Aug 27, 2006 — For two years, the Wilcoxes of southeastern Pennsylvania have been coming to St. Croix. Each time they come they make a point to see the Starving Artists show on the grounds of the Whim Greathouse.
They come mostly for the atmosphere. "It's low-key and relaxing," says Beverly Wilcox.
On this trip, they brought friends. The Gaulkes, also of southeastern Pennsylvania, used their first time to the island and Starving Artists to their advantage, purchasing hot sauce from Mona Bastien's Caribbean Flavors. The Gaulkes were frequent visitors to St. Thomas, but their friends and artistic events like Starving Artists drew them to the big island. Luanne Gaulke described the event simply as "beautiful."
Artists and patrons alike commented on the low turnout, yet representatives from the Landmark Society say that this is the time of the year for window shopping and low vendor response. "We do this three times a year," said event coordinator Lily Alvarez, who explained that the best time of the year for artist profit is during the Thanksgiving show when everyone is out doing their Christmas shopping.
Artists in the know agree that this time of year is not one for lots of sales. "I did this [show] last year, but during Thanksgiving I did very well," says Christina Anderson, standing proudly behind vividly painted wall-mounted pictures of hibiscus flowers and long-legged moko jumbies. "It's slow, but better than nothing," adds Esther Clifford, vending in the booth next door. It's Clifford's debut at Starving Artists, and her table was loaded with handmade sandals and a variety of wooden crafts for sale.
The show has been going on for 18 years in the same location, and some of the vendors have been around from the beginning. Alvarez noted many vendors are incredibly faithful as this is how they earn their living. One such vendor is Richard Schrader of Taste of St. Croix. "I started here with one book and one T-shirt; now I am up to 10 books." Schrader, whose poem, "The Madras That Binds All Ahwe," was read at the 2003 gubernatorial inauguration, was not concerned about the low turnout, stating "my customers always come back."
Passing the day away with smooth strokes of his brush, Joffrey George took advantage of the day's slow pace to complete his painting of the Frederiksted waterfront. George commented that with such beautiful weather, more people should have attended.
Not all of the artists were concerned with the turnout — some were just happy to finally be out of the blaring sun, showcasing their talents. Kenrick Durand says although he has only been painting and drawing for 10 years, he has been an artist from birth. With an ear-to-ear smile, he says that he is just "blessed to get the shade".
With the vibrant sounds of Bully and the Kafooners in the background, patrons took their time meandering through the booths and the Whim Greathouse museum, stopping here and there to catch spots of shade as they munched on chicken legs or kabobs, drinking lemonade and smoothies.
Relaxation was the common theme for the day. Lee Ann Robson of From the C jewelry summed up the feel of the artists and vendors present: "It's the same theory as a hurricane; you don't know the damage until it's over."
Starving Artists will host its third event of the year on Nov 29th, just in time for the Christmas Holiday.
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