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LOCAL Thursday 13 June 2019

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Shae stated: “I learned how to work with new materials, learned about
art, learned about literature. Those subjects opened my eyes to creativ-
ity and critical thinking. I believe if you possess art you can think more
creatively and critically how to get to a solution. Art is important for the
expression of feelings as well. Some children struggle to express them-
selves and art can be their stepstool/outlet to expression”. In her per-
spective, all the drawing, painting and guitar lessons she took over the
years, together with all the volunteer work in the cultural field she did
and the cultural activities and institutions she experienced and visited
helped her with cultivating and developing my creative skills and cultural
knowledge. This means that creative and artistic development should
start young, and should be encouraged by parents and educators.
ones are not to your liking. Art is practice and dedication. Be inspired
Looking Towards the Future by others but please try not to copycat. We all try to make our own art.
With a busy schedule teaching ‘Wabi Sabi’ to the Aruban community, Express yourself your own way. Do not get discouraged. If opportunity
Hannah is hoping to start studying hospitality. She thinks “as Aruba is a does not knock on your door, do not wait too long. Start creating your
very service oriented island and there is still a lot to be done, I would love own opportunity”.
to use my part of creativity in the hospitality business”. Besides devot- The Creative Islander wishes Hannah all the best with her studies and
ing her time to her education, Hannah will continue in the arts by giving her workshops. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us and for
ceramic workshops and attending other creative workshops. Hannah teaching us to think ‘Wabi Sabi’. For those who want to participate in
encourages our artistic readers to “just go for it and do your thing. Think one of Hannah’s workshops, follow her on Facebook for information on
‘Wabi Sabi’. Love and appreciate your own art. Do not worry if the first upcoming events.q

Biography – Currently, Thaïs Franken is a 23-year-old Aruban student at the University of Maastricht (UM). She
is studying a Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development in collaboration with the Unites
Nations University (UNU). Back home, on the beautiful island of Aruba she completed her Bachelor of Arts in
Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) at the University of Aruba (UA). She successfully gradu-
ated and defended her thesis titled “Placing Culture and Creativity at the Heart of the Aruban Sustainable
Development” on July 6th 2018. Thaïs is very passionate about topics such as sustainability, innovation, cul-
ture and creativity. Next to her academic interests, she enjoys reading, writing, dancing and cooking.