Aug. 14, 2001 – A repast for the body and a feast for the eyes. That's what's on the menu for a unique luncheon to be held Thursday at the Blue Turtle Gallery on Government Hill just above Post Office Square.
The event will open the first showing at the gallery of work by St. John artist Janet Cook-Rutnik. On view for the first time will be four of her newest Goddess Series collages and recently composed works on paper "which deal with traditional island themes in a new abstract way," according to the artist.
The "Taste of Art" luncheon will be a la carte from the Caribbean menu of Marisol Restaurant next door and will feature food and drink specials. Seating will be both inside the gallery and in the courtyard. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and reservations are recommended.
Cook-Rutnik, arguably the artist with greatest national and international exposure currently working in the Virgin Islands, also has a show hanging through Sept. 13 at Alexander's Cafe in Frenchtown. Additionally, her work may be seen at the Frames of Mind gallery in Cruz Bay and at her studio at Guavaberry Farms on St. John.
A representative body of her work, including earlier Goddess pieces, may been seen as well at her web site, www.cookrutnikART.vi. For background on the artist, see the earlier Source story "Alexander's to feature Cook-Rutnik artwork".
The Blue Turtle Gallery is owned by Lucinda Schutt, an artist who lived and worked for many years on St. John before moving to St. Thomas. For luncheon reservations, call the gallery at 774-9440. To contact Cook-Rutnik, call 776-6809.
