Peace, Love & Imagination The Refuge of CMCArts
In a world that appears to be fractured in so many ways it’s impossible to count; in an age increasingly ruled by ungovernable forces polluting the very air we breathe, in a time when egoists, tyrants and maniacs are pushing humanity to the brink…to the rescue entering Frederiksted Town rides a trio of gallant artisans on winged-white horses, hitching their steeds up on Strand Street right in front of CMCArts. Their names are: Peace. Love and Imagination.
That trio of iconic, unstoppable fighters of evil, are offering up heavenly portions of peace, love and imagination to all who are willing to open their hearts and minds, to all who will fly with them to a better place:
The Arts as Savior of Humankind.
Since the early days of civilization, art has soothed the soul, fired the imagination, and put forth a message of love and understanding. It was in this spirit that Candida Atwater founded CMCArts in 1994, attempting to funnel the increase in violence that was afflicting the youth of St. Croix by instituting ways of teaching them positive expressions through art.
Today, we can see Candida’s vision in full. A vision that has engulfed an entire island. A vision that has provided an oasis of art for all to enjoy. CMCArts sits along the waterfront, breathing in the fresh clean air of the Caribbean Sea, holding out its arms to anyone who seeks its refuge. CMCArts looks to give life another meaning, another dimension, it looks to provide us with an outlet that seeks out the beauty of the universe through the artist’s eye.
It is not by accident that CMCArts lists as its values: Engage and celebrate the diversity of artists and audiences of the Caribbean. Promote creativity and critical thinking.
No, not a single step of the creation of this great institution has been achieved by accident. It has been achieved by the hard work and dedication of a great many people who love the arts, who love how the arts can elevate life, who love to open the creative doors of art to anyone who wishes to enter their realm of Peace, Love and Imagination.
