Goodbye to Herman and Lusette Verboom
Gallery owners Lusette and Herman Verboom have announced their final exhibition.
‘Goodbye Exhibition Gallery Alma Blou’.
Date: December 2, 2023.
Time: 6:30 PM.
Location: Landhuis Habaai
Frater Radulphusweg.
The exhibition will be on view until December 16, 2023.
First, a souvenir shop
In 1990, Lusette Verboom-Fairbairn started her business under the official name of St. Annabaai Textiles, intending to promote local craft and artisans. Her souvenir store at the quay of St. Anna Bay was called ‘Spanta Para’ and offered an extensive collection of locally made artisan products.
Start of a gallery
In 1996, she moved to Kas di Alma Blou at De Rouvilleweg and started doing business as Kas di Alma Blou Gallery and Gift Shop. In addition to souvenirs, Lusette started selling artwork and reserved part of her shop for the art gallery.
Landhuis Habaai
In 2005, Lusette and her husband, Herman Verboom, bought Landhuis Habaai to expand their platform to local artists. Kas di Alma Blou became Gallery Alma Blou. Although her main focus shifted to the visual arts, Lusette kept sustaining artisans by organizing a monthly craft fair. For eight years, the popular ‘Marshé di Artesania’ was the regular fair for local sellers.
25th-anniversary
Two years ago, in 2021, Lusette celebrated the gallery’s 25th anniversary with a unique group exhibition. At almost the same time, the premises of Landhuis Habaai were put up for sale. Meanwhile, it has been sold, and Lusette has announced her retirement.
Grand Finale
The time has come for the Verboom couple to say goodbye to Gallery Alma Blou. For this, they are putting up a final exhibition, the opening of which will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023.
For this occasion, 30 artists will show their work in the lovely surroundings of the country house. In the invite, Herman and Lusette express their gratitude to all the artists, customers, art lovers, and collectors. Lusette further states, “Together, we all made it possible for Gallery Alma Blou to exist.”
Curaçao Art anticipates a unique event with a large turnout of artists, art lovers, and collectors who will enjoy the warm hospitality of Herman and Lusette Verboom at this final gathering. We will surely seize the opportunity to express our gratitude for the many beautiful exhibitions and friendly collaboration. We wish Lusette and Herman good luck and happiness in their new chapter.
Participating artists
Ailsa Anastatia, Annemieke Dicke, Audrey Elings, Avantia Damberg, Boudino de Jong, Carlo Wallé, Ellen Spijkstra, Giovani Zanolino, Godelieve Smulders, Gwen Anderson, Hilma Koelman, Hortence Brouwn, Jakke, Jhomar Loaiza, John de Bont, Julie Kooijman, Krista van der Meijden, Lies Bruens, Maghali George, Marcel van Duijneveldt, Marja Tukker, Marjon Wegman, Marlies Schoenmakers, Monique Harbers, Neeltje Timmers, Nelson Carrilho, Nelson Gonzalez, Nohely Simon, Omar Kuwas, Otmar Jennie, Pacho Weeber, Philippe Zanolino, PITO POLO, Ria Houwen, Richard Doest, Rien te Hennepe, Salustiano Martha, Steve Bridgewater, Suzet Rosaria, Sylvia Waterloo, and Yubi Kirindongo.
Gallery will continue
The gallery will continue on a smaller scale under the new owner, Lysander Borgschot.
The goodbye exhibition will be on view until December 16, 2023.
See also the 2021 Art blog: Lusette Verboom: “I’m not done with the art here yet.”
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