MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Misty has chosen to donate all proceeds from this exhibition to non-profits that she feels make a difference in our community. If you would like to join Misty in her support of community by making a donation, select the organization of your choice below.
Donate
Please select CARES Fund
CMCArts mission is to inspire and promote the Caribbean's rich cultural and artistic heritage through engaging the diverse communities of the Islands
C.H.A.N.T. is a community-based coalition committed to advancing Crucian heritage and nature tourism as a vehicle for the sustainable development of the St. Croix community.
St. Croix Foundation established in the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the CARE Fund supports strategic, high-impact investments in the Virgin Islands for preparedness, resilience, and recovery from any disaster. Funds support nonprofits working on the frontlines and nurture new, sustainable systems.
Women's Coalition's mission is to support and empower people impacted by violence and offers a range of supportive programs and services to victims and survivors.
Project Promise is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth on St. Croix by providing empowerment initiatives, cultural programs, and family services.
Ruff Start's mission is to proactively search out the dogs who can’t search for help themselves. In addition, we offer educational youth programs to encourage animal compassion and advocacy in their everyday lives.
As a professional photographer for the last twenty-two years, my work has taken me around the world. I have come to realize that St. Croix is a special place unlike any I’ve ever known or experienced before. Unique for its immense natural beauty, and powerful history of solidarity. I have observed that many Crucians are connected to both the land, and one another. This strong sense of community is echoed in the Caribbean sentiment “All Ah We,” or all of us, a mindset embodied in Crucians' values and how they live and treat each other.
On September 19-20, 2017, Hurricane Maria brought unfathomable devastation
to the island of St. Croix. St. Croix’s West End and Frederiksted communities were
hardest hit, bearing the brunt of this major storm. Stuck back in my hometown of
Chicago, with nonexistent communication and no updated information coming from
any of the major news outlets or other media sources, I was left feeling terrified and
helpless for the people of St. Croix.
Over the years, I’ve focused my photography on documenting and capturing the lives of others. Seeing my fellow community members on St. Croix not getting the properly deserved attention got me to shift my lens to tune in to the people around me even more intentionally. I listened to their stories of hope and bravery amidst great adversity and loss. What I witnessed was an incredibly resilient community doing what they do best; taking care of each other and overcoming hardships together as one.
When moving through this exhibition I hope you can feel people’s hope and determination. Each person has lived a story from September 19-20, 2017.
What is yours?
#VISTRONG
“A hurricane is not a one day event. I think that most people could imagine having their house burned down, and that’s what it’s like. The damage and devastation that’s left behind after a fire is very much the same as the damage and devastation that’s left behind after a hurricane.” - Fiona Ross
“We have a very strong, proud history, and this is just one of many challenges.
Understand that this is not a group of people who are looking for handouts. We’re a people who would do well for ourselves and always have, but sometimes people need help.” - Regina Keels
“It makes me proud to be a Virgin Islander right now. I don't think the mainland is paying any attention to what is going on here, and that may not be everyone's fault. I just want people to know we have been under the American flag for 100 years.” - Frank Robinson
“In the Caribbean we have a saying: “All Ah We,” which means everyone. I think everyone is part of our hearts and our love and everyone is doing their best to help us rebuild.” - Joyia Jones
“It’s not about being selfish; it’s about bringing the entire community back. We need to rebuild with resilience in mind. We need to look to resources like mangroves and corals that protect coastal zones so they are stronger when other hurricanes come. This is the new norm.” - Kemit-Amon Lewis
“My favorite thing about living in St. Croix is the people. The compassion and generosity I’ve seen demonstrated during this crisis shows that I’m living amongst people that still fundamentally believe in being each other’s brother and sister’s keeper, holding each other up irrespective of color, class and creed.” - Ramone Reid
“I’m very blessed and fortunate to work and serve in a community like this. There is a very unique rhythm to this community that I think grabs hold of people who live here and people who come to visit that is genuinely unique. The rhythm of St. Croix is what I love most.” - Deanna James
“If you're here to support the island, the island will support you” - Corey Mill
