Saba / Special Interests / Art & Artisans

With its vivid flora, tranquil forests, mountainous landscapes and stirring sea views, Saba presents an inspiring environment for artists, both local and visiting. Surprisingly, though,  there is not a lot of work for the passing traveller to look at. The island has only one art gallery, but visitors will also come across locally-made arts and crafts in hotels, restaurants and at the tourist office in Windwardside.

One of Saba's most prominent artists is Holland-born Heleen Cornet, a former art teacher who moved to the island in 1986. Her joyful paintings celebrate Saba's colourful flora and atmospheric forests and she has also illustrated books on Saba's distinctive cottages and gardens. Don't miss her spirited murals that decorate the Church of the Sacred Heart in The Bottom.

Saba is also renown for its intricate white lacework, a cottage industry started in the 1880s that was traditionally carried out by Saban women while their menfolk were away at sea. A few islanders are keeping this skill alive and examples are on sale at several outlets around the island.