Swimming Into The Future

by Dragon76

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – December 2019

Artist

Finding This Mural

Claude O. Markoe Elementary School, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI

Google Map

Story Behind This Mural

Artist Statement

My concept was to depict coexistence with a beautiful ocean, living beings, and culture. While on St. Croix, I had the opportunity to meet Asta Williams, a local cultural dignitary, and storyteller, who is preserving the art of traditional storytelling and masquerade for posterity and future generations.

I was very impressed by Asta and decided to incorporate her likeness into my mural. I mixed traditional Crucian patterns and masquerade outfits with my futuristic style in hopes of encouraging the younger generation on the island to become interested in passing along culture through storytelling.

By showcasing a beloved local person in the mural, I want the community to feel that it is a painting of THEIR ocean's history, as well as future and that they will sense the importance of protecting it so that they can swim in and depend on a magnificent sea, forever.

The Focus

Local cultural connections to oceans

Take Action

  • Bring your own! Say no to single-use plastics.
  • Eat as local as possible.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint and energy consumption.
  • Make sustainable seafood choices. Vote for the environment and call your representatives.
  • Educate yourself about what’s happening to our oceans.