In the heart of the Caribbean, where the vibrant culture and natural beauty of St. Martin come alive, there is a unique art experience that transcends mere painting. It’s the magic of tile painting with the island’s celebrated artist and poet, Ruby Bute.
Known for her expressive canvases and soulful poetry, Ruby offers more than just an art class – it’s an intimate journey into the history, traditions, and heart of St. Martin itself.
Meet Ruby Bute – The Island’s Artistic Matriarch
Ruby Bute’s story is as colorful as her artwork. Born in Aruba to St. Martin parents, she eventually returned to her family’s homeland in the 1970s, where she began what would become a lifetime of artistic expression.
Although she had painted since childhood, it wasn’t until the age of 40 that she held her first one-woman show – a groundbreaking event for the island in 1983. This marked the beginning of Ruby’s role as one of St. Martin’s leading cultural figures.
Her work spans not only vibrant paintings but also poetry that honors the island’s rich oral tradition. Ruby’s first book of poetry, Golden Voices of S’maatin, published in 1989, reflects the deep storytelling culture of the Caribbean.
Her art and words alike celebrate life, community, and the natural beauty of St. Martin. It is this same spirit that you feel when you participate in one of her cherished tile painting sessions.
The Art of Tile Painting – A Canvas of Caribbean Life
When you step into Ruby Bute’s world at her Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery, located in the tranquil surroundings of Friars Bay, it feels as though you’ve been transported into a haven of creativity.
The gallery is set under the shadow of one of the island’s oldest silk cotton trees, where you can immerse yourself in an artistic tradition that bridges cultures and generations. Ruby’s studio space is warm and inviting, reflecting the same joy and wisdom that have defined her art career for decades.
In this space, Ruby leads her tile painting workshops, offering visitors the opportunity to channel their own creativity under her expert guidance. Tile painting is not just about technique; it’s about storytelling. Each tile you create tells its own story, shaped by the vibrant colors, symbols, and images that define Caribbean life. Ruby’s approach to teaching is fluid and intuitive, encouraging you to explore themes of island culture – from market scenes and musicians to tropical flora and fauna.»
A Journey Through Culture and History
As Ruby leads you through the process of creating your tile masterpiece, she doesn’t just teach you how to apply paint. She shares stories of St. Martin’s history and culture, weaving together personal anecdotes with the island’s collective memories.
Painting with Ruby is about more than art – it’s a window into the lives of St. Martin’s people, their traditions, and the way they’ve evolved over the years. Her deep love for the island shines through in every brushstroke and conversation.
Ruby’s own life story, as she tells it during these workshops, is one of resilience and dedication to cultural preservation. Her vivid recollections of the early days in St. Martin, when she was the first woman on the island to host a solo art exhibit and later the first to publish a book of poetry, add layers of inspiration to the experience. Her second poetry collection, Floral Bouquets to the Daughters of Eve, reflects on the roles and lives of women, a theme that often finds its way into her art.
Creating Your Own Piece of St. Martin
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have your very own hand-painted tile to take home – a personal memento of your time spent on the island and a reminder of the stories you’ve heard and the culture you’ve learned about. But more than just a decorative piece, your painted tile is a symbol of the bond you’ve formed with the island and its people through art.
Each tile, like Ruby’s larger works, tells a narrative of Caribbean life. Maybe you’ve painted a scene of the lush hillsides, a vibrant market stall, or one of the iconic carnival celebrations that bring the island to life each year. Perhaps your tile features one of Ruby’s favorite subjects – the strong women of St. Martin, whose resilience and grace have shaped the island’s identity.
The Silk Cotton Grove – A Place of Inspiration
The setting of this experience is just as important as the art itself. The Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery, named after the ancient silk cotton tree that stands tall on Ruby’s property, offers a peaceful and inspiring environment. Ruby opened the gallery in 2009, and it has since become a cultural hub, regularly hosting art exhibitions and events that celebrate local talent. The serene atmosphere of Friars Bay provides the perfect backdrop for creativity, with the gentle breeze carrying the sounds of nature through the open gallery space.
The gallery is more than just a place to display art – it’s a space where visitors and locals alike can come together, share stories, and connect through the universal language of art. It’s Ruby’s way of giving back to the community and ensuring that the island’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
A Lasting Connection to the Island
Participating in tile painting with Ruby Bute is more than just an art lesson – it’s an immersion into the soul of St. Martin. Through her gentle guidance and heartfelt storytelling, Ruby invites you to see the island through her eyes – as a place of beauty, strength, and endless creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-time painter, this experience leaves you with a deeper connection to the island and its vibrant cultural legacy.
As you walk away with your hand-painted tile, you carry a piece of St. Martin with you – a lasting reminder of your time spent learning, creating, and connecting with one of the island’s most cherished artists.
