USVI-On-Line

When we visit an island we like to take something home to remember her by. Rather than something mass produced we prefer to find a "treasure" that is made or produced by locals. Any suggestions?

AH

When I was there during Carnival 2007 I purchased a tank top that has a print specific to the Carnival that a local artist created...its a picture of a woman dancing and I believe it says St John USVI Carinival 2007. I love the tank top because unless you were there during that time you won't have this shirt....I also purchased a nice wood fish that a gentleman carved. My husband purchased some prints that a local artist painted as well...we have LOTS of "treasures" from our trips...and will hopefully come home with many more from our next trip...

Just to name a few....

There's an artist's shop at Mongoose, that has wonderful art by local artists
Sloop Jones' wonderful clothes(Coral Bay)
Donald Schnell pottery

Christmas orniments by Diane. She paints them by hand on Waters Island. We have one from 2001 from STT, one from Virgin Gorda, and one from STJ. They only sell in the Virgin Islands I think.

On the roadside next to the parking lot to get to Salt Pond there is usually a guy with wood carvings he has made. He actually does a good job. He puts up a little shade structure and even sells soft drinks.

I am not coming up w/ his name right now but there is a guy who sets up at Salt Pond parking area who makes jewelry out of local grown beans and such. Also got a few carved out calabash pieces. He's quite interesting as was the beautiful woman helping him.

I searched for how I discovered this info and found the reference to this guy...his name is Delroy Anthony....and he is in this piece, along w/ others:

http://www.on-stjohn.com/2008/12/03/art ... fts-fairs/

Some other people:

http://www.on-stjohn.com/2007/04/30/on- ... nd-crafts/

We always come home w/ Trinidad Charlies hot sauce which is local...of course that doesn't last long!

Sometimes Anthony "Ital" has a table set up near Salt Pond and sells locally made crafts. There's a fun interview with him on the On St. John blog...

I love the Diane Artware stuff and I have several of her ornaments.

Jolly Dog T's are also designed locally.

Syzygy Gallery in Cocoloba Plaza has local art. Great place!

We always buy some local art print everytime we go and we love to get some of the blown glass pieces they make at Maho Camp. We have turtles, frogs, hummingbirds and a palm tree with cute little coconuts. They make all types of souveniers from recycled materials there.

I love my hook bracelet.

Another favorite is my tiny starfish pendant that I got from RI Patton - #3 in silver on this page http://www.pattongold.com/sealife_store.htm.

Re: the pieces "Taking molds from actual specimens of Caribbean shells and sealife, we make earrings, pendants, charms, etc. with remarkable detail in a variety of sizes and precious metals. The beach at the head of Great Cruz Bay used to be one of the best shelling beaches in the Virgin Islands. Irene and Rudy collected many of the originals there."

If you are into art Kristen Maize is a local artist who does beautiful work. http://www.kristenmaize.com/
I have a painting of the church in coral bay by her and I LOVE it.

I'm going to second R&I Patton. Seems like we always get something from there every trip.

I'll third R & I Patton. I think I have purchased something from that store every STJ trip.

I also like Sloop Jones stuff. At first I was a little put off by some of the prices but now that I have some of the linen clothing, I think it is well worth the price.

Love the Diane tree ornaments, again we bought one each trip and I wish we would have purchased several each trip.

Don't forget Tracy's leather stuff at AWL Made Here next to Skinny Legs. Sloop's stuff is pricy but most of it is done on Flax linen and my wife has had a couple of his things for years. Wears like iron. Plus the trip out to his studio is a fun to work a morning/early afternoon around the East End, followed by livations at Skinnys, Island Blues, Aqua Bistro and of course, Shipwreck Landing, which has shopping next door at the Jolly Dog.
Syzgy Gallery is "in transition" and may,or may not be open. I think that they have had some of the coolest stuff, almost all local VI made.

...

I will add a fourth for R&I Patton. Irene's jewelry is unique and beautiful. I would also recommend Elaine Estern's watercolors or prints. Her website is here: http://www.coconutcoaststudios.com/Site/Home.html