Taylor Swift becomes most awarded artist in MTV VMA history

Artist Karen Aruba and her father are working to preserve the traditional craft of handmaking mahjong sets, a skill that has largely disappeared in the modern era. Their handcrafted mahjong sets are priced at approximately $2,200, reflecting the intensive labor and artistry involved in their creation. The father-daughter duo are among a rare few still practicing this dying craft, which requires specialized knowledge passed down through generations. Their work highlights the cultural significance of mahjong as more than just a game, but as a vessel for heritage and craftsmanship. By continuing to produce these sets, they are keeping alive a tradition that might otherwise be lost entirely. The high price point underscores the rarity and skill involved, positioning their work as both functional art and cultural preservation. Their story has drawn attention to the broader challenge of sustaining traditional crafts in a world of mass production.

Ateliers '89 Punto di Beyas Arte Aruba is hosting the opening of a new photography exhibition titled 'Time After Dark' on Thursday, October 1. The event marks a formal invitation to the public to attend the opening night at the arts center. Ateliers '89 is one of Aruba's prominent fine arts institutions, dedicated to promoting local and regional artistic talent. The exhibition title, 'Time After Dark,' suggests a focus on night photography or themes related to darkness and light. The opening represents a cultural milestone for the island's arts community, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with visual art. No additional details about featured photographers or the full duration of the exhibition were provided in the announcement.

Slinger Francisco, internationally known as Mighty Sparrow and widely regarded as the King of Calypso, has passed away at the age of 91. Born in Grenada and raised in Trinidad, Mighty Sparrow became one of the most celebrated and influential artists in Caribbean music history. His songs blended humor, sharp social commentary, and infectious rhythm, earning him a devoted following across the entire region, including Aruba. His death marks the end of an era for Caribbean music, as he was considered a defining figure of the calypso genre for decades. His legacy is expected to endure throughout the Caribbean, where his music shaped culture, identity, and political discourse for generations.