Hello to all St. John lovers. Many of you I have not seen for a couple of years now. There are many newcomers to St. John this year, to add to my database. This is August, and visitors are still flocking to Americas’ Paradise! It is a phenomena that has many of us overwhelmed. Bars are open again, and a good time is being had by all! However, we did not have Carnival this year, due to Covid restrictions.
I am proud to announce that I have finished painting the 2022 calendar, and it is an excellent representation of my work. The title is SKIES OVER ST. JOHN. It has been photographed by Bill Stelzer, and was sent off to be printed in Miami. We should have the calendars in hand in September, to be able to send out to you. A few samples enclosed… but you can see the full 13 pieces online.
A number of works were imagined, sketched and photographed while taking hikes in the National Park. Others were imagined while on boating excursions. All things that you normally do while on vacation in St. John.
TJ (my grandson) will have his masterpiece as the month of May, titled HOPE, after the wall that we both painted. He is presently in his third year at Savannah School of Art and Design (SCAD), and on the Deans list!
You will be able to pre order on the web site once again, and you will be the very first to receive your calendars.
We have partnered with the Animal Care Center to give them a needed boost. We are selling Dog Days in Paradise prints, and giving the ACC half of the proceeds. They are receiving a check this month for $225. Let’s see if next month we can sell more prints to help them.
We are presently in hurricane season, and our drought is finally over. The island is green again, with lots of rain coming our way, but we pray for no direct hurricanes, of any number! We will stay open as long as possible, but once we have a direct threat, will pack everything up. You will still be able to order from the website, and we will still be able to ship to you however.
Due to Covid, we have ended (forever) our very loved Wednesday evening Sunset parties and art show. But, we offer in its place a FB live experience! We time it to the sunset in St.John, and spend lots of time showing you the sunset, and between shots of sun, and clinking of glasses, we also show you the latest art work in the gallery. FB Live is keeping me on my toes, to produce a new work weekly. Every Wednesday, at 6:30 PM (St. John time). We only schedule it for a half hour, and I have heard from many that they really enjoy it, from around the world! So, I know you all miss the real party, but please drop in anytime to check out our FaceBook Live event. You do not need to watch at the time, you can see it after the fact. While watching live however, you can try for a free gift weekly. We announce the winner each week, and send the gift off the next day. Please do check it out! Join us, if you have not already. All are welcome!
https://www.facebook.com/coconutcoaststudios/videos/427008425097980
The weather is the topic of discussion, across the world, it seems. It is hurricane season here, and with it, we also have Sahara dust, it is either or…. For years, I repeated, Oh it is Sahara dust, without thinking it through. But, after seeing a photo from space, of the actual dust coming out of Africa, and crossing over our islands, sometimes making it all the way to Florida, I took time to explain to people, that it is not smog… Check out the photo. It really brings our air quality down, and does no good for reefs, people, or any living thing.
After last newsletter, I made a terrible error…and accidentally deleted many clients and friends from my data base. I even deleted my daughter and granddaughter! So, do not take it personally if we find your name and address gone. If you got this newsletter, that means you are still on the list. If you have not updated your information with me, the easiest way is to order something, like a calendar!
Ornaments…
Have turned out to be my best seller! Even now. Almost everyone that enters the gallery, walks out with an ornament, or three! I have never sold them out of the Holiday season, but will in the future. Here is a comment from a client,
“Of all the ornaments that we crowd onto our tree each year, it’s the ones we picked up while traveling that provide the greatest memories. They have been sparking fun conversations each December for years.” I guess that is what makes my ornaments so special.
I wish you all a very safe and enjoyable Summer!
— Elaine Estern
and crew at Coconut Coast Studios