Welcome to the Winter 2024 Newsletter

Lots of new paintings, and happenings around the gallery.
I have finished a new bird series. They are miniatures, and framed in rustic wood frames. The series includes a Pelican, Great White Egret, Green Carib Hummingbird, a Peacock as well as the Flamingos.

With the Spring Equinox upon us, and a major solar eclipse crossing the US, my next project is to complete an outer space series of paintings, to commemorate the Eclipse on April 8, 2024.

The image in the calendar this month (March) is flamingos. They did come back to visit St. John again, but not as many as last year. We are hoping that they will make our island their permanent home, time will tell.

Speaking of the 2024 calendar….

Please pardon our big error with the full moons. DO NOT plan your vacation on my full moons for the remainder of the year. They are all off by two weeks. We actually put the NEW moon instead of the FULL moon. So sorry…

Many of you have enjoyed, and purchased the art work by my grandson, TJ. I am always so proud of him, and happy that he has been so well received.

TJ is working diligently on finishing his last year at Savannah School of Art (SCAD), but in the meantime, he has been invited to show in two new art openings curated by Aubrey Burgess, here in St. John. The first is at the renovated Wine Shop at Wharfside, this March 14; and a second one on March 21, 2024.

TJ has also added new pieces to the gallery inventory. He enjoys painting while we travel, and the latest pieces are from last summers trip to Geneva, Switzerland, and Chamonix, France.

We had some real fun around here for our Facebook Live folks last week. It was Dove’s Fifth birthday, and we had a party for her. What a ham she is! As I tell everyone, she may be 5 now, but she is still going on 1. So much energy!

We have made a lot of new images for the note cards, all available online. Check them out! Also, keep in mind that you can have any image made into a tile, or canvas reproduction, or even on paper, and framed in any manner of your choice. We aim to please!

Very excited to announce that the 2025 Calendar theme is Corals and Florals. Our corals are taking a major hit from high temps in the water, as well as, two diseases that are taking them over. We have a lot of people making huge efforts to save our corals, and I want to thank them all by honoring our corals this year. Of course, there will only be alive, vibrant corals in the calendar.

Don’t forget to join us for FaceBook Live every Wednesday at 6:00 PM (EDT), just for a half an hour to watch the sun set and see any new art. Can’t make that time, it will be posted on FB for 30 days…. And there is also the webcam, 24/7 looking out over Pillsbury Sound, where you can catch the sunset every day of the year. Just go to coconutcoaststudios.com and it is the first thing you see on my homepage. Or you can go to YouTube.com, and you will find it there as well.

I know some folks that turn it on as a screen saver for their TV!

Wishing everyone a very happy Spring! 💐
– Elaine Estern
and the crew of Coconut Coast Studios

With Easter and Passover upon us, we wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy and blessed holiday season. As we reflect on the meaning of these special holidays, we are grateful for the many blessings in our lives, including the opportunity to share our latest news with you.

Firstly, we are thrilled to announce that we have a new webcam in place, which means that you can now enjoy stunning sunsets from the comfort of your own home. Just go to YouTube, and put in Coconut Coast Studios, Pick the Frank Bay video, it is live, or view it on our website. You can also catch us live on the Coconut Coast Studio Facebook Page every Wednesday from 6 to 6:30 pm, as we share the beauty of our island paradise with the world.

In other news, we are delighted to report that we have a young flock of flamingoes in the Mandahl pond. These beautiful birds have captured our hearts, and we hope that you will have the opportunity to see them in person one day.

We also have some exciting new items in our gift shop, including notecards and giclee reproductions. These make perfect gifts for loved ones, or a lovely treat for yourself.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that we have completed a stunning mural, measuring 8 feet by 4 feet, with the assistance of the talented Bill Stelzer. We are so proud of this beautiful work of art, and we hope that you will have the opportunity to see it for yourself. It its a show piece for Lovango island.

And of course, we can’t forget to mention our beloved animal friends. Dove recently celebrated her 4th birthday, and we couldn’t be more proud of the sweet and loving dog that she has become. Meanwhile, our dear Star is still going strong at 18 years young, and continues to bring joy to all who meet her.

As always, we are grateful for your ongoing support and friendship, and we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season 💐

Best wishes,
Elaine Estern
And crew of Coconut Coast Studios

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Coconut Coast Studios!

We hope this newsletter finds you well and surrounded by love on this special day.

As you may have heard, we have a new addition to our team, Patricia Orlandini, who has quickly become an invaluable asset to us with her warmth, expertise and innovative ideas. Patricia has a Certificate in Fine Art from Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. We know you will enjoy meeting Patricia, whether in person or over the phone.

Additionally, TJ Schutt, my grandson, and Lily, my granddaughter are both back at college, and will not be coming home for the Spring break.

As for Dove, our beloved pup, she continues to bring joy and exuberance to the gallery, although she is still in the process of training to control her barking. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work on her obedience.

We are also excited to announce the arrival of our new products on the website, including puzzles, thin tumblers, coin purses, journals, and tea towels. Be sure to check them out and see what catches your eye.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that we recently experienced some technical difficulties with our mailing list. I have tried diligently to reconnect with each of you. If you have recently moved and have not updated your information, please do reach out to us. We value your support. We are always happy to receive any questions or concerns you might have, please feel free to call or email.

The 2023 Calendars, Reefs and Ruins was extremely successful. We have only 200, or so remaining. We are continuing with the Facebook Live each Wednesday evening at 6:PM, EST on the Coconut Coast Studios Facebook Page., just for one half hour, to watch the sun sink below St. Thomas.

Don’t forget to check out our website, www.coconutcoaststudios.com to see our latest originals.

Thank all who have come in thus far this year. Many have traveled to St. John for the first time in a number of years. It is wonderful to see all of my friends again. All the best for your Valentines Day.

Stay healthy and warm, with lots of laughter in your life!❤️

Best wishes,
Elaine Estern
And crew of Coconut Coast Studios

Hello St. John lovers and locals. I’m so glad to report we had a smooth and successful season. It’s exciting to see businesses and beaches bustling again with many old and new friends visiting. I even dare say things have returned to normal on our beautiful little island of St. John.

One of the most momentous occasions of this summer was the return of Carnival! St. John Carnival is the second of the three annual Carnivals amongst the major islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Carnival celebrations on St. John date back to the early 20th century and are a mix of African, European, and Caribbean traditions. In 1960, the 4th of July celebrations on St. John evolved into Carnival, and the festival lasted more than a week.

The “village” is located in the parking lot, and has music by big bands every night.  Lots of good local food too.  It was beautiful to witness the sheer excitement on the day of the parade,  as Carnival has been on hiatus for two years. Every group was decked out to new extremes, and the firework show was the best I’ve seen. It was a true St. John celebration.

Furthermore, I’m very excited to announce the completion of the 2023 Calendar, Reefs and Ruins of St. John. It was photographed by Bill Stelzer and is available for purchase now.  They are in stock. I did the same theme Reefs and Ruins exactly 20 years ago, and having the opportunity to bring a refreshing, new vision to it was really enjoyable. I’m so grateful to have created these calendars that function as a time capsule into the ever-changing world of St. John. However, I can honestly say that this year’s works explore parts of St. John that many haven’t seen before. So make sure to order yours.

I’m also thrilled to announce that my grandson, TJ has three paintings included in the 2023 calendar. TJ was featured in May in the 2022 calendar, and due to so much adoration for his piece, I knew I needed to let you all see more of his talent. TJ grew up on the island of St. John and has quite the eye for capturing its unique beauty. Some might say he got it from his grandmother. He is going into his senior year at Savannah School of Art and Design (SCAD), where he is completing a major in animation and a minor in sequential art. However, when TJ is home, he loves to hike, on and off-trail, around St. John, which is where he gained much inspiration for his works in the Reefs and Ruins. He’s got a crazy creative mind which I’ll think you’ll all see in this year’s calendar.

On the note of grandchildren, I’ve been lucky enough this year to have both TJ and my granddaughter Lily working at Coconut Coast Studios this summer. Lily is entering her third year at Emerson College, majoring in marketing and journalism. The pair helped me to run the gallery in its last few months of the season and are now helping me to close everything up as hurricane season approaches. The three of us took a trip to Florence, Italy, this August.  We had the time of our lives, and it was such fun to show Italy to them.  I have a new respect for the youth!

Lily was actually the one who took a call from the Virgin Islands Daily News letting me know that readers had voted Coconut Coast Studios for best local art. I was out on a friend’s boat when Lily gave me a call to share the news. It was an exhilarating moment for us both. I wanted to say thank you to all who voted. I’m incredibly grateful for the community created through this gallery and the community of St. John as a whole. You’ve all been very good to Coconut Coast Studios.

While we have had many great times this summer, a highlight would have to be the NEGUS summer creative arts and literary workshop visiting us at the gallery on our last day of the season. Twenty-five kids attended art lessons given by TJ and myself. We taught them watercolor techniques and then assisted them as they created their own art. These were some seriously intelligent and creative kids, and Dr. Carla Sewer and her colleagues were nothing short of inspiring.

A few things you should all know while my business will be closed: New paintings will be online as well as all merchandise and other products. I am here to process your orders as they come in.  The gallery will reopen in October/November.  Facebook Live will return in November as well! So enjoy the sunset with me, where I’ll show my latest art, clink some glasses, and even share the occasional story. Facebook Live occurs weekly on Wednesdays for a half-hour starting at 5:30 p.m. (St. John time). Don’t fret if you’re unable to make it, as we upload all FB Live to our Facebook page, which is linked below. However, for those who can join live, we have a weekly raffle for a piece of Coconut Coast merchandise! We look forward to chatting with you all in November.
Coconut Coast Studios Facebook Page

As our season comes to a close and hurricane season is upon us, I want to say a huge thank you to our customers and friends. Owning a small business in these unprecedented times can be stressful, but you all made things feel smooth and secure. I hope to see you all again when we reopen in October/November.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable Fall!
– Elaine Estern
and the crew of Coconut Coast Studios

December 17, 2021

The excitement never ends in St. John

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

Welcome back to the Coconut Telegraph!

We have had many memorable days, both in quarantine, and out.   My grandson, TJ, helped me make our sign on the outside wall…..HOPE.  I know many of you will relate with our sentiments.  

St.John is doing a phenomenal job of vaccinating everyone, I believe because our population is so small.  Even TJ has received his vaccine, at age 20!  And I received mine in January!  Unbelievable…but true!  I sincerely hope that you have received your vaccination, or are scheduled to get it soon.  So, now, I am out and about, and when you come to the Studio, both Ladys and myself will be here for you.  

While in quarantine, a lot of painting took place!  Some experimental, and some serious.  I am presently working on new images for the 2022 calendar, which will be titled, “Skies of St.John.“ And speaking of new work, TJ also has new art work hanging in the gallery.  After we finished the HOPE wall, TJ received a commission to do a sunset 5 feet by 4 feet!  It was amazing, I am sure you will agree!

You can see the new works on line, or at the studio, as I finish each one, or on our FB Live each Wednesday evening at 6:30PM, EST.

The FB Live events have been fun, because you can watch them from your home, wherever you are.  But, there are people that even watch them while visiting St.John!  That is the only benefit to the online party, but I will take every positive reason that I can find.  On our first FB Live party we reached 7400 viewers!  Unbelievable!  I thought 100 people was a lot to host the party for!  It’s a whole new world!  The really nice thing is that, once it is posted, you can watch anytime….so grab your glass of champagne and join us….at your convenience!

Dove, our official greeter, has just turned 2 years old.  What a character she has turned out to be.  She will be sure and greet you with a tennis ball, and insist that you play with her.  She truly believes that every person that arrives at the gallery is there to play with her!

And speaking of visitors… we have had a couple unexpected ones…. donkeys looking for water, as well as a sea plane, which landed and hung out in our bay! The peacocks continue to visit… I guess everyone has found me now!

So, on your next visit, be it online at www.coconutcoaststudios, FB Live, or in person, please check out all of the new merchandise that Ladys has so wonderfully presented to temp you all.  New items being shown are: jewelry, car coasters, tumblers, tea towels, pot holders, sippy cups, along with all of our previous products.  I have no idea how she is able to display them all, let alone, make everything look so inviting.  I hope you can check it all out soon.  

So, as the weather gets better, and everyone becomes vaccinated, I hope to be able to hug each and every one of you again soon……maybe with masks on, but I’ll take it!

Wishing you all a pleasant spring,

Elaine Estern and crew at Coconut Coast Studios

Hi All Art Lovers!

Nothing but good news for you today. St. John is once again open for visitors to come, with stores and restaurants open and waiting for your entry. Coconut Coast Studios will reopen (after 7 months of being closed) on November 2, 2020. We have lots of new artwork, as well as gift items. And to answer the question on everyones lips…. we will have a VIRTUAL Wednesday party LIVE on the Coconut Coast Studios Facebook Page weekly. I am sorry, but due to Covid-19 restrictions, we cannot host the multitude of guests that normally attend. So, we will weekly have new products and a piece of art on discount. Also, an Early Bird Special, for those that tune in early. Tune into Facebook starting Wednesday November 4th at 5:30 (one hour ahead of EST), to watch the sunset, have a glass of champagne with us (you provide your own!) and check out the new art work. Of course there will be cameo appearances of Dove and Star. I have never done anything like this, so it should prove interesting! I’m sure we are all in for a few laughs.

Once the gallery is open, we have made it safe for a client experience, with a safe store environment, and only allowing 6 guests in the store at a time. Plenty of outside seating in the shade or sun, with the best views on the island! If you are on island, and want to stay really safe, and shop online, just call, and we can do curbside pick up, so you have no shipping fees. Of course, we do ship, if you prefer, via Priority mail.

I am so delighted to tell you about our new Business Manager for Coconut Coast Studios! Ladys Hernandez is a lover of nature, with an attachment to the ocean, so it is a natural fit with St. John. She is also a dog lover, and met Dove before she met me! Ladys moved here from Puerto Rico in January, after ten years of infatuation with the neighboring island’s unspoiled beauty. In her words, “I am ecstatic to work at a place where I am surrounded by things I am passionate about.” I am sure you will find Ladys as wonderful as I do! Please stop by and meet her on your next trip to St. John.

My family has moved back to St. John, which makes me very happy. Many of you know Jon and Nancy Schutt, as they built and operated Coconut Coast Villas. They had been living in Florida to get the kids through high school, and now, that both grands are in college, are able to return home. It is a big help to me, as I am still in strict quarantine, and plan to stay that way until I get a vaccine. You will see me live on Facebook, or if you come to the gallery, and want to see me, I will talk to you from my balcony! I will be here, just not on the ground floor to personally greet you.

The 2020 holiday season is different from seasons past, not least due to new health and safety guidelines, but it can still be one filled with love. The face masks have been selling like hot cakes! I had no idea (but should have known) that a face mask would be a hot commodity this year. Calendars are also doing well, and both fit into one envelope, when ordering. ‘Tis the season for gift cards, if you are looking for ideas….. also available online. I have heard that many of you will not be coming to St. John this year. I totally understand, and hope to see your smiling faces, mask free, maybe next year, when I personally can hug you again, and we can be back to our normal selves……with a vaccine and lots of luck!❤️

Best wishes to you and yours!
Elaine Estern

In this unprecedented time, Coconut Coast Studios continues to be closed, except by appointment. The Governor has given his approval to open all restaurants, and non essential stores, and the island of St. John is slowly getting back to a normal life.

Visitors are also invited back, even though the timing is not optimum, as the first day of hurricane season was June 1. Hey, life is uncertain….. never know day to day what lies ahead. May as well come and enjoy the beautiful water, fish, beaches, and have a vacation!

The past several months have been very difficult for many. We have never faced anything like this pandemic in modern times. Then, in the past days, we have had a spotlight of injustices in our society, with unprecedented riots causing more angst. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of America to get us through this time in history.

The 2021 calendar is ready to go to press. You will be able to see, and order the 2021 calendar online. It is like taking a trip back in time. I was quite ill, and it took two months to get over pneumonia, but I did it! I am now back to normal, with my high level of energy and spunk.

Yes, I am a survivor: of polio, multiple pneumonias, COPD, cancer x 2, and now, old age! I have many of you to thank for this past recovery. So many of you wrote hopeful messages to me, that I just could not give up.
I really thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️

It was the early Spring when I should have been painting the new calendar, but I was too weak to do any painting. So, I decided that in order to not disappoint all of you, that I would use the most loved images for the 2021 calendar, from the past 20 years of images.

Many of the images are of places that look as they did 20 years ago, that’s why I say it is a walk in the past.

When you check out the web site or below, be sure and click on the video (its short) of the gallery. You will see Star kitty, and Dove more grown up, but still a puppy. And a walk around the gallery, as well as a beautiful entry from the water into the studio.

Sure hope you can soon come back and seeSt. John in person! Until then, remain well and safe!

Best wishes,
Elaine Estern

NOTE: I wrote this newsletter in a different time and space, as you can tell. Our world has turned upside down, and we just need to keep riding along. I myself have pneumonia and have self quarantined upstairs in my bedroom. That is all that any of us can do now. Stay safe and healthy, until we see each other again. St John will wait for your return. Thank you for caring!
Elaine

2020 Update

We have made it into 2020, and turned the pages of my 20th year calendar to March!  So many people said (on social media) they hated leaving February, as they loved the image of the eagle rays.  Guess what?  It can be ordered in a print, canvas, or tile, any size you want.  You can also cut it out of your calendar, and just hang it up!  I do believe that 2020 is my best work yet.  But, just starting on my 2021 calendar now.

Visitors

We had a surprise visit from a minor celebrity.  Grandma Joy, and her grandson, Brad.  Grandma Joy had never left her state of Ohio, and her grandson decided to do something about that.  So, they went on Grandma Joy’s Road Trip!  They have now visited every US National Park in the continental US, and St. John.   When they were here, they made a stop at Coconut Coast Studios.  She was truly delightful to speak with, her eyes twinkling with appreciation of our beautiful views.  She had never seen the ocean until her 98 birthday … or flew on an airplane, or seen a mountain!

Dove Love

As of March 7, Dove is one year old!  She is everything you want in a puppy.  We continue to work on training, and it really shows.  She has friends coming by daily just to play with her, and dog friends with beach romps in between.  Good thing, as she is a most active dog!

Website Updated!

Our website has been totally updated.  If you click on shopping now, you may purchase all of the items we have in the store.  This is very exciting for me.  I have never had all of the gift items online.  Try it, and let me know what you think!

We are also in the process of a new video of the gallery.  There is a lovely one online now, but it showcases my previous pets, and was shot pre-storm.  I wanted to update all of Dove, and how the gallery has been remodeled.  The video will have a lovely entry from the water, with an eagle ray gliding in….Just shear luck, but we do see eagle rays jumping in front of us in the water, all of the time.

TJ Schutt, my grandson, will be working with me this summer.  He has been attending Savannah School of Art and Design ( SCAD) as a freshman.  He has both an academic scholarship, and an art scholarship, and is keeping them both up very nicely.  He is working hard, and I know, will do well.  There are many alumni from SCAD here on St John, all in illustrious careers.  I have shown and sold many of TJ’s paintings in the gallery.  I think his art already surpasses mine, and I’m excited to watch his growth.  I hope you will agree with me!  He will hopefully be the next phase of Coconut Coast Studios.

So, if you have not made it to St. John in the past couple of years, it’s time to return.  Most business have reopened, including Beach Bar, the wine bar, Joe’s Rum Hut.  It’s a happy place with lots of green trees, flowers, turquoise waters, and clear blue skies!  Oh… I forgot the beautiful white sand beaches!  Time to make a visit!

When you do get back, don’t forget to come by the gallery and say hello.  We all want to see you here!

Best wishes,
Elaine Estern
And crew of Coconut Coast Studios