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Winter Newsletter 🌴

Thank you all for staying in touch with us! It was heart warming to get all of your emails, cards, orders, and calls. After two months I figured out how to forward the gallery phone to my cell phone! So, if you have been calling, and I did not respond, it is because I never got the call, and probably never will! You can call me now, at the gallery number (340) 776-6944.

I am so sorry many of you are in the cold, while it is beautiful here! Who knew St. John would come back so fast? Certainly not those of us who live here! But it is true, the trees are all green, and growing. The coconut trees that made it, all have new sprouts coming out of the tops. Mother nature has a way of pruning things, then watering (50+inches of rain), and then just watch it grow! So visually, the island has come back. The National Park beaches too are all cleaned and water is still turquoise, and inviting. I was told the water temperature was 80 degrees last weekend! Even if the government shuts down, the National Park Beaches are OPEN on St. John!

We have had cooling breezes, and rain showers at 5AM almost daily to wash everything off, and keep it fresh. And I understand there are plenty of places to rent on St. John, probably at a discount this year. If you only had experienced Caneel or Westin, try some thing new! There is no need to make reservations at the restaurants. Almost all are open now, with great food, and good prices. Airline prices are falling, now that the holiday season has passed. What is keeping you?

All of that said….. Coconut Coast Studios has been in construction mode. We have replaced railings, and shutters, bathroom tile, and built a new kitchen! Our opening date is February 14th! Valentines Day! What better day to celebrate a new beginning at Coconut Coast Studios. There will be new art work on display, along with freshly painted walls. It has been said that I am clairvoyant…due to the fact that I titled the 2018 calendar REFLECTIONS of St. John. Not true, but it does give me pause. The things that I love the most about St. John are in this calendar. Sorry to say, it is sold out! But, you can still see the images if you check out our web site. And there are the originals for sale. A Giclee reproduction is also available of your favorite image, just contact us with the size you desire.

We are also very excited to announce our new website, which was created and designed by Laura Kåmark and Sandy Feet Web Design. It was time to upgrade my website, to reflect the changes to the Studio. Please do check it out at www.coconutcoaststudios.com. And let us know what you think! I find it very easy to navigate, and hope you do as well. There will be new additions monthly, so please come back often. Even if just to dream of a warmer place!

I hope to see you sometime in 2018. Please come check out the gallery, Truffle (yes, she is still with me!) and how many new grey hairs Jennifer and I have from our many adventures.
Thank you all for being a lover of St. John!
Love City Strong,

ELAINE ESTERN

Sunset Cocktail Party

Sunset Party

We hope to resume the Sunset parties in February. Due to damages of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we have had to delay them.

Updates from the St. John Flutes.

Katha Ricciardi lost the roof to her home, and has been dealing with the aftermath. She had her flute refurbished, but left it on island, only to come home to things growing out of it. Meanwhile, while in Italy, Katha had her 50+ year old flute refurbished, and brought it home to St.John with her. She will be playing an antique flute, and we will all enjoy her sweet notes.

Rich unfortunately had his house slide down the hill. It now sits on a 45 degree angle. He has refurbished his studio, which did not share the same fate, and hopes to bring his house slowly up to level again. He too had to totally refurbish his flute, and saxophone. We are all enjoying the sounds at the Open Mic on Wednesdays at Sundog, in Mongoose Restaurant.

Post Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria

I am so thankful to tell you all that the gallery exists, and will return to her old glory. The gallery is getting cleaned up, little by little. There is so much to be done, on every front, but we are accomplishing much on some days, and a little on others. Baby steps to get to the goal of having the studio structure reinforced with cement, steel beams, and then repainted. Same colors, it will just be brighter…again, and clean. Replanting, after we emptied too many 5 gallon buckets to count of rocks, sand, coral, and debris (as in dead sea creatures) from inside the gallery, and the yards, front, side and back. The gallery was afloat for a coupe of months. and we had a moat. The water has receded now, and we have started the removal, and refurbishing. I had hoped to be open for Christmas, and have the first party Jan 3, but that is not a possibility now. Hopefully, in January. But, if you are on island, please do come by! We are here!

I just had the phone transferred over to my cell number, so for the first time in three months, you can call me at the number on the web site and calendars! It will be years until the phone company is operational in the Virgin Islands. I also just got power for Thanksgiving (how appropriate!) and internet the following week. We can take any order now, and it feels so good to be back in business!
Many litho reproductions were lost to the storms, but all of the originals were saved in my closet.

All new merchandise is on order, and once I finish with my new creative endeavor with the gallery, I hope to get back to painting. Have not painted since August, and am really missing it. We have just revamped the web site, to include what is available.

Please know that I so appreciate everyones support, well wishes, prayers, and purchases.

Have a very Happy Holiday Season,

ELAINE ESTERN

Fall Newsletter 🌴

Hello to all!  

Writing this newsletter in the spirit of the season, with much gratitude and good will towards all.  You have all shown us just how special you hold St John in your hearts.  So, this is a progress update on St. John, and Coconut Coast Studios, and a look towards the future.  

It’s again the time to count our blessings and give thanks for what we have.  It may be very difficult for many this year but each of us here has a valid reason to be grateful: we are still given the chance to fulfill the reason for this life of ours.  And many of us are just grateful to be alive!  

Nothing stays the same but St. John will bounce back stronger than before.  Its magic will keep nourishing the soul of whoever is open to perceive its extraordinary beauty.  On my (rusty) refrigerator is a sign…. “Everything has beauty” – Confucius.  I see it daily in the people, the birds, plants, water and sky.  

We have been working very hard to clean up the debris around Coconut Coast Studios, wash, paint, and renew our spirits.  The plan is to be open for Christmas, with the first cocktail party on January 3, 2018.  I will keep you all posted!  We do have power….kind of, and a mobile phone…. some of you have tried calling the 340-776-6944 number.  There is an message on it, but really…. it is not connected to anything!  If you left us a message there, we didn’t get it, and probably will not get it until next year!  Email works excellent!  

There are still 2018 calendars available for purchase. Please order on our website, www.coconutcoaststudios.com. Order soon if you would like the calendar to arrive BEFORE Christmas. If anyone has ordered a calendar and not yet received it, please email us to let us know!
 
Happy, Happy Thanksgiving and let’s look forward to a bright tomorrow.
 

Thank you for caring!  
Elaine

After the Storms Update

Hello to all!

I am ok, a bit bruised, scratched and dented, but physically and mentally in good shape after experiencing two hurricanes in a few days. Hurricane Irma, category 5+, a direct hit, and Hurricane Jose. A number of my originals survived, as did my home and gallery! A true miracle! There were fish swimming in the gallery, and everything took a salt water bath, some things do better in salt water than others!

I was as prepared as possible. Took refuge with my neighbors, Mares and Rob Crane, in a neighbors house for the storm. Three days later, went back for hurricane Jose. Once I had completed all I could to clean up the mess, and saw there was Hurricane María aimed at us… again, I made the decision to evacuate. Not an easy decision for me. Having lived on island through all of the other hurricanes, I know I am strong enough to do the aftermath. But in those earlier days, I was also a paramedic, and gave back to the community. Now, I’m older, and for the island, and myself, it was best to evacuate. I don’t want to use resources that someone assisting the recover would need, or be a burden. So, was evacuated out by Red Cross, of whom I cannot thank enough!

There was only community spirit on St John. I saw no divisions of people. It was neighbor helping neighbor. A beautiful community spirit. I made it to my son’s house in Satellite Beach, FL. My plans are to return as soon as there is power, and I can start cleaning all over again.

If you are wondering why no one could call, or write, there was almost no communication out! After the first five days, the entire island found one spot to get wifi, and then, only if you held your phone just so, turned in the perfect direction, if you could find it, crossed your fingers, toes and eyes, and had lots of patience…..then, maybe, you could send a text with one sentence. Usually to your closest family member, so they could let the rest of the family know. Things started to get better as I was leaving, I’m sorry so many of you worried. We all had plenty of time to pray, and I did often! I thank you all for your prayers and words of encouragement!

If you are looking for ways to assist St John, may I recommend donating to the St John Community Foundation. They are a 501c3 non profit organization and 100% of the funds would go to St John recovery. St John Rescue would be another one as well as Island Health and Wellness Center. If you are wanting to help me…. buy a calendar, or two. Most did survive in Tupperware tubs. I promise to get them to you before December 1, 2017. The post office is closed indefinitely. I will figure a way!

Regards to all,

Elaine Estern

PS Truffle is fine, and staying with friends.

Summer Newsletter from Coconut Coast Studios

Summer Newsletter 🌴

Greetings to all!

Hope you are enjoying your summer, with all of the wonderful things it has to offer. In St John, we are enjoying (mostly) beautiful days, warm clear water, cool breezes, and scattered showers to cool us off. Our temperature is usually mid 80’s degrees, with a touch of humidity. Not bad.

The calendar has landed here in Cruz Bay, and we have mailed out all of the pre-orders. You can go online, call us, email, or come by the studio to get your calendar NOW! 2018 is titled Reflections of St. John. I know you will enjoy the art, as I have already sold 5 of the originals! A few teasers enclosed…..you can see the rest on the website.

I recently traveled to Cleveland Clinic, Florida. The exhibit will continue through August, then Cleveland Clinic is keeping all of the art work, mostly to be put into the International section. I have been told by many visiting Virgin Islanders, and patient reps that the art work made them feel at home, and more relaxed. I am happy to be able to once again represent my home in another setting.

Truffle, the dog, and Star, the cat have checked in with all. Truffle, age 11, spends most of her days sleeping, but often will get up to greet the guests. The trees around us are in full bloom with flamboyant, and iguanas. The iguanas eat as many of the flowers as they can, and have bright red lips to prove it.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Best wishes ~

Elaine and Crew

Coconut-Telegraph-Spring

Spring Newsletter 🌴

Spring has come to Coconut Coast Studios, with all of the flowers in bloom, birds and bees buzzing happily around. Truffle continues to take her daily swim, wagging her tail, and rolling on her back. Elaine and Jen have stayed busy with the Wednesday evening parties, and keeping the gallery and shelves full for everyones enjoyment.

The Cleveland Clinic Exhibit was hung on April 5th and will be on display until mid July. Elaine will also have a piece on permanent exhibit in the International Department.

A photo of Elaine standing by the art will be in the summer newsletter, after she has an opportunity to go and see it herself. Each piece of art is a giclee reproduction, on canvas, sized 24” x 36”. They are for sale at $695 each, including shipping.

The 2017 calendar has been well received. We only have one original in the gallery left for purchase, “Mangrove Nursery”. All of the others have gone to good homes across the US and St. John. Elaine has begun the 2018 calendar, titled “Reflections”. As the name suggests, there will be reflections both above, and below water. She is a very busy artist right now. We expect to have the calendars available for sale by September. This will be another special year.

The season is winding down and we are starting to see less of our friends visiting the gallery. I hope that when you are on island, during season or not, that you stop by and visit with us. We only have a one party left for this season and will start up again the first Wednesday in November.

We now have gifts items on sale at Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, National Parks Visitor Center and Friends of the National Park, Best of Both Worlds, Island Fancy, St. John Spice and The Westin Resort, Sunny & Co.

Hope everyone is healthy and happy! We will keep the waters warm and the sun shining for your next visit.

Best wishes~

Elaine and Crew