USK CURAÇAO

new chapter

CURAÇAO (SAY ‘CURA-SOW’) IS A SMALL DUTCH CARIBBEAN ISLAND IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA, CLOSE TO VENEZUELA – ONE OF THE ‘ABC’ ISLANDS. KNOWN FOR ITS BEACHES TUCKED INTO COVES AND ITS EXPANSIVE CORAL REEFS RICH WITH MARINE LIFE, IT NOW HAS ITS OWN URBAN SKETCHING CHAPTER WHICH GREW FROM A LONG TRADITION OF PLEIN AIR PAINTING. BY CATHY GUTTERMAN

VIADUCT BREEDSTRAAT OTROBANDA BY CHARLOTTE PUYLAERT

Designed by Tanja Hummel, the USk Curaçao logo was inspired by the Curaçao flag. The larger star represents Curaçao and the small star is a tourist island known as (little) Klein Curaçao, with the five points on each star symbolizing the five continents from which the people of Curaçao descend. The strip of houses along the waterfront represents the Dutch Colonial buildings of Willemstad’s Handelskade, a well-known historic spot.

Urban Sketchers Curaçao was founded by Arthur Oster in 2021 with co-founders Tanja Hummel and Monique Harbers. Recently, Johanna Huisman accepted a board position. While it has a new name, the group has been ‘plein air’ painting and drawing group “since the last century,” meeting every Friday morning at a different location on the island. During the pandemic, some members of the plein air group discovered urban sketching. The majority of the group feels that there is a very fine line between plein air painting, sketching in general, and plein air urban sketching.

Often referred to as the Caribbean’s ‘Hidden Treasure,’ Curaçao offers the perfect combination of stunning geography, rich culture, and colorful architecture. The small size of the island doesn’t limit USk Curaçao, as they have so many scenic spots to choose from. The greatest challenge for them is to find a place where they can sit in the shade! On a tropical island, the sun is not just your friend but can also be a barrier to conveniently painting and drawing outdoors. The sun can be dangerously hot, though the trade wind provides some cooling.

Known as an active and fun group, USk Curaçao’s membership consists of people of all ages with different levels and skill, from all cultural and racial groups. Absolutely no form of discrimination exists among their members, and they believe this can be an example for many other countries. While

new chapter MARITIM MUSEUM BY JEANNE MARIE CELESTINA

the group has more than 425 followers on Facebook, the number of members who actively participate is estimated to be around 70. Every week the group’s Facebook page is updated with information about the exact place they will meet on Friday morning. Most of the time they have between 10 and 15 in attendance. Members post their recent work on the Facebook page.

Their members use various materials. Some sketchers simply draw with a pencil; others use acrylic, watercolors, or oil paint. Most draw or paint recognizable things in the visible world, while others have a more abstract approach to the landscape and cityscapes. When they get together at 11am to discuss their newly made artwork, they are mindful to honor the positive aspects while also discussing the weaker points.

During the COVID crisis, Curaçao, like most of the rest of the world, had to deal with a number of restrictions and logistical problems. Often they did not meet at all or in very small groups where they could sit at a safe distance while sketching. In 2021 Tanja Hummel, Monique Harbers and Arthur Oster decided to apply for official recognition of Urban Sketchers Curaçao. They liked the idea of being part of a worldwide group and receiving more international attention, which could benefit tourism on the island. From their own experience, they learnt how wonderful it is to meet

MAMBO BEACH BONITA BY ARTHUR OSTER BOCA SIMON BY TANJA HUMMEL

members of other USk chapters in different countries. The group members have established very good relationships with other USk members in other countries, such as Italy and the Netherlands, and they have welcomed visitors from Holland and the United States. The application process was not too complicated, but it took a very long time. Sometimes it was frustrating not to hear back from the international organization, but in the end everything turned out well.

To celebrate the recognition of the group by the International Urban Sketchers Organization, USk Curaçao held a group exhibition of urban sketches by local artists at the Art Foundation Curaçao Gallery in Willemstad. The Art Foundation Curaçao is a non-profit organization founded on the idea that Curaçao’s people are creative and talented and that the island has all the ingredients to become an art destination. The Foundation supports USk Curacao whenever it can.

LEFT: FLEUR DE MARIE BY LIES BRUENS ABOVE: TEATRO LUNA BLOU BY LIES BRUENS PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL CURAÇAO 23 FEB-4 MARCH 2023

Next February, the Art Foundation Curaçao will present the Plein Air Festival Curaçao, a 10day international art festival that takes place bi-annually.

Most of the festival activities will take place in the capital city of Willemstad, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. Many local and international participants will attend the festival, and workshops will be given by top urban sketchers from Holland. Save the dates and plan to visit: 23 February to 4 March 2023.

Contact: arthuroster2@gmail. com or info@art-tanja.NL

RIGHT: SKETCH BY JEANNE CELESTINA

BELOW RIGHT: USK PRESIDENT GENINE CAVALHEIRA WITH MEMBERS. HER SKETCH, ABOVE RIGHT