SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Philipsburg Cultural Center came alive with creativity, culture and community spirit on Saturday, November 7, as the National Craft Lab: From Roots to History — Exploring Identity Through National Symbols officially concluded with a special exhibition and certificate presentation ceremony.
After eight Saturdays of hands-on learning, exploration and craftsmanship, the young participants proudly showcased their creations, including handcrafted representations of St. Maarten’s national symbols, such as the Brown Pelican and Yellow Sage. Each piece reflected not only the creative skills developed throughout the program but also a growing appreciation for the island’s cultural identity and natural heritage. The exhibition brought together parents, relatives, friends and community supporters, who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the children and witness the results of their dedication.
The occasion was further distinguished by the presence of the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Honorable Melissa Gumbs, and the Minister of Finance, Honorable Marinka Gumbs, whose attendance demonstrated support for initiatives that invest in youth development, cultural education and the preservation of St. Maarten’s heritage.
Preserving Culture Through Hands-On Learning
Guided by experienced craftsmen and creative practitioners Lambert Holder and Kenrick La Touche, the National Craft Lab introduced children to traditional craftsmanship, commercial art techniques and the cultural significance of St. Maarten’s national symbols.Throughout the program, participants explored creative processes involving design, measurement, construction, color, texture and presentation. More importantly, they discovered how traditional skills can serve as a bridge between generations, allowing cultural knowledge to be shared, practiced and preserved.
The closing ceremony was hosted by Ife Badejo, Islandpreneur International, whose warm and engaging presentation contributed to the celebratory atmosphere. Guests enjoyed live entertainment by Adrian Richardson of AR Notes, including a steel pan rendition of the St. Maarten Song, adding a meaningful musical tribute to the island’s cultural identity.
The program also featured reflections from Program Manager Kenrick La Touche and the facilitators, an opportunity to appreciate the exhibition, and the presentation of Certificates of Participation to the children who took part in the National Craft Lab.
Celebrating Collaboration and Young Artistic Expression
In the spirit of collaboration and shared cultural appreciation, Teacher Penka’s Art Studio and her students were invited to participate in the exhibition, showcasing their own beautiful artistic interpretations of St. Maarten, scenes, nature, and other artistic expressions.
Their participation added another creative dimension to the event, bringing together young artists from different learning environments under one shared theme: “Symbols and Elements of Our Beautiful St. Maarten.”
The collaboration reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for children to express their understanding of culture through different artistic disciplines, while encouraging greater connections among educators, artists, families and cultural organizations.
A Collective Investment in Our Children and Our Heritage
The National Craft Lab was made possible through the financial support of Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, whose commitment to cultural development helped transform this vision into a meaningful educational experience for St. Maarten’s youth.
Special appreciation is extended to the Philipsburg Cultural Center for providing a welcoming space for the workshops and exhibition, and to Lambert Holder and Kenrick La Touche for sharing their expertise, patience and passion for traditional craftsmanship. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to youth assistants, who dedicated their Saturdays over the past eight weeks to supporting the younger participants. Their commitment demonstrated the value of youth mentorship and the importance of involving the next generation in cultural preservation.
The organizers further express sincere appreciation to every parent, guardian, family member and friend who supported the children throughout the program and attended the closing celebration. The success of the National Craft Lab serves as a reminder that cultural preservation is a shared responsibility. It requires more than remembering our traditions; it requires creating spaces where children can experience them firsthand, develop new skills and discover pride in their heritage.
As the exhibition marked the conclusion of this chapter, it also highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in accessible, creative educational activities that connect St. Maarten’s young people with their history, identity and cultural traditions.
The National Craft Lab may have concluded, but the knowledge shared, the creativity inspired and the cultural connections established will continue beyond the workshop space.
“Our hands create, our symbols speak, and our heritage continues.”
