Danica David
St. Croix-born artist, Danica M. David creates what she likes to call contemporary folk art by brilliantly depicting her colorful Caribbean and religious culture.
She began studying art during her Junior year at St. Croix Central High School and was motivated to paint when she returned home from college trying to fill the blank wall space in her apartment. After several years of painting part time, she opened Danica Art Gallery in 2001. First on King Street, she now resides in historic Apothecary Hall on Company Street.
Danica is always searching for exciting local art to display in her gallery and each month manages to pull together a wonderful assortment of sculptures, prints, pottery, locally-made jewelry including her own West Indian line, hand-painted furniture, cards, and art clocks. Staples in the gallery are Sarah Lee Hayes pottery and Nancy Byrnes pastels. From June 17 through July 1, Danica Art Gallery will showcase student artwork from St. Croix Educational Complex and St. Coix Central High School.
In 2001, Danica developed "Creative Adventure Summer Art Program," partially sponsored by the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, at the St. George Village Botanical Garden and last year moved it to the Florence Williams Public Library in Christiansted. Here, 7-12- year-old students learn, in gallery workshops, about drawing and painting, photography, still life, arts & crafts, pottery, and poetry and drama. Danica teaches along with several other local artists and gallery owners during the five-week session.
"I love what I'm doing," she says. "The experience of teaching art and connecting with others gives me so much to thank God for." "I love painting. It is a precious gift from above that I try not to take for granted. Sometimes, though, I wish I could paint every day but, for now, I will try to paint as much as I can along with being a mother, business woman, and art teacher." Her favorite medium is Mixed Media and she finds her hobby very therapeutic! Her latest endeavor - "Adorable Pet Portraits!" A portion of the proceeds from 6 Company Stree t * Christiansted 340.719.6000 Danica ART GALLERY Local Paintings Jewelry Pottery * Sculptures Art Clocks Prints * Cards Handmade Soaps this commissioned artwork is donated to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center. See Waldo pictured here.
While operating the Gallery during the past six years, Danica has also been working full time as an art teacher at the Eulalie R. Rivera Elementary School in Frederiksted and is pursuing a MA degree in Art Education. Danica Art Gallery is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11-5:00 pm. 719-6000.
