Elisa McKay The Priestess of Joy

Herald the trumpets. Sing loud for the virtues of joy. Elisa McKay has allowed the world a glimpse into her lifetime pursuit of joyous wonder and artistic upheaval as she brings forth her Elisa Mckay catalog, “A Self Portrait,” 96 pages of her glorious art that covers 40 years of her work. 

It would be easy to say Elisa’s art brings out the child in us all, delivering us to a place where we might find ourselves prancing through a field of Van Gogh’s sunflowers, and calling out the glories of life and the wonders of creation. That would be the easy explanation to understanding this Tigress of the Arts.

But beware, do not be fooled, because beneath this octogenarian’s lovely knowing smile, her great beating heart, her astutely observational mind, lies an artist of great design, a master of positive psychology, a force of nature who has been created solely to battle for the side of the good, a warrior of the first order, openly defying the naysayers and hypocrites of modern day life. 

“I’ve come home to St. Croix, the island of my parents, my multicultural roots, and my African Caribbean ancestry,” Elisa told the St. Croix Times. “This rich culture is woven through the tapestry of my life. In the spirit of my ancestors, I celebrate my heritage through my art…with respect, honor and love.”

“It is a great honor for us to support Eiisa McKay,” said Lisa Mordhorst, Executive Director at CMCArts, commenting on her recent landmark retrospective gallery show. “She is a woman of distinction and she means a great deal to all of us here.”

Run…Don’t Walk. Pick up a copy of Elisa McKay’s “A Self Portrait” on sale at the gift store at CMCArts.