In 2014, Virginia Clairmont of Clean Sweep Frederiksted was brought back to her roots to make an impact in the Frederiksted community. Her commitment to the historic city that raised her is simple: change the mindset of how trash is disposed of in Frederiksted and use art to beautify public spaces in the area. After a successful launch of her art beautification project in collaboration with Pangeaseed Foundation, Clairmont knew she wanted to do even more. The global pandemic COVID-19 put a pause on her family events and community projects and that was when the Frederiksted Art Trail was born. This self-guided outdoor public art tour features a variety of artwork and sculptures created by local and visiting artists and muralists. Clairmont stated, “With the trail, we are creating small spaces throughout the city that residents and visitors can enjoy.” Local artist Waldemar Brodhurst uses reclaimed aluminum roofing, upcycled fans, tire planters and screen wire to create sculptures depicting mocko jumbies, cultural dancers, turtles and more.
As the F’sted Art Trail adds to the beautification of the city, the other large goal in these improvement efforts is the reopening of Frederiksted Public Library. Athalie Petersen Public Library has been closed to the public since 2016. “Much like the trail lends to adding pockets of joy to the community and beautifying the historic district, Frederiksted’s public library would do the same thing,” said Clairmont. Earlier this month, Clairmont hosted a community paint and spruce up event in the library garden in hopes to further highlight the need for this space in Frederiksted. “This event was focused on engaging the community in the economic development and revitalization of Frederiksted.” “When people that live and work in a city or town get involved, you tend to see more ownership in the growth of the community.”
To learn more about the Frederiksted Art Trail, follow their social media pages on Facebook at @frederikstedpublicarttrail and Instagram at @frederikstedpublicart.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
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