DPNR to Host Fifth Annual David Hamilton Jackson Student Art Exhibition at Fort Frederik Museum

Oct. 23, 2026.

FREDERIKSTED, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) will host its fifth annual “I Am David Hamilton Jackson: Art for Activism” Student Art Exhibition on October 27, inviting the community to celebrate student creativity, freedom of expression and the legacy of one of the territory’s prominent advocates for social change.

The exhibition will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted. Opening-night admission is free to the public.

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol is inviting residents to attend the event, which will showcase original artwork created by students in grades 7 through 12. The students’ work draws inspiration from the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson, whose advocacy helped advance freedom of the press, workers’ rights, human rights and self-governance in the Virgin Islands.

Presented by DPNR’s Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums in partnership with the Department of Education’s Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, the exhibition uses art as a platform for young people to examine social and civic issues affecting their communities.

Through political cartoons, editorials, satire and other creative expressions, students explore the importance of speaking out against injustice, holding leaders accountable and participating in public life.

“This exhibition celebrates the creativity, courage, and voices of our young Virgin Islanders,” said Amy Parker DeSorbo, director of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums. She emphasized that art can spark meaningful conversations, challenge injustice and inspire positive change.

Monica Marin, the division’s chief curator, said the exhibition also reinforces the importance of freedom of speech as a tool for encouraging change and holding those in positions of power accountable.

The opening-night program will include a presentation at 6 p.m. by Virgin Islands historian and educator Gerard Emanuel, who will discuss Black-led newspapers throughout the territory. The presentation is expected to complement the exhibition’s focus on press freedom and the historic role of journalism in advocating for community rights.

The exhibition will remain on display at Fort Frederik Museum through the end of January, giving residents, students and visitors additional opportunities to experience the students’ work and reflect on the continuing relevance of Jackson’s legacy.

Although admission to the October 27 opening is free, regular museum admission is free for students, $10 for adults and $5 for local residents. The museum’s regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.