Crowd attends opening of the Art Box

PHILIPSBURG – Minister Jorien Wuite (Education, Culture, Youth and Sports) did the honours on Thursday evening, performing the ceremonial ribbon cutting together with Zdenka Ciric to mark the official opening of the Art Box, an intimate gallery in Cole Bay that presents the work of eighteen different artists under one roof.

The turnout of art lovers for the opening was high. Classical pianist Lora Sokolova provided the entertainment inside, while Sylvain Pereira of the Select Wine Cellar offered an excellent selection of wines for tasting outside.

Zdenka Ciric started work on the Art Box back in July of last year but before she had the place in order, Hurricane Irma paid the island a visit. That set the official opening of the gallery back almost half a year, but on Thursday the doors finally opened.

The gallery – located on Welfare Road 89 A – will be open from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There is a wide variety of paintings on display, but handmade jewelry and other objects are also part of the collection.

The participating artists are apart from gallery owner Ciric: Roland Richardson, Antoine Chapon, Francis Eck, Stephanie Tihanyi, April Hankins, Gregg Buyskes, Lucia Trifan, Cati Burnot, Nusza Woyda, Paul Elliott, Carla Templeton, Mark Templeton, Heleen Cornet, Aragorn Dck-Read, Sara Muender and Guillemette Julie Lanoe.

Above photo caption: Minister Wuite (r) cuts the ribbon together with gallery-owner Zdenka Ciric. Photo Hilbert Haar.

Photo caption: Painter Roland Richardson (center) was among those attending the opening of the Art Box. Photo Hilbert Haar.

Photo caption: Classical pianist Lora Sokolova. Photo Hilbert Haar.

Photo caption: Minister Wuite admires a figurine while Zdenka Ciric explains. Photo Hilbert Haar.

Photo caption: There was quite a crowd inside the Art Box on Thursday evening. Photo Hilbert Haar.