Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the Fort Frederik Museum will host the fourth annual “I AM David Hamilton Jackson” student art exhibition opening on Tuesday, November 26th from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
This annual educational outreach initiative was first launched by the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) in November 2021 honoring the legacies of David Hamilton Jackson’s activism and his impact in advancing civil rights in the territory.
The annual DLAM student exhibit prompts students to be inspired by David Hamilton Jackson’s advocacy and to choose an issue either local or global that they would like to take a stand on by creating artwork that addresses the topic. Students are taught about the history of labor organizing in the territory and David Hamilton Jackson life’s work. They are then prompted to step into their power as agents of change in their communities by using their artistic voice through creative expression.
This year’s exhibit features a large-scale portrait of David Hamilton Jackson created by a group of students, mixed media works including writing that depict Virgin Islands’ heroes, and social justice collages depicting different social issues from Liz Llanos’ American Lit. students at the St. Croix Central High School and Danica David’s Art students from the St. Croix Educational Complex School.
The student art show opening on Tuesday, November 26th is free to the public. The exhibit will remain on display during normal Fort Frederik Museum hours from 9 am- 4:30 pm Monday-Friday for a $10 admission fee, but it is free for students under 18, with a discounted rate of $5 for Virgin Islands residents. “The Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums is excited to showcase the creative works of these talented students, inspired by the legacy of David Hamilton Jackson. We encourage as many schools as possible to schedule a free student group tour to Fort Frederik, to experience and engage with this powerful exhibit of young artists’ work,” said DLAM Territorial Director Amy DeSorbo.
We also invite you to visit the Florence Williams Public Library to view the annual David Hamilton Jackson exhibit. Florence Williams Public Library is open Tuesday -Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. For more information, contact DLAM Territorial Chief Curator Monica Marin at monica.marin@dpnr.vi.gov or call Fort Frederik Museum at 340-772-2021.
