Every trip to St. Maarten should include a visit with Ruby Bute, one of the island's most famous artists and a true delight. She paints wonderful botanicals and images of island life, and writes poetry as well.

Her newly built home studio and gallery are located just about a mile north of Marigot - take the road toward Grand Case and turn west onto the road to Friar's Bay. Her place - a compound of yellow buildings - is perhaps half a mile down the road, at the beginning of an unpaved  "road"  that juts off to the left just before the bridge on Friar's Bay Road.  Look for the electric gate and the name Ruby on the nameplate.

Ruby is a warm, lovely lady. If you visit, you will undoubtedly make a new Island friend. Prints of her work are very reasonably priced, and shipping tubes are available.

It always helps to call first: (011) -599-523-23-37  (you should omit the 011 if you are already on the island).