A Wish in Color: Beautiful Mural for Emmy Theysen in Savaneta

Our team at Fundashon Ultimo Deseo Aruba (FUDA) is thrilled to have fulfilled Emmy Theysen's wish on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Inspired by a nature photo by Michiel Oversteegen, Emmy Theysen created a painting of a Prikichi (an Aruban parrot) perched on the date fruit of a cactus. His wish was for his painting to be turned into a mural.

Because Emmy was no longer able to create a mural herself, Armando Goedgedrag, a fellow Aruban artist, was asked if he would do one for her. He immediately accepted.

Every artist has their own unique way of working and style. Armando's is very recognizable; with his eye for precision, his sense of proportion, and beautiful color nuances, he makes every mural a feast for the eyes, as is this one. It's good to know that Armando not only created this mural with his own hand but also carefully studied Emmy's painting. Armando has therefore translated certain characteristics of Emmy's painting into this mural. These include the Prikichi's gaze, which constantly looks at you no matter where you are in the room, and the red date fruits, as painted by Emmy.

The mural was painted in the Colegio Sagrado Curason school, in the Savaneta neighborhood, where Emmy Theysen grew up. Once on-site with the Faith & Hope wish ambulance, Emmy added a few brushstrokes as a finishing touch, immortalizing his hand, along with Armando's, in this mural. With the signatures of both artists, this beautiful mural has been officially unveiled.

We are extremely grateful to have helped fulfill this wish for Emmy Theysen, and we thank everyone who contributed.