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NEW YORK, USA -- The governor of Aruba, Fredis Refunjol, the Queens Museum of Art (QMA) and the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) will celebrate the work and life accomplishments of Aruba's national icon Juan Chabaya (Padu) Lampe with an 'Homage to Padu' program at the QMA, in Flushing Meadows, New York, on Sunday, October 28, 2012.

Documentary filmmaker Rebecca Roos will present various documentaries that highlight aspects of Padu Lampe's 92 years of life, alongside museum curators who will showcase Padu's artwork among the 'Kingdoms of this World' section of the Caribbean Crossroads of the World exhibit at Queens Museum of Art. The homage will culminate with a live musical performance by Aruban pianist Jonathan Vieira. The event is free and open to all.

Through his music and compositions, Padu Lampe became a well-known pianist and later composed a waltz with lyrics that became the Aruban National Anthem titled, "Aruba Dushi Tera." Famously named the 'Aruban Father of Culture,' Padu Lampe is also an acclaimed writer and painter who exhibited at New York's World Fair of 1939 at the exact same location in Flushing Meadows, a distinction that only a few Caribbean artists have achieved.

"Transcending both island and political borders, Padu has become a representative of Caribbean Culture and now serves as our symbolic Father of Culture," said Refunjol. "I am very pleased the Queens Museum of Art has decided to host this special tribute to Padu and we welcome locals and visitors to join us and explore Aruba's rich culture at the museum."

Home to one of the most well-known artists in the Caribbean, Aruba is a prime example of a cultural melting pot. With more than 90 nationalities, the island has been a source of cultural convergence reflected in the country's many languages, music, art and culinary traditions.

"Aruba, like Queens, is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual place, a true crossroads of European, American, African, and Asian traditions. Padu's music and paintings are a testament to how that hybridity becomes the basis for the development of distinctive cultural forms," suggested Prerana Reddy, QMA's director of public events.

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