Artists of all ages and disciplines on St. Thomas and St. John are invited to submit their work to be included in the “Moko Jumbies: Icons of the Virgin Islands Art Exhibition.” The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies based on St. Croix has partnered with the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum (St. Thomas) to host a community-sourced art exhibition fundraiser to benefit both non-profit organizations. This art exhibition will pay tribute to the Virgin Islands’ cultural icons, the Moko (Mocko) Jumbie, and encourage more community discussions of art and culture.

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After a successful exhibition entitled “Spirit, Artistry and Craft of Moko Jumbies” at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in March of last year, Willard John, a culture bearer and a moko jumbie himself, wanted to bring this idea to St. Thomas so artists from St. John and St. Thomas could have the opportunity to display their representations of the territory’s revered spiritual guardians and entertainers.

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“We wanted to partner with a non-profit on St. Thomas that was doing its part to educate the community, especially youth, about the culture and arts of the Virgin Islands. Although support wasn’t fast-coming in the beginning, the team at the V.I. Children’s Museum was committed to hosting this exhibit. Any art philanthropists are encouraged to contact the VICM if they’re interested in sponsoring this exhibition of cultural art,” said John.

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Opening night for the Moko Jumbies Exhibit will be from 6-9 p.m., April 8, at the V.I. Children’s Museum. Forty percent of all art sales from April 8 to May 5 will benefit both the Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies and the VI Children’s Museum.​

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Lovers of art and culture are invited to enjoy the opening of this exhibition which will include moko jumbie performances as part of Willard John’s Mokolution presentation. John uses “Edutainment” (entertainment with an educational purpose), to share the history of moko jumbies in the Virgin Islands. The entry donation for members and museums for all visitors will be $5, while entry for non-members will be $10. There will be moko jumbie-themed merchandise for sale, and patrons are encouraged to support the museum’s gift shop.

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Artists interested in joining the exhibition should email vichildrensmuseum@gmail.com to request the prospectus and entry form. The entry fee for artists is $35, and artists whose work is displayed in the show will receive a one-year membership to the museum as well as entry for themselves and a plus one to the opening night. Exhibit pieces will also be displayed on the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum website for purchase.