Discover the story behind Curaçao’s colourful big sister
Meet the people and craftsmanship behind Curaçao’s colourful Chichi sculptures at Chichi Garden, also known as Serena’s Art Factory. Explore the garden for free or spend a morning painting your own island keepsake.
Chichi Garden in Santa Catharina combines a working art studio, garden and shop. You can discover how the sculptures are made and see how individual painters give them different patterns and personalities. Many painters work from home, so do not expect the entire team to be painting on site. The garden suits a short cultural stop; the painting experience deserves a full morning. This is the production location on the eastern side of the island, separate from the Chichi shop in Punda.
How far is the drive from your stay?
Berlin-born artist Serena Janet Israel developed the first Chichi during workshops at Landhuis Bloemhof in 2007, using paper, chicken wire and glue. The name means big sister in Papiamentu and refers to the caring older sister who helps hold a family together. The concept grew into a local craft business involving makers and painters across the island.
We like that you can simply look around without buying anything. Painting your own Chichi makes sense if you enjoy making something slowly, rather than collecting another souvenir.
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Yes. Garden and shop entry are free. Workshops and sculptures cost extra.
Tuesday–Saturday, 09:00–17:00. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.
Walk-in workshops run on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Arrive between 09:00 and 09:15; the programme finishes around noon. Places are first come, first served.
The published fee is US$20 per participant, plus the sculpture you choose. Workshop spectators pay US$10. Check the current sculpture prices before deciding.
No. The team explains the process and provides guidance. You take your painted sculpture home the same day.
The regular walk-in session cannot be reserved. For a private session or another day, contact info@chichi-curacao.com.
No. The garden and workshop are at Juan Luis 87A. The separate Punda shop is at Windstraat 16.
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