On my last day in St. Croix, I knew I had to get in a little shopping before heading home. With only a few hours before my flight, I had the opportunity to check out a few stores in Christiansted. One of these stores was the Mitchell Larsen Studio on Company Street. As you enter the store, you’ll see a wall full of plates on the left hand side and at first I wasn’t sure this was the store for me. But upon further inspection, I was indeed glad I stepped inside the store. An assortment of Christmas ornaments were located just under the plates and I knew I had to have one as a gift for my in-laws. What I didn’t realize was that Jan Mitchell was one of the artists who creates special ornaments for the White House every year. I chose one of the “Three Kings” ornaments, the same one that adorned the 2011 White House “Tree of Peace” this past Christmas season.
From the Mitchell Larsen Studio web site: “Jan Mitchell Larsen majored in sculpture and design at the Philadelphia College of Art. Samples of her work can be seen in the Permanent Collection of the Smithsonian, the Thompson Museum in Kentucky, the National Guard Armory on St. Croix, Roosevelt Park on St. Thomas, and Veterans Park on St. Croix. She has designed & crafted ornaments for the National Christmas Tree of Peace for the past 15 years.” In addition to Jan’s work with art glass are the photographics by Steffen Larsen. If you’re looking to capture images of your stay on St. Croix, consider taking back on of Steffen’s images with you. Items are sold rolled and placed inside a shipping tube for easier carrying through the airport or can be shipped home on your behalf.
With limited space in my suitcase for large items, I instead opted for something small from the Mitchell Larsen Studio. After looking at all of the ornaments, I decided on something a little different, the Hamsa Hand. From the accompanying informational sheet: “The Hamsa Hand is a Middle Eastern Symbol for Magical protection and Good luck from the Envious evil eye.” I’ll take any help from wherever I can get it and so the Hamsa Hand seemed like the perfect choice for me. It is quite beautiful and once hung up in my home, I’m sure it will look great with sunlight shining through it. Open since 1992, the Mitchell Larsen Studio has been providing high-quality, personalized art glass to both tourists and locals. If you’re looking for a unique gift for yourself or someone else, I definitely would stop in the Mitchell Larsen Studio and look over all of the fabulous art glass and photographics. You won’t be able to return home without buying something, I guarantee!
Mitchell Larsen Studio
Address: 2000 Company Street Christiansted, VI 00824
Email: info@mitchelllarsenstudio.com
Toll Free: 888.307.8183 (North America Only)
Direct Line: 340.719.1000