Real estate developer unveils mosaic next to C’sted building depicting spirit of Caribbean culture

ST. CROIX — A retired technology entrepreneur turned real estate developer who is revitalizing properties in downtown Christiansted unveiled a mosaic next to one of his renovated buildings Sunday on Hospital Street that depicts the spirit of Caribbean culture — two dancing women dressed in feathered carnival costumes.

“I was dreaming of a mural like this for going on two years, and I think the artists really killed it,” Peter Zielke, the developer, said. The wall art, which was made using small pieces of colored glass, includes raised sections creating texture that makes the subjects appear lifelike. The mosaic is immersive, inviting passersby to stop and snap a photo while interacting with the dancers. It is appropriately titled, “Dance with Us.”

The mosaic is featured on a wall that extends from a building Zielke renovated to rent five apartment units. It is across the street from another building he renovated to offer seven rental units that is decorated with a sculpture of angel wings emerging from the wall. “The reality is that everybody is looking for immersive art,” Zielke said. The original design of the costumed revelers was created digitally by 17-year-old Drew Barnes, a high school junior from Dallas. He had his first opportunity to attend the Crucian Christmas Festival Adult’s Parade Saturday and experience the cultural showcase firsthand.