Added: Tuesday 3 August 2010
Jean Georges (“Johnny”) Pandellis  Pandellis (1896 – 1965), a Greek born in Tessaloniki and raised in Malta, ended up in Surinam during the First World War and moved to Curacao in 1929, where he taught English and mathematics at the Shell Refinery ( fig. 6) . But it was his painting lessons and the example provided by his work that would prove the most influential. His many travels and the wide dispersal of his work meant that his influence would be felt on all the islands. He was a source of inspiration for Eddy Ayubi and José Maria Capricorne in Curacao. Pandellis settled more or less permanently in Aruba in the late thirties. Julie Oduber-Quigley ( 1934- 2001) was one of his later students there during the first half of the sixties ( fig. 7). Ruby Bute, who now lives in Sint Maarten, remembers as a child walking past his house in San Nicolas in Aruba so often that his wife called her in to let her admire his paintings from close by. And more than forty years later Roland Richardson would embark on a quest for information about the painter who had made such an impression on him when he was four years old, and whose work he knew from family and private collections: landscapes in oil, sometimes embellished with typical Dutch Antillean architecture. The structure is usually defined by large rural passages or by wall surfaces parallel to the flat picture plane, differentiated by free brushstrokes or by oil paint thickley applied with a brush or palette knife.
From: Dutch Caribbean Art / Adi Martis & Jennifer Smit
Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation reports: 2 SPERM WHALES FOUND DEAD ENTANGLED IN GILLNET With the assistance of the Aruba Coastguard, Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation (AMMF) documented and took
samples of 2 dead Sperm whales, Physeter macrocephalus , entangled in a Gillnet 5 miles of the Aruban shore,
shortly after the discovery was reported to AMMF by attentive local fishermen. The 2 whales , one larger then the other, where about 2-3 days dead. The incident most probably took place 50-70 miles away against the eastward ocean current, placing it between the coastlines of Venezuela and Curacao. This is the second Sperm whale fatal entanglement recorded by AMMF. In 2003 a dead Sperm whale was found entangled in Fishing Trawler’s ropes. The Sperm whale is classified by the IUCN as vulnerable for extinction and is on the Appendix I of the “Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)”. Only an estimated 200 000 Sperm whales still exist , mostly due to the 18-20th century hunt on them for the Spermaceti wax and oil in their head, used for manufacturing soap, candles, cosmetics and for lubrication of machineries. This whale, nicknamed Mobie Dick, is the largest toothed mammal, deepest diving whale (3000m),
makes the loudest vocal sound and has the largest brain of any animal. Because Gillnets are the greatest Fisheries’ threat to survival of dolphin, whales, turtle, sharks and sea bird species it is nicknamed as “ Wall of Death”. 65% of the catch in Gillnets are non-targeted species, in other words bycatch or waste catch. For this reason, in 1991, the use of Gillnets longer then 2.5 kilometer was banned by the United Nations. Previously nets reached 60km in length. But there are serious concerns about it still being used illegally. In countries where the nets smaller then 2.5km are not yet banned, it ‘s expected that its use
is under strict regulation and enforcement in order to reduce bycatch.  Another grave concern of AMMF is the use of small inshore Gillnets in the Aruba wild dolphin’s vulnerable zones.
These are the birthing and resting coastal refuges of the Aruba wild dolphins. After giving birth the dolphins stay for a few days for protection and to teach the baby dolphin breathing at the surface. Recently AMMF discovered
a Gillnet stretched across the Mangel Halto lagoon, a dolphin birthing ground (and home to turtles and eagle rays
as well) from shore to the reef. Luckily AMMF received cooperation to have it removed immediately by authorities,
as just a few days later indeed a group of dolphins was again sighted at this spot. Other vulnerable dolphin zones are
Arashi, Boca Catalina, Malmok, and the South reef lagoon.
It is imperative for us all to be aware of this and to take all necessary precautions in order not to put the survival of
the Aruba wild dolphins at risk. Nets should not be placed in these zones and boaters and swimmers must keep their distance and never chase the dolphins or go crisscross through the pod. We must all do our part in keeping the Aruba wild dolphins’ refuge a safe place to be, so we can continue to enjoy their magnificent existence.
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Biblioteca Nacional Aruba invites teenagers to display/showcase/present their art projects during september, the Cultural month. The library aims at a colorful palette of expressions from young people all over the island on 5 Thursday evenings. The library also invites young people between the ages of 13 and 19 to discuss young people's participation in cultural life and the arts with their peers and key policy-makers. Luna Cultural takes place on the stage in the back of the library. 
A new online community designed for fans of West Indian literature aims to leverage Caribbean commonality across the power of the internet to create a networking tool that will strengthen bonds between readers, writers, publishers and book clubs in the Caribbean and its Diaspora. Caribbean Literary Salon which was launched on March 1st 2010 by freelance writer Anouska Kock, connects literary enthusiasts to not only their peers, but also to news feeds and event information.
“The Caribbean Literary Salon’s design is driven by the needs of Caribbean readers like myself,” says Anouska Kock. “I have noticed a high interest in networking among book lovers from our region, but existing platforms don’t fully address their most important need: information and tools that are specifically geared to connecting, discussing and sharing. The Caribbean Literary Salon hopes to fill that void.”
'We’re nearly there: The opening of the exposition of 'IN COUNTING' at Ateliers '89. The participants are still working on, but are already very satisfied with the result of a month of hard work. There is a diversity, which forms a surprising composure. The 3 exposition spaces are unique and each have their own character. The materials vary greatly; from objects trouvés, i.e. found objects, to sculptures to paintings and drawings; we will see it all. Especially for the opening, teacher Randall Wallace will do a performance act; his personal contribution to the exposition. In his work he regularly uses this art form. These performances are often interactive with the audience. It will be special without a doubt. Even though the exposition can be seen for another month, the opening will be a true experience, also because of the performance of artist and teacher Randall Wallace. But also the presence of the exhibiting artists to be will give the opening an extra dimension'. 
'Foundation Ateliers '89, is also happy to welcome the young photographer Anabelle Quandus with her own exhibition 'MUITO BELLA PHOTOGRAPHY'. This exhibition will open at the same time and will be shown in the WHITE BOX at the Ateliers '89. In Anabelle's new work we will see her urge to find the beauty with in through her several chosen themes. A wonderful exhibition, a beauty to the eye. So make sure you’re there coming Thursday. Everybody is welcome and the entrance is free'. 
Arubahost