The 2025 Virgin Islands Woodworkers Expo will be held Dec. 19 and 20 at E’s Garden Tea House on Garden Street from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing handmade woodwork, demonstrations, and cultural presentations, a press release announced.
Local artisans from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John — including newly added representative Kurt Marsh — will display and sell their work throughout both days. Woodworkers will also give brief presentations about their work at 1 p.m. each day, according to the press release.
A Learning Expo for middle and high school students will take place Friday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, where students will discuss artwork, learn about wood types and tools, and observe demonstrations of relief carving, chip carving, whittling, carving, and woodturning, the press release stated.
The expo will include two special recognitions. On Friday, at 4 p.m., organizers will highlight the origins of the event, including honoring expo visionary Carol Spanner posthumously. A tribute to the family of Avelino Samuel is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the press release stated.
Woodworkers in this year’s lineup include William “Bill” Johnson, Afreekan Southwell, Janice Penn, Joseph Degazon, and Harold Shomo of St. Thomas; Andre McBean, Terry Daley-Stanley, and Edmund Fieulleteau of St. Croix; and Kurt Marsh representing St. John, the release stated.
Organizers said the expo supports the continuation of woodworking as an essential part of Virgin Islands culture by encouraging youth engagement and community involvement. The event is sponsored by MSI, E’s Teahouse and Things, WSTA 1340 AM, and Conch Shell Media LLC.
More information will be shared on the “Strength-to-Strength” radio program on WSTA 1340 AM on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. For details, call 340-244-3898.
St. Croix Source
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