Queens Museum of Art and The Governor of Aruba to Pay Homage to Aruba's National Icon Padu Lampe and Country's Artistic Influence in the Caribbean

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS -- The Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Fredis Refunjol, the Queens Museum of Art (QMA) and the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) will celebrate the work and life accomplishments of Aruba's national icon Juan Chabaya (Padu) Lampe with an 'Homage to Padu' program at the QMA, in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens, NY, on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 from 3 – 6 p.m.

Documentary Filmmaker Rebecca Roos will present various documentaries that highlight aspects of Padu Lampe's 92 years of life, alongside museum curators who will showcase Padu's artwork among the 'Kingdoms of this World' section of the Caribbean Crossroads of the World exhibit at Queens Museum of Art. The homage will culminate with a live musical performance by Aruban Pianist Jonathan Vieira. The event is free and open to all.

Through his music and compositions, Padu Lampe became a well-known pianist and later composed a waltz with lyrics that became the Aruban National Anthem titled, "Aruba Dushi Tera." Famously named the 'Aruban Father of Culture,' Padu Lampe is also an acclaimed writer and painter who exhibited at New York's World Fair of 1939 at the exact same location in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park, Queens, NY, a distinction that only a few Caribbean artists have achieved.

"Transcending both island and political borders, Padu has become a representative of Caribbean Culture and now serves as our symbolic Father of Culture," said The Governor of Aruba, His Excellency Fredis Refunjol. "I am very pleased the Queens Museum of Art has decided to host this special tribute to Padu and we welcome locals and visitors to join us and explore Aruba's rich culture at the Museum."

Home to one of the most well-known artists in the Caribbean, Aruba is a prime example of a cultural melting pot. With more than 90 nationalities, the island has been a source of cultural convergence reflected in the country's many languages, music, art and culinary traditions.

"Aruba, like Queens, is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual place, a true crossroads of European, American, African, and Asian traditions. Padu's music and paintings are a testament to how that hybridity becomes the basis for the development of distinctive cultural forms," suggests Prerana Reddy, QMA's director of public events.

Aruba is a constituent and autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and offers more than just sun, sand, year-round cooling trade winds and an average temperature of 82 degrees, as it boasts a tremendous array of cultural events annually. From the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival and the Aruba International Film Festival to Carnival and community-wide events at local art galleries and museums, Aruba is at the epicenter of artistic expression.  The 'Homage to Padu' clearly celebrates Padu's contribution to Aruban and Caribbean cultural development.

For more information on the 'Homage to Padu' program at Queens Museum of Art, call 718-592-9700 or visit queensmuseum.org. For more information on the Caribbean Crossroads of the World Exhibit visit caribbeancrossroads.org. To learn more about Aruba visit www.aruba.com.

About the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
For more than 400 years, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States have been joined by the values of freedom, justice and an entrepreneurial spirit. A vibrant economic force, the Netherlands is also the third largest investor in America and a reliable trade and investment partner to the U.S. The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dutch Consulates General and Honorary Consuls in the U.S. promote strong bilateral relations between the United States and the Netherlands in the areas of peace and stability; international law; energy and climate; water management; international human rights; and creative industries. The Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States: Two countries, one spirit united by values, history and a vision of the future.

More information: Key Topics - The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington DC

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About Queens Museum of Art
The Queens Museum of Art is dedicated to presenting the highest quality visual arts and educational programming for people in the New York metropolitan area, and particularly for the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse, ethnic, cultural and international community. The Museum fulfills its mission by designing and providing art exhibitions, public programs and educational experiences that promote the appreciation and enjoyment of art, support the creative efforts of artists, and enhance the quality of life through interpreting, collecting, and exhibiting art, architecture, and design. The Queens Museum of Art presents artistic and educational programs and exhibitions that directly relate to the contemporary urban life of its constituents while maintaining the highest standards of professional, intellectual, and ethical responsibility. www.queensmuseum.org.

The Museum's hours are: Wednesday – Sunday: 12:00p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m., closed Monday & Tuesday. Admission to the Museum is by suggested donation: $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, students and children, and free for members and children under 5. For general visitor information, please visit the Museum's website www.queensmuseum.org or call 718.592.9700.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba -- One Happy Island -- is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease; and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the Southern Caribbean on the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami and a four-hour flight from New York City and also boasts year-round cooling trade winds and an average 82 degree temperature. Aruba offers beach lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise, including breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene, world famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championships golf and exclusive shopping. With all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded hotels in Palm Beach or a cosmopolitan city hotel in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for first-time guests and loyal visitors. www.aruba.com.

SOURCE Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands