Courtesy of: The Morning News
By Rosalie Klein
An extensive project of upgrading and beautifying Aruba’s Reina Beatrix International Airport has been underway for the past two years. One of the most outstanding efforts of the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) was recognizing the importance of presenting an entry and exit port for island visitors that was more than just a terminal, but a place that conveyed the spirit of the island and its culture, immediately upon arrival and again at departure.
To this end, a “Cultural Consultant Committee” headed by Claudia Ruiz-Vasquez, interior designer and stylist, was appointed. AAA CEO Peter Steinmetz credited her and her colleagues, artists Stan Kuiperi and Ciro Abath, Myrna Jansen, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Art Appreciation Professor Adi Martis, with the stunning and tranquil AAA Sculpture Garden, which officially opened on Friday evening, November 23.
The garden is located adjacent to the entrance to the departure gates. The beautifully landscaped space features the contemporary work of seven island artists: “Double Nothing” by Ryan Oduber, “Love is in the Air” by Osaira Muyale, “Message from the Cave” by Stan Kuiperi, “Desert Fruit” by Ciro Abath, “Dancing with the Wind:” by Miriam de L’Isle, “Look an Iguana: by Omaira Silva, and “A Tribute to the Aruban People” by Gilbert Senchi.
Aruba’s Minister of Economic & Social Affairs and Culture, Michelle Hooyboer-Winklaar and Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Otmar Oduber, were proud to be part of the unveiling event. “It has been the vision of the AAA and the government to incorporate art and culture of an elevated quality at the airport,” stated Minister Oduber. “Our goal is to boost appreciation for our cultural and artistic expression, create authentic experiences and endorse our artists to educate and encourage a feeling of warmth and welcome at the airport.”
Minister Hooyboer-Winklar informed the gathering she had just bid farewell to HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, a renowned children’s author and patron of the arts, the wife of HRH Prince Constantijn. Prior to her departure the day before the unveiling, she was given a private tour of the sculpture garden.
“She was very impressed with what she saw,” she told the audience. “It is always an honor to be at any event dedicated to the arts,” said the Minister, “and I am happy to see we are doing this more and more…
We are seeing a development that art is not just for some, art is for everyone. When we see “public art,” we see a perfect example…those that don’t seek it will come in contact with it.”
Following an informal ribbon cutting by the ministers, Peter Steinmetz and the head of the Air Art Committee, each piece was unveiled, accompanied by an appropriately choreographed and costumed dance routine by local performers.
The AAA Sculpture Garden is also home to a small café called “Mellow” where visitors to the airport can relax and refresh, while being immersed in the environment. The garden is open 24 hours a day and all are invited to come and enjoy its natural and cultural assets.
