Support of the arts and cultural history is an important factor in every successful community. That belief is just as strong here in Paradise as anywhere else. Crucian cultural and artistic and musical expressions are diverse and innovative, as are expressions of a proud heritage. We support local artists and craftspeople by taking culture walks, showing interest in visiting “artist in residence” programs, listening to “scratch” music at authentic pig roasts in the rainforest, and attending concerts in the park at sunset.There are numerous ways to feed your passions for visual art, architecture, music or crafts on St. Croix, with something to please almost every artistic palate. Living here offers a wealth of opportunities to be an active participant in preserving the unique art, music and history of the island. Read on for more information on some activities that can help you learn about St Croix and how it became what it is today.The Whim Plantation Museum is an 18th-century Danish sugar estate located on the western side of the island (stcroixlandmarks.com/index.cfm?MenuItemID=105&MenuSubID=102&MenuGroup=home) in Frederiksted. Explore the ruins of the sugar factory, take a tour of the great house or visit the museum store for a large selection of souvenirs, furniture, and prints on sale.Check out the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts (CMCArts, cmcarts.org), which supports and exhibits cultural art by Caribbean artists. An historic building on the Frederiksted waterfront houses the museum’s exhibit space, working art and pottery studios, gift shop and administrative offices. CMCArts supports and exhibits cultural art by Caribbean artists in the community. The venue is undergoing some renovations, but the building is still open to the public, with beautiful visual artwork on display in the galleries. A must-have from the museum is the “Art and Soul Calendar,” an annual offering since 1974. These amazing tropically-themed collections of hand-painted prints are available for purchase.The Cruzan Rum Distillery offers guided tours of the 300-year old factory to see how rum is made. Complementary rum drinks are served at the end of the tour. (travelvi.com/stcroixUSVI/stcroixUSVI_cruzanRumDistillery.shtml)Art Thursdays in Christiansted gives residents and tourists the opportunity to visit art galleries, restaurants and retail shops until 9:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. The season lasts from November 2008 to June 2009, and encourages art education and continuing support of the thriving Crucian art community.Photographs, handmade jewelry, etchings, oil paintings, and sculpture are among the art forms on display and for sale.Fort Frederik, home to Buddhoe Park, is where island slaves were freed in 1848. Admission to the museum, which is located on the fort’s grounds and features changing exhibits, is free of charge.
(planetware.com/frederiksted/fort-frederik-uvi-sc-ff.htm)I felt it best to quote the St. George Village Botanical Garden website (http://www.sgvbg.org/) for a description-they said it best: “St. George offers island visitors and residents a unique blend of St. Croix’s botanical, historical and cultural heritage.” There are over 1500 varieties and species in the botanical collection on 16 acres.Educational programs are available for children of all ages. There are self-guided tours, with discounts for groups and tour participants. Virgin Islanders even get a special reduced admission rate on Sundays. Don’t miss the Gardens by Moonlight program in October or the Christmas Gala at the Garden.The Lawaetz Family Museum is an 18th century estate house with garden and farm in Frederiksted. It is still owned by the family of the farmer who had it built. Family members still live on the property today, and it is an amazing and magical place!”Jump Up” is a great street festival that takes place four times a year in the streets of downtown Christiansted. Most of the stores stay open late and vendors line the streets with food, drinks and specialty items on sale. Social organizations are also on hand with information on their missions and on what residents and visitors can do to help. Music, Moko Jumbies, local food and beverages, face painting for the kids and more make this a fun night for all.