; and the Christmas Festival brightens Main Street in Road Town in December with lights, food, gifts and festivities. There's also a Christmas Shopping Jamboree in Upper Main Street in Road Town, whilst traditional foods, recipes, crafts and livestock are exhibited at the Agricultural Fair held annually in February, accompanied by lively fungi, steel pan and calypso music. 
Originally used as a sugar refinery, the museum is housed in a restored 18th-century building. Its permanent exhibitions are Metal Works in the Socio-Economy from the 16th Century to Present Day, Virgin Islands Natural History and Virgin Islands Maritime Displays. The main room contains the original cotton press, along with the iron works items. The once-open courtyard has been transformed into the Cosmopolitan Hall, connecting the main room to its southern section. The Cosmopolitan Hall stages the changing art exhibitions. The southern room features a photographic display of the Territory's cultural history, flora and fauna. A staircase at the front of the room leads down to what was once an armoury; this room now displays various maritime artefacts. 
Theatre arts are now offered at the Caribbean External Examinations level, and the BVI High School's drama group is vibrant, whilst the HLSC College sponsors classical and jazz performances bimonthly from October to March. In addition, the College Chorale attracts huge crowds with performances of their Spring-Summer concert and a Christmas extravaganza in which all the ensembles participate in grand style. Seasonal concerts abound, especially approaching Easter.