Private Kunstenaars and Artistes

Begin your Private Kunstenaars and Artistes Tour by setting out from the cruise pier in your air-conditioned vehicle. On this St. Maarten excursion, your driver will give you some general information about the island and its natural beauty, but today's program focuses on artistic beauty.

You will visit the Alexandre Minguet Art Gallery, which is now managed by the daughter of the late artist. The gallery carries original watercolors, paintings, lithographs, reproductions, postcards, and posters by the artist that depict colorful landscapes, marine scenes, local villages, and tropical flowers.

Visit one of the region's most-respected artists, Sir Roland Richardson referred to as the "Father of Caribbean Impressionism". From a French Caribbean family that dates back to the 1700s, Mr. Richardson has recorded his culture for more than forty years with a paintbrush and palette. His contributions to the realm of contemporary Plein Air Impressionism are part of art curricula around the world. His works in oil, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, and extensive fine print-making in etching, engraving, aquatint, mezzotint, woodcut, and dry point have been featured in more than 100 one-man and group shows in museums and fine art galleries

During your time on the Dutch side, you will travel to the village of Friar's Bay, where you will visit the home of Ruby Bute. To Ruby, painting has always been her life and joy. Through her watercolors, oils, acrylics, and pastels, you can look deep into St. Martin's culture and the natural beauty of her island and its people.

On your ride back to the pier, you will have the option of ending your tour downtown in Philipsburg's shopping area or back at the ship's pier. Guests departing downtown will need to arrange their transportation back to the cruise pier at their own expense via taxi, water taxi, or walking.

Please note: You will visit 3-4 artists. Artists may be substituted based on their availability. There are some inclines and steps required to access the galleries. Due to the intimate size of the galleries visited, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Unlike other groups, 10 guests are the maximum size group per departure to allow for a more personal experience. The itinerary and duration may vary depending on traffic.