Art scene
Art scene
Arty Aruba by Susan Campbell The past few years have seen an explosion of artistic talent blossom and take root all over this island, and now visitors can experience their creations at almost every turn. A quiet metamorphosis
Not long ago visitors and locals began noticing cobalt blue ceramic horses popping up all over the place in downtown Oranjestad. But don’t think that placing eight steed sculptures around downtown as random art was the entire plan. They have a cultural purpose as well. Aruba’s Paardenbaai (bay of horses) has an important history as a horse-trading port. The paso fino breed left behind by the Spanish are among the finest in the world, and the downtown bay is where they would swim ashore from the boats. It’s all part of a quiet arts and culture movement infiltrating the island in a myriad of interesting forms to showcase Aruba’s formidable creative talents and culture.
Aruba’s inherent artistic fortitude has always been alive and well, but it hasn’t always been easily accessible or recognizable by visitors. The art community and cultural promoters have typically been locally focused, yet the works have been hiding in plain sight if you knew where to look. Aruba’s resident artists like legendary painter Elvis Tromp are showcased in many of the lobbies and rooms of the major resorts, on the walls of numerous fine dining establishments, and in public spaces like the airport, government buildings, and museums. Some restaurants serve as mini galleries such as Gasparito and Papiamento. Cuba’s Cookin’ has an excellent collection of original Cuban art, while L’America Gallery sells a lot of local art along with their international offerings. Local art, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs can be found at Cosecha
Learn to make beautiful glass creations at Terrafuse A local artist at work during the Korteweg festival
Historically, most of Aruba’s artists have used their home workshops as their galleries, which have been accessible to the public by appointment only. Though there are a few walk-in options like Ateliers ’89 in Oranjestad where Elvis Lopez runs an art school and holds half-day workshops for groups. Marian and Ciro Abath have always held workshops for visitors in ceramics, glass, and bronze at their Terrafuse location in Turibana. (You can also visit them as part of a Wix tour.) But it wasn’t until recently that local Aruban art received a lasting home, and the entire creativity movement began receiving the kind of recognition it deserves.
been certified by the national seal of craftsmanship Seyo Nacional pa Artesania that recognizes locally handmade products so they can be distinguished from imported mass-produced products.” If you’re lucky enough to be downtown when the trendy new Korteweg appears out of the blue (korteweg means short street), you can see all kinds of local art. The festival literally pops up overnight on the tiny downtown street it was named after. Crafters and artists transform a little barren alley into a lively, colorful festival open to the public, and then they tear it down again! The Korteweg concept pops up at other island events and locations as well. You’ll also see community art and craft stalls joining the many seasonal festivals that take place downtown and along the waterfront marina.
UNOCA sets the stage
Two of the eight blue steed sculptures you can admire in the downtown area Local artist, Elvis Tromp, posing with one of his colorful paintings
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Top left photo by Tara Markus. Bottom left photo courtesy of Elvis Tromp. Right photo courtesy of Cosecha
Aruba’s first permanent, public national art collection now graces the walls of the UNOCA building in downtown Oranjestad. The space is designed to evolve and grow with time, and the works have been curated from on-island and abroad. Another new permanent home for Aruba’s creative residents is Cosecha. Set in a beautifully restored 100-year-old mansion in downtown Oranjestad, it hosts the island’s most authentic regional art pieces, crafts, and works. The founders say, “Products found in Cosecha have all Left photo courtesy of Korteweg. Right photo courtesy of Terrafuse
San Nicolas: an artistic revolution
As Oranjestad’s art movement slowly revealed itself in the capital city, San Nicolas underwent an entirely different experience. The art scene exploded onto the streets almost overnight throughout the town that locals call Sunrise City. It began with the initial beautification and upgrade of infrastructure throughout the historic oil refinery community. Monuments like the old church and water tower were restored, and then everyone came out to paint the town – literally! ! Nights 27