PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT PERSON CINDY L. RICHARDSON 776-3700 / FAX 777-8933 / [email protected] Wednesday, November 27, 2013 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COLLABORATES WITH RARE EARTH STUDIO IN PROMOTING A NEW AVENUE FOR VIRGIN ISLANDS FINE ARTS CRAFTING On Wednesday, Acting Commissioner Arah C. Lockhart announced the collaborative efforts of the department with Rare Earth Studio in the offering of a three day workshop on the carving of the official seashell of the Virgin Islands, the local Queen Conch. Rare Earth Studio will be hosting Alfonso Vitiello, whose family has been involved in cameo carving since 1790, and Professor Gaglione Crescenzo, renowned teacher of fine cameo carving, both from Torre Del Greco, Italy. This workshop is geared towards existing jewelry designers and those interested in learning a new trade or applying their current skills for a new opportunity in the immense jewelry industry. Participants will also be able to learn the business benefits of this true craft. The workshop will be held on St. Thomas on December 9th -11th , 2013 from 8:30am - 5:30pm and on St. Croix on December 12th -14th from 8:30am - 5:00pm. The workshop fee is $750. Tools and materials will be provided and scholarships are available from the VI Department of Labor to eligible participants. The registration deadline is November 30, 2013. Fine jewelry design has become a billion dollar industry throughout the Caribbean, making this is a great opportunity for jewelry designers, entrepreneurs, and most importantly individuals who may be unemployed seeking to use their current skills and abilities to learn a new trade, stated Lockhart. In this time of global economic shifts, particularly in the Virgin Islands, new career plans and professional skills will be essential to economic diversification and expanding employment opportunities for Virgin Islands residents. Since 2005, Rare Earth Studio has been blazing trails for local residents in the vast, untapped career and economic development opportunities of the jewelry industry. Rare Earth Studio Director Ivanne Farr said, “Our organization’s goals are to continue striving to offer the highest quality of education for gemology, jewelry and watch studies, and the response from participants confirms our commitments. We know our work is creating a legacy of hope for the future for Virgin Islanders.” Based on information from the Occupational Information Network (ONET), craft artisans, precious metal and gem workers, engravers, production workers, construction laborers, and so many more can utilize their current skills in obtaining skills towards a new career path. The ONET is an easy to use database that is designed to assist employers, workers, and educators make informed decisions about education, training, and career choices. It is available at onetonline.org. For more information on St. Croix please contact VISBDC at 340-692-5270 or on St. Thomas- Ivanne Farr, of Rare Earth Studio at 340-777-7774. Support from the VI Department of Labor can be obtained by calling 340-776-3700 on St. Thomas and 340-773-1994 on St. Croix. ###
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:50:16 +0000
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