fbpx
Published On: Sun, Feb 18th, 2018

Large turnout for post-Irma art exhibition

Large turnout at artcraftcafe exhibit - 20180217 HH

PHILIPSBURG – When Hurricane Irma destroyed Tess Verheij’s Artcraftcafé’s location in Old Street on September 6 of last year, the artist was heartbroken. But she bounced back, revived her art classes and found a new location for her gallery on Front Street. On Saturday evening a large crowd of art lovers turned out for the opening of Verheij’s post-Irma exhibition.

Among the guests was Minister Jorien Wuite (Education, Culture, Youth and Sport); outside, sound story performer Ernesto Arrundell and his wife played their instruments, creating a boisterous atmosphere designed to shake off the memories of the monster hurricane that changed everything in St. Maarten.

Inside, the walls were decorated with countless pieces of art, inspired by Hurricane Irma and beyond. The Artcraftcafé  sold copies of the book Art is Back –  a collection of Irma-inspired works from Verheij’s students – paintings and poems – some of them as young as 6.

Anger, sadness and optimism are all part of the mixed feelings the art students express in their work. “I felt sad and when the roof came off I was terrified, 10-year old Enya Hook writes with her painting. “I felt like I was going to faint and I thought I was homelsss. I wanted to beat Irma up for what she did to St. Maarten.”

Above photo caption: Art lovers turned out in droves for the exhibition at the Artcraftcafé on Saturday evening. Photo Hilbert Haar.

Minister Wuite at artcraftcafe exhibit - 20180217 HH

Photo caption: Minister Jorien Wuite attended the exhibiton’s opening. Photo Hilbert Haar.

Tess Verheij (l) and Elsje Bosch - 20180217 HH

Photo caption: Tess Verheij (l) and Elsje Bosch had a busy and entertaining evening. Photo Hilbert Haar.