The Chamber cordially invites you to this year’s art exhibition:
“Aruba, den bista di un Artista”
presenting the interesting story & creations of local artist ‘Jo-Ann Ridderstap’.
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: 5 pm – 7 pm
Place: Aruba Chamber, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 10
Entrance: Free, including refreshments!
Mrs. Jo-Ann Ridderstap in conjunction with the Aruba Chamber of Commerce have the immense pleasure to open this ART exhibit titled “Aruba, den bista di un Artista”
The exhibit features artwork by Mrs. Jo-Ann Ridderstap. The art exhibition will open on November 13, 2026 and will remain in the Chamber of Commerce until October 23, 2027.
During this time the artwork will be alternated with new, fresh artwork by
Mrs. Jo-Ann Ridderstap. Thus, there will always be exciting new artwork to see.
As usual, we will combine this event with a pleasant networking moment including drinks & snacks.
To confirm your attendance please fill out this form. For more information and questions about this event please contact us! Send an e-mail to: businessinfo@arubachamber.com or call at tel: 582-1566 ext. 342/330/335.
Mrs. Jo-Ann Ridderstap
Mini Biography – "Aruba, den bista di un Artista"
She is a self-taught artist who has been painting since early childhood. Although she lacked the opportunity to formally develop her talent during her youth, art became a central and transformative part of her life later on.
At age 33, while undergoing six months of cancer treatment at a hospital in the Netherlands—including a grueling six-week stretch where she could not leave the facility—she began experimenting with various art forms alongside an intern from the Art University of Amsterdam. Starting with watercolor, mosaic, and oil pastels, she used art as a therapeutic tool for healing, relaxation, and emotional release. During this challenging time away from home, art grew into her deepest passion. With immense love and patience, she dedicated herself to creating artwork and gifting it to family, friends, and caregivers in both the Netherlands and Aruba.
Being away from her beloved island made Aruba her greatest source of inspiration. Today, Jo-ann channels that inspiration into expressive, colorful pieces using acrylics, oils, crayons, pastels and mix media. Her work features Aruba’s vibrant flora and fauna rendered on traditional canvas, hand-painted bags, and natural driftwood crafted into decorative mobiles. Each piece carries a meaningful message and serves as a celebration of the island’s natural beauty.
Beyond creating her own art, Jo-ann is deeply committed to sharing her creative journey with others. She currently teaches art at a local school together with “Monumentenfonds” it’s a year long project named “Nos Monumentonan, nos inspiracion” and recently spearheaded a year-long educational project for teenagers centered on Aruban flora and fauna, which culminated in three successful exhibitions. She also leads Neurographic art workshops for all ages to help participants of any generation explore art in a fun and therapeutic way, as well as monthly themed art lessons for adults.
Whether selling a piece to a tourist or a local, Jo-ann finds deep satisfaction in knowing her artwork provides lasting, beautiful memories of the island. Driven by resilience and creativity, her ultimate dream is to serve as a proud artistic ambassador for Aruba through her creations.
We thank you in advance for your kind collaboration toward the ARTS.
We hope to see you on Friday, November 13, 2026, for an enjoyable art evening!