War 2002

Marguerite Beck-Rex paints both impressionistic landscapes and abstract expressionist compositions. Her landscapes represent the countryside of Provence, where she coordinates annual working sessions for experienced artists. Her abstract expressionistic works reflect powerful interactions of her inner landscape with the world as she experiences it. All Beck-Rex work in this exhibit is rendered in watercolor.

In the artist's own words: "My work is in watercolor because no other medium is as luminous. The white glow of beautifully formed paper sings as no canvas can. Glazes of transparent color gleam with shape, offering the eye complex impressions achievable in no other paint. Watercolor also presents challenges that I love. The very process of collaborating with water to move paint is thrilling and satisfying."

MamaLove 2003

Elisa McKay, self-taught St. Croix artist, began a hobby of making note cards using African print fabric, paper, flowers, and bits of ribbon and cord. This hobby found its way into many stores and hotel gift shops in the Virgin Islands. In 1993, Elisa moved to increasingly larger formats in her designs. Her distinctive African-Caribbean collages interpret themes of family, community and celebration. Silhouettes of African fabric and paper combined with acrylic, gouache and watercolor, metal, wood, and other findings are used to create striking mixed media creations.

"The purpose of my art is to connect with my multi-cultural roots, but most importantly, my African/Caribbean ancestry. Being raised in the African/Caribbean Diaspora in Harlem, NY, exposed me to a rich culture, which has been woven through the tapestry of my life. In the spirit of my ancestors, I celebrate my heritage through my art...with respect, honor and love."

The daughter of Crucian parents, Elisa was born in New York City, and in 1978 moved to make St. Croix her home. Elisa has exibited widely on St. Croix and St. Thomas; in North Carolina; in Washington, DC

7 1/2 Heads and Barbie 2004

After a nearly 20 year career as an architect, Snyder became a full time artist while painting in Guatemala. He lived a dual life while practicing architecture project by project, spending about half those years traveling all over the world as a backpacker-traveler, living in England, Australia and Russia. He currently sells his work at Eastern Market's Market 5 Gallery.