Schools art auction raises NAf. 15,000

 

Minister Jorien Wuite poses with the winning school participants Thursday.

 

PHILIPSBURG–Nine participating primary schools and afternoon care organisations received certificates of appreciation from Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Jorien Wuite at a small ceremony held in the courtyard of the Government Administration Building on Thursday last week.

  The auction, which took place in November as one of the pre-St. Martin/St. Maarten Day activities, raised more than 15,000 guilders for much-needed school repairs after the passing of Hurricane Irma.

  In her welcoming remarks at the ceremony, the Minister told the audience, “The post-Irma art auction gave us the opportunity to celebrate a silver lining of a very dark cloud.

  “On that fateful day in September, Hurricane Irma scarred this nation; not just in the physical, but it left a deep psychological impression that will last. However, under the guidance of their art teachers, students were tasked to creatively express how they felt after Irma and to put their ideas and feelings on large canvases.

  “This fun, creative process was therapeutic for the children as it helped them process their emotions. Through this, we as adults were able to understand their feelings on the hurricane and its aftermath from their own perspective.”

  She thanked businesses that contributed to the auction, Kooyman N.V. for providing plywood and paint materials, Director Rita-Bourne Gumbs, St. Maarten Vocational Training School wood shop teacher and students for the arts boards and stands, and Office World for sponsoring the paint used. She especially thanked Lucinda Arduin and Education on the Move project leader Angelique Roumou-Martis for facilitating the project.

  It is the Wuite’s wish that projects such as this are able to continue on a regular basis, and that her Ministry will also be able to organise other projects to highlight other art forms and showcase the wonderful talented youth on the island.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/73104-schools-art-auction-raises-naf-15-000

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