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The evocative and, at times, turbulent history of the Caribbean is an inspiration for artists. Caribbean art blends modern American, European impressionist and traditional island art forms to create a look and feel as vibrant as it is distinctive.
A self-guided art tour is a must for all locum tenens doctors on international assignment on St. Thomas. Luckily, the best art in the islands is all within easy walking distance of notable Charlotte Amalie landmarks, such as Fort Christian, Blackbeard's Castle and the St. Thomas Synagogue.
Gallery St. Thomas
Formerly marketed as the Blue Turtle Gallery, the Gallery St. Thomas has been voted the best showcase for local art on the island. Fine art oils and watercolors compliment pottery and metal works with a Caribbean flare. Gallery St. Thomas is located in the picturesque Palm Passage near the downtown Charlotte Amalie waterfront.
Virgin Islands Museum at Fort Christian
With original construction dating back to the late 1600s, Fort Christian is one of the oldest Caribbean structures that remains upright and intact, according to the National Park Service. The fort has served a variety of military and administrative functions in Charlotte Amalie and is now home to a museum displaying Virgin Islands art and historical artifacts.
Jonna White Gallery
White is a noted intaglio artist with decades of experience on St. Thomas, according to the St. Thomas Source. She has kept galleries in a variety of locations, but the current Main Street venue is a large and wonderful showcase of her island-inspired art.
Camille Pissarro Gallery
The influential French impressionist painter Camille Pissarro was born in Charlotte Amalie when St. Thomas was still part of the Danish West Indies. Today, the gallery is a tribute to Pissarro's trailblazing work with oil paints, his interpretation of both rural and urban beauty, and his foundational contributions to impressionist technique. Unlike the Jonna White Gallery, the Camille Pissarro Gallery is a showcase for local artists as well as a tribute to the island-born French painter himself.
Grand Galleria Art Gallery
Housed within the original Grand Galleria hotel, the Grand Galleria Art Gallery showcases a collection of the locally published historical maps, rare books and botanical prints. For locum tenens doctors more interested in island and nautical history than fine art, this is the gallery for you.
Weibel Museum
St. Thomas Synagogue is the second-oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. The original building was built in 1796 and stood until it was lost to a fire. The current structure was constructed in 1813, and the adjacent museum contains hundreds of years of Jewish art and history.