St. Croix Youth Invited to Help Design New Salt River Bay Community Mural

Christiansted National Historic Site is inviting young artists across St. Croix to help shape a new community mural at the Coastal Studies Outpost in Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, with the project designed to highlight the island’s natural heritage and environmental stewardship through youth-created artwork. The National Park Service said the mural will become part of the Outpost’s public space during restoration activities, school visits, out-planting events, and community programs.

According to the release, artists between the ages of 8 and 21 are eligible to submit original artwork reflecting the island’s natural heritage.

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel made up of local artists, National Park Service staff, and volunteers. Selected finalists will work with a local artist mentor, and their ideas will be incorporated into the final mural installation. Finalists will also receive an award recognizing their contribution to the project.

The National Park Service is asking youth artists to center their submissions around themes connected to the Salt River Bay environment, including watershed connectivity, site ecosystems, and ridge-to-reef processes.

The release notes that the Coastal Studies Outpost has long served as a gathering place for students, volunteers, researchers, and community members involved in restoration and stewardship work at Salt River Bay.

According to Christiansted National Historic Site, the mural is intended to transform the Outpost into a visual learning space for school groups, visiting researchers, and the wider community.

To be considered, applicants must submit original digital or hand-drawn artwork, an artist statement, and basic contact information by July 3.

The National Park Service said all entries must meet the project’s submission guidelines and eligibility requirements. Full contest details, submission instructions, and judging criteria are available through the application link and QR code included in the release.

The release also thanked the public for supporting efforts to encourage youth creativity, celebrate the ecological and cultural importance of Salt River Bay, and strengthen community connections through art and stewardship.

Additional information and updates are available through the Christiansted National Historic Site webpage.