Punda in Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)
This sculpture is called Chichi®
Strong • Proud • Caribbean
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
1. This sculpture is called Chichi Marker
Inscription.
This sculpture is called Chichi®. Strong . Proud . Caribbean. Chichi® [tji-tji] is the loving household name for the eldest sister in the traditional Curacao family structure. Chichi® is an expression of BIG love and BIG care. Artist Serena Israel and her team give homage to these soulful eldest sisters in Curacao's culture. They work as a team with skillful craftsmanship and artist skills to create the best souvenir of Curacao.
Story behind the sculpture
2020 was a year to remember, nobody saw it coming, we were all hit by COVID-19. Due to travel restrictions Curacao also had to deal with a decrease of income which affected lots of businesses depending on tourism, also our company, Serena's Art Factory. To keep our company afloat and our painters painting we started among other things a crowdfunding with this sculpture as the result.
Individuals and companies could buy illustrations for 1 naf (0,50 Euro cent) per cm2. In return we posted their names or logo on this board on the same spot as where we painted the illustration of their choice. During this crowdfunding we painted more than 155 illustrations and reached 70% of our targeted goal.
Due to the success of this crowdfunding Serena's Art Factory got over the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have 40 painters who are actively painting Chichi's® again. And we were able to train and hire new painters and production staff:
24 Painters are in training with payment 10 Production staff members were hired 7 Painters successfully finished the training
We want to thank everybody who made this possible
This Crowdfunding project was a journey to remember. It gave us so much joy to travel with this XXXL Chichi®. We met so many pleasant new people and are very thankful for all the people believing in us. Thanks to all the names and companies mentioned on this Chichi® we could realize this Artwork! We owe special thanks to the following companies, who helped us along the way:
Paul Piper the illustrator of the digital artwork.
DMO, Downtown Management Organization, for this location
Six and Ten Productions for setting up the crowd funding website.
God bless you all Serena
Chichi® [tji-tji] is the loving household name for the eldest sister in the traditional Curacao family structure. Chichi® is an expression of BIG love and BIG care. Artist Serena Israel and her team give homage to these soulful eldest sisters in Curacao's culture. They work as a team with skillful craftsmanship and artist skills to create the best souvenir of Curacao.
Story behind the sculpture
2020 was a year to remember, nobody saw it coming, we were all hit by COVID-19. Due to travel restrictions Curacao also had to deal with a decrease of income which affected lots of businesses depending on tourism, also our company, Serena's Art Factory. To keep our company afloat and our painters painting we started among other things a crowdfunding with this sculpture as the result.
Individuals and companies could buy illustrations for 1 naf (0,50 Euro cent) per cm2. In return we posted their names or logo on this board on the same spot as where we painted the illustration of their choice. During this crowdfunding we painted more than 155 illustrations and reached 70% of our targeted goal.
Due to the success of this crowdfunding Serena's Art Factory got over the impact of the COVID pandemic, we have 40 painters who are actively painting Chichi's® again. And we were able
Click or scan to see this page online
to train and hire new painters and production staff:
24 Painters are in training with payment
10 Production staff members were hired
7 Painters successfully finished the training
We want to thank everybody who made this possible
This Crowdfunding project was a journey to remember. It gave us so much joy to travel with this XXXL Chichi®. We met so many pleasant new people and are very thankful for all the people believing in us. Thanks to all the names and companies mentioned on this Chichi® we could realize this Artwork! We owe special thanks to the following companies, who helped us along the way:
Paul Piper the illustrator of the digital artwork.
DMO, Downtown Management Organization, for this location
Six & Ten Productions for setting up the crowd funding website.
Location. 12° 6.26′ N, 68° 55.997′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Curaçao (Curaçao). It is in Punda. It is on Wilhelminaplein, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Wilhelminaplein 8, Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, in in the Atlantic Ocean, and in North America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8
Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025
2. This sculpture is called Chichi® Marker - wide view of marker and sculpture
Credits. This page was last revised on February 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.
