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PRESS RELEASE: September 2009 - Dhow Style Now in Portugal
The fiirst European country to import Dhow furniture from East Africa, Anna Catharina De Bruin brings House of Wonders to Cascais, showcased in a special Home Gallery in the Maritime Historical Centre of Cascais, the old and elegant fishing village on the Atlantic, only 25 km away from the beautiful capital of Lisbon.

Back in Tanzania, the rugged and peaceful country of the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro, artisans chant as their hands skillfully break up boats, transforming them into the over 125 designs now available in Dhow wood under the direction and supervision of Nicola Swynnerton.

Dhows are ancient vessels that have sailed the Indian Ocean from Goa to Oman, following the Monsoon winds back and forth to Mozambique. They are valuable treasure to their owners, who serve communities with their small fishing canoes and large cargo vessels.

Only when they retire after a long life at sea, House of Wonders buys the vessels when they can no longer weather the seas but their planks and frames are still salvageable. Not to disrupt the daily routines and livelihoods of the East African communities, the owners build anew while she rejuvenates the old hard wood, ensuring the cycle of building, sailing, and transporting continue.

The doors open in November and the gallery is a ’must see’ for anyone interested in the history and craftsmanship.

ST. THOMAS DAILY NEWS: MAY 22, 2009
Mango Tango Exhibit combines Art, Furniture and Words. Read more >

PRESS RELEASE: May 16, 2009
Mango Tango Seaside Art Gallery Opens “The Sea, the Salt and the Sun” Show on May 22

St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, May 15, 2009 – Mango Tango Seaside Art Gallery in Yacht Haven Grande presents “The Sea, the Salt and the Sun” opening on May 22nd.

In a tribute to the sea, the show features paintings by premier Caribbean colorist Shari Erickson, a book signing by Captain Jarrel Jackson author of The Ancient Mariner Tells All, and ‘Dhow Style’: weathered dhow furniture hand crafted from retired Tanzanian sailing vessels.

One of many internationally acclaimed artists represented by the gallery, Shari Erickson’s pieces are found in private collections around the globe. In addition, she is published in USAir and LIAT in-flight magazines promoting island destinations, the U.S. Department of the Interior Virgin Islands Park Service publications as well as book covers for Macmillan - Caribbean publishers. Most recently, Erickson is translating her tropical designs into textile applications.

Retired Captain Jackson signs his recently published The Ancient Mariner Tells All. His 30-year experience as a tug boat captain took him from his home base in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to ports of Venezuela and Trinidad, as well as to harbors of both the east and west of the continent of South America. His life at sea gave him a firm basis for the tales of his new book.

‘Dhow Style’ furniture collection from House of Wonders is making its debut in the U.S. Virgin Islands from Tanzania. Made from the 35+ year old hardwoods of salvaged Indian Ocean sailing dhows, the characteristics of a life time at sea are carefully preserved in each piece. As a result, no two pieces are alike.

The show is open to the public. A champagne reception from 5:30pm until 8:30pm will be taking place at the gallery on Friday May 22nd with music by the interpretive blues and rock n’ roll band 2 Blue Shoes. The show continues for one month. For more info call 340-715-2789.