Bajo El Sol Gallery in Mongoose Junction, St. John, will host the opening of an art exhibit called “The Samuel Siblings.” It will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 7. This exhibit will feature new works by brother and sister artists, Avelino and Karen Samuel. Avelino and Karen were born and raised in Coral Bay, St. John. This will be the first time they are exhibiting together. Live music will be provided by Eva Chinnery & Friends.
Avelino Samuel developed an interest in woodworking at a young age. Today his creations, both decorative and functional, reside in private collections across the globe. Samuel is highly sought-out internationally for his wood-turning demonstrations, which he has shared in places as far away as Tanzania and Australia. His work was recently featured at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, N.C.
After earning a master’s degree in industrial arts education from East Michigan University, Samuel returned to St. John where he taught industrial arts at Julius E. Sprauve School in Cruz Bay for 30 years, training new generations of Virgin Islands craftspeople and artists.
One of Samuel’s specialties is creating highly ornate hand-turned hollow vessels, primarily from local woods, including genip, raintree, white prickle and West Indian mahogany. He uses oils, polishes, natural stains and lacquers, as well as hand-burning techniques to give the vessels their striking textures and finishes.
Samuel says he sometimes prefers “the material to be the dominant voice” in his pieces, while “in other instances, the wood is worked to accent its character.” His aim, he says, is to create objects that showcase the beauty of wood and that appeal to both the visual and tactile senses.
Karen Samuel has been recognized for her artistic talent since her teenage years. She is a graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas and holds a degree in arts education from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She is known for her portraits and landscapes in oil. She additionally works in graphite, conte crayon, colored pencil, gauche and watercolors.
She began her art career with commissioned portraits of local dignitaries and island history, which can be seen in many public buildings in the territory. The contemporary scenes of island life she paints aim to capture the quiet dignity of the people of the Virgin Islands. Samuel is also known as a clothing and quilt designer. Her commissions include wedding gowns, evening wear, pageant outfits and carnival costumes.
“Everyone at Bajo El Sol gallery is very proud of Avelino and Karen Samuel’s many accomplishments,” said Priscilla Hintz Knight, director of the gallery. “The hand-turned woodwork of St. Johnian Avelino Samuel and the paintings and quilts of Karen Samuel stand out as one of the finest examples of a modern continuation of the islands’ proud tradition of local craftsmanship.”
The show will run until March 4.
