Programmee participants, Penka's Fine Art Studio participants, programme managers and facilitators, together with ECYS Minister Melissa Gumbs, and Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs.
PHILIPSBURG--Young artists showcased their creativity and appreciation for St. Maarten's cultural heritage through handcrafted representations of the island's national symbols during the closing exhibition of the National Craft Lab on Saturday, November 7.
The programme, titled “From Roots to History – Exploring Identity Through National Symbols,” concluded at the Philipsburg Cultural Center after eight Saturdays of hands-on learning, exploration and craftsmanship.
The children proudly presented their creations, including handcrafted representations of the Brown Pelican and Yellow Sage. Their work reflected the creative skills they developed throughout the programme, as well as a growing appreciation for the island's cultural identity and natural heritage.
Parents, relatives, friends and community supporters attended the exhibition and certificate presentation ceremony to celebrate the participants' achievements.
The occasion was also attended by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Melissa Gumbs and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, whose presence demonstrated support for initiatives promoting youth development, cultural education and heritage preservation.
The National Craft Lab introduced children to traditional craftsmanship, commercial art techniques and the cultural significance of St. Maarten's national symbols.
The workshops were guided by craftsmen and creative practitioners Lambert Holder and Kenrick La Touche.
Throughout the eight-week programme, participants explored different creative processes, including design, measurement, construction, colour, texture and presentation.
The activities also introduced the children to the importance of traditional skills in passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.
The closing ceremony was hosted by Ife Badejo of Islandpreneur International.
Guests were also treated to live entertainment by Adrian Richardson of AR Notes, who performed a steel pan rendition of the St. Maarten Song.
The programme included reflections from Programme Manager Kenrick La Touche and the facilitators, an opportunity for guests to view the exhibition, and the presentation of Certificates of Participation to the children.
Teacher Penka's Art Studio and her students were also invited to participate in the exhibition, presenting their own artistic interpretations of St. Maarten, including scenes, nature and other creative expressions.
Their participation added another dimension to the exhibition, bringing together young artists from different learning environments under the shared theme “Symbols and Elements of Our Beautiful St. Maarten.”
The collaboration highlighted the importance of providing children with opportunities to express their understanding of culture through different artistic disciplines while building connections among educators, artists, families and cultural organisations.
The National Craft Lab was made possible through financial support from Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied. The organisers also expressed appreciation to the Philipsburg Cultural Center for providing the space for the workshops and exhibition, and to Holder and La Touche for sharing their knowledge, experience and passion for traditional craftsmanship.
Special recognition was given to the youth assistants who dedicated their Saturdays over the past eight weeks to supporting the younger participants.
The organisers also thanked the parents, guardians, relatives and friends who supported the children throughout the programme and attended the closing celebration.
The programme's conclusion highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in accessible creative and educational activities that connect young people with their history, identity and cultural traditions.
Although the workshops have ended, the organisers said the knowledge shared, creativity inspired and cultural connections established will continue beyond the workshop space.
The programme closed with the message: “Our hands create, our symbols speak, and our heritage continues.”
