When VI Family Link caught up with Sophie Stanton of Creative Waves BVI during the gallery’s Digital Arts Showcase, the room was alive with colour, light, and conversation. Ten glowing screens displayed the work of fifteen digital artists—proof that creativity in the Virgin Islands is thriving in new and unexpected ways.
Sophie founded Creative Waves in early 2024 with a simple idea: to give local artists a space to be seen. After living in the BVI for over six years and working with creative communities around the world, she noticed how many people here were quietly making art without a platform to share it.
“I kept meeting these incredible, almost ‘secret’ artists,” she recalled. “They all had full-time jobs in other sectors but would go home and paint or create in their spare time. I just thought—why not give them a moment?”
That spark led to a major exhibition at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in February 2024. Sophie expected only a few submissions but was amazed when seventy-one artists came forward. The turnout made one thing clear: the BVI’s creative spirit had been waiting for an opportunity to shine.
As Sophie dug deeper, she discovered that art hadn’t been part of the school curriculum for more than a decade. “It’s not just here; it’s something I’ve seen in other countries, too,” she explained. “But it’s an easy problem to fix. You need space, energy, and opportunity.”
Now, Creative Waves has exactly that. The organisation’s new home in Road Reef Plaza, Tortola, is a bright, welcoming gallery that hosts monthly exhibitions. Recent shows have featured photographers, painters, and now digital creators. “There’s no art supply shop here, no national gallery,” Sophie noted. “So people have turned to digital tools instead. It’s incredible to see what they’re producing on their iPads.”
Creative Waves also brings art beyond the gallery with public mural projects. The first two, created in partnership with the BVI Ports Authority, were completed at the Road Town Jetty by artist Tia Modest and on Jost Van Dyke by Vea Donovan Hodge. Others followed along Ridge Road and most recently at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, where artist Simond Llewellyn’s 120-foot mural welcomes travellers to the territory.
The community’s enthusiasm has been overwhelming. Visitors often wander into the gallery out of curiosity and leave inspired to join a class. Creative Waves runs workshops in painting, digital art, and even basket weaving. As a nonprofit, the funds from these classes help support community programs—from art sessions with seniors to rehabilitation projects at the prison.
“Everything connects,” Sophie says. “The artists earn from their work, and we reinvest what we can into more community initiatives. It’s about showing people that creativity can be part of daily life—and even a career if they want it to be.”
Looking ahead, Sophie is preparing for a new exhibition by celebrated local artist Joseph Hodge, which will transform the space into a vibrant cultural festival. “There’ll be crafts, music, Guava Berry wine—it’s going to feel like a true celebration of BVI creativity,” she says.
Sophie reflects on the journey so far. “We’re just scratching the surface. There’s so much talent here. All we’re doing is giving it the space to shine.”
To all creatives – KEEP SHINING!
