18th Annual Starving Artists Day at Whim Greathouse

This year's Starving Artists Summer Show, held at The Whim Plantation Museum by the St. Croix Landmark's Society, featured many familiar island artists. Everyone had a good time with demonstrations in glass blowing, ice cream making and listened to musicby DJ Music and in the afternoon by Bully and the Musical Kafooners. In a world where the mass produced and the machine produced are the norm, it is the hand-crafted and the one-of-a-kind that become more valuable. The human hand, with all of its imperfections, builds into its products an authenticity that saves us from a world of sameness, and allows us to be in the presence of rare and exclusive treasures.

	The parking for the event took place on the rotunda of the large Beaux Arts style lawn of the Whim Greathouse, which stood protected by its hedges, low stone walls and dry moat. A gentlelady was stationed at the gazebo to welcome those who attended.

	The artists set up their tents under the trees at the rear of the Greathouse.

	Crafts,artwork, a raffle and potted herbs were all on hand for eager buyers.

	On this sunny afternoon, the trees really provided cool shade. The hottest place was at the glass blower's tent.

	There was a glass blowing demonstration which could be viewed all day. Don't get bitten by one of those creepy crawlies!

	From constructing with glass to the cutting open of a shell to release its inner beauty, to constructing with earth itself. Crafts come in all forms and are demonstrated in just as many ways.

	Art also comes in the written form and the painted variety, the most widely known, which were also on display.

	And of course, art also comes in the form of things to eat.

	A little music to eat by.... Bully and the Musical Kafooners treated us to Quelbe tunes (the official music of the U.S. Virgin Islands) from their Scratch Band.

	And now for more artwork.

	All of this artwork was on display under the big tent.

	Hand crafted cards and jewelry were offered by some of St. Croix's best known artists. Like many of the art displayed here, these treasures leave the island and go far and wide.

	The Whim Greathouse Museum store was also open with antique reproductions on sale.