Aruba News by VisitAruba -

An exposition called Inside Out opened here in the public library. The exposition hangs canvases created by a group of 8 local women who paint on a weekly basis under the guidance of Eefje van der Straten. The Dutch-born teacher is the wife of the island’s police commissioner. Marianne Beijderwellen has a good drawing talent. He Russian Babouska’s wrinkled and lined face is very touching. Ria Wenderriks has a fascination with Africa. Her Taking a Break, the portrait of a single woman having a lonely beer, is a study of isolation in an urban setting. Zuhaila Arends is a strong colourist. Her Naked, the almost-abstract woman, shows deep passions and the struggle to express herself. One of the budding artists in the group, Anabela Peterson, is also the owner of Pinchos, the cosy bar at the edge of the water at the Surfside marina. “After I left my hectic lifestyle at the hotel,” she explains,” I decided to take up painting, and it has become one of my passions.” Anabela who in a previous life was director of marketing and sales for a large resort property was the emcee for the opening ceremony. She also wrote a poem which she recited for the public. Anabela showed friendly works in vivid colours - flowers, sunsets, art which is a pleasure to look at. Sandra Postma is probably the most gifted from a technical point of view. Her self-portrait brings out her spontaneity and irresistible charm. Imie van der Meulen paints the best-looking realistic Agave plants on the island. She is a classic Aruban landscape painter. Eleanor van Haarlem’s Glass In Motion is very graphic, showing contrasting colours while Wilma Brugts wraps up the show with an impressionistic touch. Some paintings are for sale, some are not. They are personal treasures. The opening ceremony was nicely attended by adoring family members and friends, including hotel representative Lydia Haveman, Anabela’s former colleague visiting the island from Holland, with her husband . . .

Hobbyist Expo