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Tuesday 9 OcTOber 2018

Colorful Streets in Diverse San Nicolas

By Linda Reijnders while walking the prom-
enade of San Nicolas.
SAN NICOLAS — Sunrise For the rumbling stomach
City is the nickname of San there was Divi Fusion Popup
Nicolas, but we could call Restaurant, for the occa-
it the City of Diversity as sion housed in an open air
well. There’s diversity in its monumental ruin. Sushi, Cri-
people as it is a multicultur- ollo and other meals were
al society and diversity in offered by several vendors;
looks also. The colorful mu- nevertheless it was said that
rals, the mix of architecture the choice was too limited.
& art and the cultural vibes The former customs building
were united last weekend transformed into an art ex-
in the Aruba Art Fair. Aruba position center for Ateliers
Today was present and ab- ’89 and the recently reno-
sorbed both the creativity vated National Library was
and the culinary. an expo location. Creative
center, Cosecha, opened
Collectors, arts profession- its doors to show what they
als, and the public were offer and the street were
engaged with a selec- filled with artisans that sold
tion of modern and con- their handmade goods.
temporary artworks at af-
fordable prices.With more Music in the streets and Art Fair that was combined they are abused, trauma- the island there is a culture
than 20,000 visitors in the bars on the side added to with the creativity of art, an tized and in their adoles- of judgement and punish-
last 2 years, 8 projects and the ambience. At the end inspirational combination. cent phase as well. They ment. ‘Bad children’ must
33 murals done by artists of the street in front of the are judged and receive a be punished is often heard
from different corners the Nicolaas Store the touch of Art with a Purpose lot of negativity within com- in the community. People
world. The Aruba Art Fair is the Caribbean was evident The exposition by the teens munity. But the only thing many times are harsh and
a unique experience in the when typical ‘soca mu- of the Ortho-pedagogical they lacked is love and a I would like to turn this cold-
Caribbean. sic’ was played stimulating Center (OC) was Inspira- safe home. Who would not ness to warmth towards
many locals and tourists to tional. The center is a 24- be troubled by a past like these children, by show-
Eyes get filled by the col- shake their hips. San Nico- care for troubled teens be- that?” Merveline and her ing the public their back-
ors of the murals and works las has that real Caribbean tween 12 and 18 years old. husband are caretakers, ground and story. To bring
that crossed your path spirit and during this Aruba This particular exhibit was they have a heart for vol- awareness that this is not
organized by Merveline unteerr work and they feel their choice.”
Geerman. “These children like helping and reaching Continued on Next Page
have been through a lot, out to those in need. “On