CAN YOU FIND THEM ALL?
EXPLORE PHILIPSBURG, THE DUTCH SIDE CAPITAL, ON A SELF-GUIDED ART WALK AND LEARN ABOUT THE ISLAND AND ITS LOCAL ARTISTS THROUGH 21 COLORFUL MURALS.
By Daniella De Windt
ColorMeSXM is a local project by the Be the Change Foundation that aims to add color to the streets of Philipsburg while promoting local art by giving artists blank canvases on unadorned walls around town.
Be the Change Foundation’s Art Walk challenges visitors to find the 21 unique murals by 22 local artists, each with its own style and story. Mural hunters will find plenty of shops, restaurants, attractions, and historical sites in Philipsburg as they seek out the many perfect photo backdrops provided by the colorful murals.
Loic Bryan’s Happiness and Fiel Efenio’s I Left My Heart in St. Maarten are two of the colorful murals you can find during your art walk. Happiness is the first mural you’ll come across as you follow the free downloadable ColorMeSXM map. The mural is located next to the iconic historical monument house known as the Guavaberry Emporium. Bryan dedicated more than two months to his Happiness mural, working alone and mostly during the weekends. The piece showcases St. Maarten/St. Martin’s vibrant flora and fauna, such as the bright flowers of the island’s national flamboyant tree, and the cute bananaquits, or sugarbirds, with their bright yellow underbellies, black wings, and white markings. Bryan wanted to paint something that would bring people joy during the pandemic.
“COVID was a time of doom and gloom, so I just wanted to paint something that made everybody happy,” he says.
Bryan explains that he was inspired by the time he spent outdoors as a child. Looking at the sun, birds, flowers, and blue skies never failed to cheer him up.
Efenio’s I Left my Heart in St. Maarten is located in an alley next to the Walter Platz Square. The mural took the artist/photographer/graphic designer three full days of painting with the help of family and friends. I Left My Heart in St. Maarten captures the special place the island has in the hearts of both visitors and residents.
“Whether you are visiting or are from here, you never forget the island,” Efenio explains. The mural’s “Made in SXM” quote refers to Philippines-born Efenio’s childhood and adult life on St. Maarten/St. Martin. “Even though I was not born here, I believe that I was born to be here.”
The mural’s minimalistic design incorporates bold shapes and vibrant colors to demonstrate the diversity of St. Maarten/St. Martin, while also providing a popular photo backdrop for both locals and tourists.
Want to take on the challenge and find all the murals? Just download the Art Walk Challenge Map at www.bethechangesxm.com/colormesxm, get your camera ready, and start hunting. Not only will you enjoy exploring Philipsburg and seeing some beautiful murals, but you will also learn more about the island and its people through art.
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