Mango Tango Art Gallery proudly opens its soulful commemorative exhibition, “Gone but Not Forgotten,” on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will celebrate three beloved artists—Kathy Carlson, Max Johnson, and Smokey Pratt—whose lives and works shaped the creative spirit of the Virgin Islands.
Guests will enjoy an inspired night of art, appetizers and spirits under the Caribbean sky, and live music by Neko Crush in the gallery’s spacious parking area.
Though each artist brought a distinct voice to the Caribbean art scene, Carlson and Johnson explored strikingly similar themes. Their lush floral paintings captured the vibrancy of tropical blooms, while their travels throughout the Caribbean inspired portraits of islanders drawn from life and memory. Both artists hailed originally from the East Coast and sketched daily, transforming visual notes into studio masterpieces. Johnson also painted cherished New England vacation landscapes from Vermont and Maine.
Kathy Carlson, a deeply respected educator, devoted much of her life to teaching, including five influential years teaching math at Antilles High School in St. Thomas. Max Johnson enjoyed a celebrated career in advertising with J. Walter Thompson, refining a visual storytelling style that remained evident throughout his paintings.
Both artists studied at the historic Art Students League of New York and maintained lifelong artistic practices. Johnson passed away in 1999, and Carlson in late 2013, leaving behind rich creative legacies.
Smokey Pratt arrived in St. Thomas in 1980, first captivating island audiences as a chef in several acclaimed restaurants before joining his wife in operating Mango Tango Art Gallery, mastering picture framing in service to the business. Pratt was also a beloved local musician, performing flute and harmonica with John Brittain in the well-known blues duo 2 Blue Shoes, which held a memorable decade-long Friday night gig at Betsy’s in Frenchtown.
When not framing or performing, Pratt immortalized daily life and observations through humorous, tender cartoons. Encouraged by artist Don Dahlke, he grew into a gallery favorite, showing work in group exhibitions for many years. Pratt passed away in 2013, yet his whimsical reflections and soulful presence continue to inspire.
“Gone but Not Forgotten” will remain on view for one month at Mango Tango Art Gallery.
For more information, visit mangotangoart.com or call 340-777-3060.
St. Croix Source
Arts & Literature
