Art class at the Blue Mutt

Creating masterpieces at an art store where all proceeds benefit the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center.

Ty's Taino & Tectonic plate tutorial

Ty, our "Grove Guide," taught us all about the history of the island starting with it's creation. We learned about how the tectonic plates pushed up along a fault line to form what is now a chain of Caribbean Islands. Ty also explained how the first to inhabit these islands were the Tainos, Caribs and Arawaks. He showed us some Taino artifacts that were made with the same clay we harvested two days ago. It was exciting to walk through the area where this civilization once thrived until Columbus's arrival and unfortunate impact on the native people.

A day FULL of art and culture!

The third day of a wonderful adventure so far. On day three all of us hopped on the bus and went to Rainbow Beach on the far west side of the island. Artist and friend, Ms. Elizabeth, has a lovely home on the beach and there we went snorkeling. However before the fun, we had to do some work. Receiving trash bags from the staff, we set out to clean up the beach. It was quite surprising to find the amount of trash we did. Around six bags! We worked through the rain and when finished we left the area we found most of the trash. To be honest, for me it was hard to stop cleaning just knowing that there was still more we could do. Soon after, we all got our snorkel gear on and dove into the cool water with the rain pelting our backs. We saw under water sculptures all made by the artist who lives there. The art installations served as habitats for marine life. Underwater we saw a variety of fish and the coolest was the stingray. After, we had a fantastic pizza lunch and thanked Ms. Elizabeth. We then left for Fredriksted for the local art. We then were inspired to make some clay necklaces. We had to harvest our own clay and on the west side of the island the waves crashed into the rocks causing water to spray up. There some of the clay we collected was wet and we painted each other in Taino markings, like war paint. In the evening, we had the pleasure of enjoying and partaking in an on site West African dance class. Which, was an amazing way to express everybody's inner dancer! We all had an amazing, traditional Cruzan dinner made with all organic produce from Sejah Farms. We had salad, fresh pumpkin soup, marinated fresh goat and bbq chicken, home made passion and golden apple juices, and bread fruit salad. It was an incredible and inspiring day with cool experiences and delicious food.
-Riley E.

Beach Clean-Up, Snorkeling, Caribbean Dancing, and Drumming

Rock Wall Adventures

A note from Kristen Dodzik:

"These photos were from dinner and "circle up time" last night. It was great for us all to hear how important it is to take only what you know you will eat and then help yourselves to more once everyone has eaten. Very new approach for most coming from our world of convenience and excess.  After an enthusiastic "thank you!" (Shouted to the kitchen staff by our students) each of us scraped our plates and circled up for a hilarious "get to know you" game inspired by a role of toilet paper. Today, we're off to the Boy Scouts of America high ropes course. Can't wait!"

A lesson on Moko Jumbies

This afternoon, we visited a museum in Christiansted. We were greeted by a Caribbean artist named Ms. Palmer, who spoke about Moko Jumbi. Africans, taken by colonizing countries, brought the tradition to the Caribbean. Ms. Palmer told us that Moko means "mock" and Jumbi means "spirit". A Moko Jumbi is a person, man or woman, who covers their whole body in colorful, traditional costumes, masks to cover their faces, and they walk on tall stilts. They cover themselves totally to make sure nobody can recognize them. This helps separate who they really are from the spirit they are portraying. Traditionally, Moko Jumbi were meant to keep the bad spirits away from the village. The colorful clothing, masks to hide their identity, and the stilts that make them seem almost "larger then life" make the Moko Jumbi seem like very powerful and spiritual beings. They are seen as the protectors of the people, filled with wisdom and power. Many men and woman train extensively to become Moko Jumbi. They must practice balancing and dancing on stilts. The better they get, the taller the stilts will be. Now a days, Moka Jumbi are usually seen at festivals and holidays, where many traditional dances are done. They are truly an amazing sight to see. The tradition of Moko Jumbi has died in many Caribbean islands, but it hasn't in St. Croix! The museum held many art works depicting Moko Jumbi by local and non local artists. The artwork was beautiful and so colorful, but Moko Jumbi art is also dying out. Hopefully, the traditions of the Moko Jumbi will be revived because they are truly amazing! We can't wait to see the Moko Jumbi live this week in St. Croix. It will be so awesome!!!! It's been an great day full of learning, sunshine, and fun. Lets hope the rest of this week is as great as today!
-Ashley W.

Anne just texted to say that the group arrived safe and sound in St. Croix.  They just finished a snack and orientation and are getting ready to cool off in the pool!

The trip got off on a positive note this morning at 4:30! The group is currently in Miami airport waiting to board their next flight before landing in St. Croix! Check back for updates!