Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
 
 
GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES 
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES 
            4611 Tutu Park Mall  
 
              45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted 
            Suite 300, 2nd Floor 
                                       St. Croix, VI 00840 
            St. Thomas, VI  00802                                                       (340) 773-1082 
            (340) 774-3320   
 
                                                    dpnr.vi.gov 
Contact: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator  
jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov   
   
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 
   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DPNR UNVEILS “STILL WE RISE: ART BEHIND THE WALLS” AT        
FORT FREDERIK MUSEUM 
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources 
(DPNR) announces the opening of Still We Rise: Art Behind the Walls, a powerful new 
exhibition presented by the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums at Fort 
Frederik Museum. 
The exhibition features original artwork created by incarcerated individuals at the John 
A. Bell Correctional Facility who participated in a volunteer led art and literacy 
program. Led by two committed volunteer instructors, the program has evolved into a 
meaningful rehabilitative initiative that encourages creative expression, skill 
development, and personal reflection. 
A unique highlight of the exhibition is the use of locally sourced calabash gourds as an 
artistic medium. Traditionally simple natural vessels, the gourds have been transformed 
into compelling works of art that reflect the cultural heritage of St. Croix while giving 
voice to each artist’s individual story. 
“What began as a modest classroom project has grown into something deeply 
transformative,” said Mary Mingus, one of the program’s instructors and organizers. 
“Beyond artistic expression, the program offers participants a renewed sense of 
purpose, dignity, and hope.”  Still We Rise: Art Behind the Walls invites the community to 
engage with the creativity and humanity of individuals who are often unseen, while 
highlighting the important role the arts play in rehabilitation, healing, and restorative 
justice. 
Exhibition Details 
Location: Fort Frederik Museum, Frederiksted, St. Croix 
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
Exhibition Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
Admission: $10 for adults; free for students under 18.   
For more information, please contact monica.marin@dpnr.vi.gov.