Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when it comes to the art exhibited throughout Aruba’s No. 1 Hotel, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, the custom work by local and internationally acclaimed Elisa Lejuez is absolutely adored. Elisa also hosts art workshops exclusively for Bucuti & Tara guests, has a gallery on island, is an exhibitor in Aruba’s Art District of San Nicolas and has just introduced two new scarves in her prized retail collection that is featured in our new upscale boutique, Seráfina.
As we catch up with Elisa, she is preparing to participate in our island and our guests’ favorite events of the year, the upcoming Art Week Aruba 2024.
Signature art meets signature hospitality
Elisa is a neo-pop artist based in Aruba. Her art consists predominantly of contemporary neo-pop painting elaborated with vibrant colors, mixed-media elements and silkscreen printing. Her versatile designs are available on display canvas from standalone pieces, collections and even murals by commission. Elisa’s art is also available as wearable fashion with scarves from her collection available at Bucuti & Tara’s new upscale boutique, Seráfina.
An Aruba feature in The New York Times shared, “perhaps the best souvenir you can bring back is a piece of artwork by Elisa Lejuez.”
Bucuti & Tara art collection by Elisa Lejuez
Elisa’s work was first commissioned by Bucuti & Tara for all of its guest rooms, suites and public spaces. The resort takes great pride in sourcing as much as it can locally including talent so that every Bucuti & Tara guest has an authentic travel experience. This aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities calling for reducing inequalities based on age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.
Elisa’s inspiration and messages of people and planet along with her superb talent drew Bucuti & Tara to her and her work making it easy to display it throughout the resort. Initially featured in rooms, each hand-painted piece reflects one of two main themes: the “Tropical Mandala” and a more “Contemporary Abstract” design. Her art is also displayed in Elements restaurant.
Elisa’s collection at Bucuti & Tara has grown in recent years. We first introduced Elisa a few years ago when we added even more of her art with the installation of our popular lobby art collection. As our artist-in-residence, we found a way to introduce, per se, our guests to Elisa. Her work in our lobby area includes QR codes allowing videos of Elisa to pop up on your phone screen and tell you about her technique influenced by her world studies, and the message emanating from each canvas. The collection, “Circles Energy,” expresses messages of balance, energy, emotions and nature. Elisa’s commitment to regenerative living to ensure future generations have a healthy planet complements the ethos of Bucuti & Tara.
Bucuti & Tara-exclusive wearable art arriving
Elisa’s art is also available as wearable fashion, with her limited edition, hand-designed, silk Caribbean Art Scarves being in-demand statement pieces embodying Aruba’s intriguing magic with the floweness of the island’s signature gentle trade winds.
This specialty complements her artwork. Earlier in 2024, Bucuti & Tara opened its new upscale boutique, Seráfina. Elisa’s scarves are always limited edition collections. Her latest including “Evolution” and others are available for purchase here and may even be delivered to your room or sent as a gift to a friend or loved one staying at Bucuti & Tara.
Experience a private painting workshop with Elisa
One of Bucuti & Tara guests’ most treasured experiences is the opportunity to create art alongside Elisa. This requires no prior painting experience. Rather, simply show up, enjoy light snacks and a good glass of wine, and create unique pieces of art. The workshop is suitable for all levels from beginners to experienced. Your personal concierge can arrange a private painting workshop with Elisa Lejuez for you.
How to enjoy Art Week Aruba 2024
Art Week Aruba is the island’s premier celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression. Beyond our powdery white sand beaches and turquoise-clear waters, thrives a vibrant arts scene. At the center of this artistic renaissance is our annual Art Week Aruba. Being held Sept. 2 - 8, 2024, join our friend and Artist-in-Residence Elisa Lejeuz along with more than 100 artists from all over Aruba.
Elisa will be participating in both the Art Fashion and Art Fair events this year:
Art Fashion. Themed as “Activate,” this fashion show will feature eight local and international designers. Elisa’s featured collection for this year is inspired by the concept of activation—awakening, energizing, and igniting the passion within. Most importantly, it focuses on how to enhance your personal growth. White, symbolizing purity and a blank canvas, serves as the perfect backdrop for her intricate silkscreen prints. Each print represents various forms of activation and how to enhance your personal growth. This event is in San Nicolaas on Sept. 4, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Art Fair. The Art Fair will take place on Sept. 6 - 8, 2024 beginning at 7 p.m. It will be in the center and streets of San Nicolaas. This colorful event will showcase more than 50 local artists and muralists, along with food trucks, music and entertainment.
If you will be visiting Bucuti & Tara during this year’s Art Week Aruba, we encourage you to attend one or more of the experiences, meet our deeply talented island artists, discover more about our culture first-hand, and we hope you will be filled with inspiration. Simply ask your personal concierge for additional information, transportation options and if you have a rental car, a map.
From our canvas to yours, wishing you Peace, Love & Happiness…Naturally.