ST. CROIX — A retired technology entrepreneur turned real estate developer who is revitalizing properties in downtown Christiansted unveiled a mosaic next to one of his renovated buildings Sunday on Hospital Street that depicts the spirit of Caribbean culture — two dancing women dressed in feathered carnival costumes.
“I was dreaming of a mural like this for going on two years, and I think the artists really killed it,” Peter Zielke, the developer, said.
The wall art, which was made using small pieces of colored glass, includes raised sections creating texture that makes the subjects appear lifelike. The mosaic is immersive, inviting passersby to stop and snap a photo while interacting with the dancers. It is appropriately titled, “Dance with Us.”
The mosaic is featured on a wall that extends from a building Zielke renovated to rent five apartment units. It is across the street from another building he renovated to offer seven rental units that is decorated with a sculpture of angel wings emerging from the wall.
“The reality is that everybody is looking for immersive art,” Zielke said.
The original design of the costumed revelers was created digitally by 17-year-old Drew Barnes, a high school junior from Dallas. He had his first opportunity to attend the Crucian Christmas Festival Adult’s Parade Saturday and experience the cultural showcase firsthand.
“It was really an extraordinary sight to see and, hopefully, ‘Dance with Us’ matches that energy of the parade perfectly,” he said.
Zielke commissioned Barnes and his father, graphic designer and photographer Sederrick Raphiel, to create the artwork that was transformed into the mosaic. Zielke, a family friend who has known Raphiel’s wife, Audrey, for more than a decade, said he has been watching Barnes develop his artistic eye the entire time. He said he pitched the idea to the father and son about nine months ago.
Raphiel, of Dallas, said the original idea was to create a mosaic of three dancing revelers. He said, however, one of the dancers got removed from the concept along the way to create an opportunity for viewers to interact with the artwork.
“The invitation is to get immersed in the culture to dance with us,” he said.
The newly paved section of Hospital Street where the buildings are located was blocked off by the Virgin Islands Police Department while residents, visitors, senators, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and members of his Cabinet mingled during the event as Kevin Williams Jr. provided steel pan entertainment.
After brief comments from the artists following the unveiling of the mosaic, Bryan spoke of the revitalization work Zielke is doing in town. He said the artwork represents what people think of St. Croix — dance, music, art, and culture.
“Thank you for adding to our culture,” he told the artists.
Attendees took turns posing for photos in front of the mosaic.
Attorney General Gordon Rhea, who posed with his wife, Catherine, said the artists captured the motion, vibrancy, excitement, and pride of carnival performers.
“It really catches the spirit of St. Croix,” he said.
