Local artist Jo-Ann Kock-Ridderstap shared details of her creative plans for 2026 during an interview with Hubentud den MOvecion. Her focus for the coming year is to develop more art projects dedicated to Aruba’s youth, while also responding to growing interest from older adults who have expressed a strong desire to learn art after visiting her exhibitions.
“This year I’m working on a project called ‘Our Birds of Aruba,’” Kock explained. “We have migratory birds, birds that stay on the island, and birds of land and sea. I want to place more emphasis on this theme, learn more about it, and dedicate more time to art.”
As part of the project, Kock plans to teach young participants mixed media techniques, sketching, and creative experimentation. She also hopes to motivate the youth to reconnect and form a group once again, with the goal of organizing a beautiful collective exhibition.
Kock explained that the children who participated in the most recent project — focused on turtles — learned not only artistic techniques but also valuable lessons in teamwork and collaboration.
“It wasn’t just about art,” she said. “They also learned about Aruba, and in this case, about our birds.”
The artist expressed her own enthusiasm for the learning process, noting that working with young people continues to deepen her understanding of Aruba’s natural heritage.
“Currently, there are 245 bird species associated with Aruba — migratory, visiting, and resident. That’s incredibly fascinating,” she shared.
Participants begin by sketching bird figures, gradually developing their work over approximately three months, until each piece becomes a finished artwork. Throughout the process, Kock teaches various techniques, especially those related to mixed media backgrounds, before allowing each student to choose the bird species they want to portray.
“With so many species, each child will be able to select one that speaks to them individually,” she added.
Through “Our Birds of Aruba,” Jo-Ann Kock aims to inspire creativity, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to Aruba’s cultural and natural identity among both young people and adults.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/artista-jo-ann-kock-cu-bunita-proyecto-pa-nos-hobennan-nos-parhanan-di-aruba
