The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education announces the Third Annual “David Hamilton Jackson and All Ahwe: Creative Expression for Cultivating Awareness and Social Change” exhibition. This initiative continues to inspire students to explore the profound relationship between art and community activism, emphasizing the values of rights, respect, and responsibility.
The exhibition will open on Liberty Day, November 1st, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Cane Roots Art Gallery at 24 Company Street in downtown Christiansted, St. Croix. The gallery's generous contribution has been instrumental in ensuring that students have a professional space to showcase their creative expressions. Following the opening, the exhibition will be available for viewing during the gallery’s normal operating hours on Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
This year has been a period of growth and reflection for the USVI, and the “David Hamilton Jackson and All Ahwe” project has played a crucial role in providing a positive and creative outlet for students. Over the past three years, this initiative has become a beacon of hope, encouraging students to engage deeply with their heritage and the important themes of labor rights, press freedom, equity, and access.
The exhibition, which pays tribute to David Hamilton Jackson’s enduring impact on our community, showcases a diverse array of artistic pieces that reflect upon these crucial themes deemed important by students. The VIDE extends a special thank you to educators Niarus Walker of the St. Croix Central High School and Ms. Jena Fuentas of the Lew Muckle Elementary School. Their immense contributions have been pivotal in bringing this exhibition to life.
“We are immensely grateful to Cane Roots for their unwavering support in providing a space for our students to express their creativity. This exhibition not only honors the legacy of David Hamilton Jackson but also showcases the resilience and talent of our students, especially in a year marked by growth and reflection,” said Stephanie Chalana Brown, Director at the Virgin Islands Department of Education.
The community is invited to attend the exhibition and witness the powerful ways in which students have channeled their artistic talents. For additional information about the exhibition and related educational resources, please visit https://goopenusvi.vide.vi/courseware/lesson/455/overview.
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Download press release here: pdf Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education Announces Annual David Hamilton Jackson Exhibition (128 KB)