The Gallery itself features three rooms where a diverse array of talented St. John artists showcase their work. Gorgeous pastel and oil paintings and photography cover the walls, and metal sculptures hang suspended from the ceiling, while the wood, jewelry, ceramic and glass works are displayed on various pieces of furniture to better highlight their three dimensional forms. The space is filled with art, chock-full of wonderful treasures for visitors to take home as a reminder of their time spent on the island.
The Gallery promotes St. John artists exclusively and all artists sign a contract outlining their agreement to sell their art on consignment at the shop exclusively.
The interior of the Gallery is awash with natural light and the owners have also installed LED lighting throughout. The back of house includes an office and storage and packing room for shipping. The office space has a filing system, computer, printer and a landline with an extension at the front desk where purchases are finalized. The Gallery has a new credit card machine and new credit card carrier. There is also a private half bathroom and a refrigerator. Two air conditioning units are maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.
Bajo el Sol Gallery represents the pulse of the art community on St John and is widely known for the Artist Receptions that take place the first Friday of each month during the high season, December to June. Typically two artists are chosen to showcase new works created for the event. All other artwork remains on display as well. These receptions are extremely popular and well attended by both locals and visitors, an evening of art enjoyed by the community.
Long established and successful, this well managed business employs a bookkeeper one day per week. It is a turnkey operation with a wonderful reputation and a devoted following with many repeat customers among visitors and locals alike. Owners have made the decision to retire and an incredible opportunity awaits-live your island dream!
Private half bath, mini frig and office/packing space located in Gallery
Web site will convey: www.bajoelsolgallery.com
Inventory on consignment, financials to qualified buyers
Gallery Reviews:
What FROMMER'S had to say about this wonderful gallery:
Bajo El Sol, Mongoose Junction is a cooperative gallery begun by a group of St. John artists in 1993. It's a wonderful place with lots of interesting pieces in a range of mediums, from paintings to glass and metal sculpture to jewelry, photography, and wood turning. This is the place to find a genuine St. John collectible. www.bajoelsolgallery.com
FODOR'S REVIEW:
"This gallery sells works by owner Livy Hitchcock, plus pieces from a roster of the island's best artists. You can also shop for oils, pastels, watercolors, and turned wood pieces."
Customers say:
"Great variety of pieces produced by local artists"
Reviewed 20 April 2015
I enjoyed perusing the gallery several times during my stay on St. John. Bajo El Sol has a good variety of art in varying mediums and price ranges. Both myself and others in my group purchased works to remember our trip.
Visited April 2015
"Beautiful Art Gallery"
Reviewed 12 February 2015
My 8 year old daughter noticed this gallery while we were walking around Mongoose Junction. She asked to go in, so we did. I was just expecting to see a lot of painting. Well, I was wrong. They not only had paintings, they have a lot of local artisans crafts. Items made from wood, glass, and pottery. We purchased a small piece of pottery made by a local that uses a sea urchin to mold her bowls. Clever and makes a great design! So glad my little one found this place because now we have a beautiful momento in our living room.
Visited February 2015
"Beautiful things"
Reviewed 29 January 2015
What a wonderful gallery! Lovely work bowls, interesting paintings and multi- media work and mobiles.
Visited January 2015
"Great Local Artists"
Reviewed 26 January 2015
Very representative of island life and love supporting local artists. Best art gallery under the sun!
Visited January 2015
"Beautiful artwork"
Reviewed 10 December 2014
We went here three times before we could make a decision of which painting we wanted to purchase...and I'm so glad we did. We ended up purchasing one painting and one ceramic tile. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They ship your artwork to you. And you never know what you are going to see when you enter. They have a wide range of island style art.
Visited December 2014
"St. John gallery"
Reviewed 11 October 2014
Beautiful gallery with many choices. They will ship home any artwork purchased. I purchased a painting there last year and love to look at it as a reminder of a wonderful vacation.
Visited October 2014
"The Best Gallery Under the Sun"
Reviewed 20 May 2014
Bajo el Sol Gallery is the most wondrous place. I love every piece of art I have purchased here: the hand turned wood bowl, the copper and glass mobiles, the colorful oil painting, and best of all the lovely pastels I am fortunate enough to have in my possession. Each and every piece created by an artist who calls St John their home.
Visited April 2014
"Best local artwork"
Reviewed 11 March 2014
Great gallery for the best sampling of local artists work including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry and wood sculpture. Located in Mongoose Junction right in Cruz Bay.
Visited March 2014
"Lovely gallery with high quality local art."
Reviewed 6 March 2014
We never leave our favorite island without at least one visit to Baja El Sol gallery. It has s quiet serenity that makes it a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle below it in Mongoose Junction. It also features some of the best - if not the best - local artists on St.John whose works include oils, water colors, experimental pieces, paper pieces, jewelry and some of the most perfect wood carvings to be seen anywhere. Well worth a stop.
Visited March 2014
"Best Gallery on St. John"
Reviewed 18 February 2014
We never fail to visit Bajo El Sol Gallery when we are on St. John, and seldom leave without finding a piece of art we really love.There is always a wide and beautiful selection of Caribbean -themed oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings, jewelry, and art objects, and are all created by local artists. We like bringing a bit of the Caribbean back with us into our cold winter, and can think of no better way than a beautiful piece of artwork to keep our memories fresh. Owner Tom Hitchcock is usually on duty, and will cheerfully fill you in about any of the artists and their work if you ask. We learned years ago that we could shop freely and not have to worry about getting artwork back in our suitcases. The gallery is experienced in shipping work to the States and elsewhere and our purchases have always arrived safely. Bajo El Sol is upstairs in Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay, and is well worth the short climb up the stairs!
Visited February 2014
"Perfect Place to Buy Local Art"
Reviewed 6 February 2014
The owners have managed this gallery for many years. They feature a range of local art, photographs, glasswork, and high quality crafts. Prices are reasonable, and we've purchased many items to take back with us to remember our time on St. John.
Visited February 2014
Winner of 3 Best of St John Awards 2015:
Best Art Gallery
Best Local Art
Best Pottery