A Colorful Window into Island Life
At the heart of St Maarten’s cultural scene stands Ruby Bute St Maarten, a self-taught artist, poet, and storyteller. Born in Aruba in 1943 and moving to the island in the 1970s, she became one of its most beloved creative voices. Through vibrant paintings and written word, she chronicled the rhythms of local life—from bustling Carnival celebrations to the quiet grace of ancestral landscapes.
A Life Painted in Passion
Ruby began painting at age six but held her first solo exhibition only in 1983—the island’s first by a female artist. Over time, her creative gifts expanded:
- Painter: Capturing market scenes, ceremonial dances, landscapes, and community life through dynamic, colorful canvases .
- Poet & Writer: She published Golden Voices of S’maatin (1989) and Floral Bouquets to the Daughters of Eve (1995), making her the first woman on the island to publish poetry.
- Teacher & Mentor: As an art educator at the John Larmonie Center and through community workshops, she inspired generations of youth.
The Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery
Since 2009, Ruby welcomed visitors to her Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery in Friar’s Bay. Surrounded by an ancient silk cotton tree, this studio/gallery hybrid is where she painted, taught, and told stories..
TripAdvisor reviews speak of her warmth: “very friendly and gracious… loves to tell stories and share homemade treats.. The gallery remains a cultural oasis where creativity and tradition flow together.
Honors, Legacy, and Global Reach
Ruby’s impact is widely recognized:
- Decorated by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2005.
- Holder of lifetime achievement awards from local and regional arts councils .
- Her work has been exhibited not just locally, but in Amsterdam, Curacao, and across the Caribbean.
- Widely considered a national treasure, her passing in November 2024 inspired a cultural memorial with tributes across the island..
Why Ruby Bute Matters to Visitors
- A Unique Cultural Touchpoint: Visiting her gallery offers more than art—it offers connection through storytelling and place.
- Vibrant Social History: Her portraits and landscapes serve as living archives of island resilience and joy.
- Inspirational Path: From addictively creative youth to internationally honored artist—Ruby’s journey is empowering.
Where to Experience Ruby’s World
- Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery: Studio and gallery in Friar’s Bay—open by appointment and sometimes hosting workshops.
- Local Exhibits & Pop-ups: Occasionally featured at cultural festivals or community events.
- Online Presence: Visit her official site for prints, poetry collections, and insight into her creative philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ruby Bute?
A beloved St Maarten artist, poet, and teacher whose work spans painting, writing, and cultural preservation.
Where was her gallery located?
Her Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery was situated at her home in Friar’s Bay, beneath the island’s ancient silk cotton trees.
What themes appear in her art?
Everyday island life—from Carnival. to wakes, fishing, and domestic scenes—captured in a vibrant folk-art style.
Is her work available outside the island?
Yes. Ruby Bute prints and her poetry books are available at select Caribbean galleries and online
A Colorful Legacy That Still Speaks
Ruby Bute’s brush didn’t just paint the island—it spoke its language. Her art, poetry, and mentorship form an indelible legacy for St Maarten, preserving history through color, word, and community.
For visitors, a stop at her gallery or a stroll beneath the silk cotton trees is more than sightseeing—it’s stepping into the heart of island culture. Ruby’s spirit remains here, vibrant, warm, and deeply alive.
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