Create & Learn on Saba: Where Culture, Creativity, and Caribbean Spirit Come Alive

Emily
May 24
3 min read

Saba is calling—and not just for the hikers and nature lovers (though, yes, the views are spectacular). For travelers craving creativity, culture, and connection, the Create & Learn program offers a hands-on way to experience the soul of this Caribbean gem.

Launched in 2018 and reimagined in 2023, Create & Learn is back in 2025 with four unique events featuring eight inspiring artists. These events highlight local Saban artists while welcoming visiting artists who offer their own distinctive flair. It's art, heritage, and heart—all wrapped up in an unforgettable island experience.

Art Meets Island Life

While Saba may be famous for its lush trails and eco-tourism, the island also boasts a deeply rooted tradition of craftsmanship—and Create & Learn puts that front and center. Visitors are invited to dive into the island’s creative soul by taking workshops in everything from pottery to embroidery, basket weaving, printmaking, and more.

What sets Create & Learn apart? It’s not just about making something beautiful (though trust us, you will). It’s about connection—to the local culture, the people, and the stories behind every stitch and stroke.

Why Create & Learn on Saba?

🌴 Cultural immersion – Dive into Saba’s artistic roots with local crafts like basket weaving, embroidery, and jewelry making.

🎨 Creative connection – Learn from international artists and beloved island locals in intimate workshops.

🧒👵 Community focus – Events involve youth, elders, and disadvantaged adults, keeping traditions alive across generations.

🌿 Eco-meets-art – Pair your love of nature with a creative journey that celebrates sustainability and heritage.

🤿 Diver-friendly scheduling – Most workshops are scheduled around daytime dives, so you can dive by day and create by night. Not a diver? You’ll have the island’s creative scene all to yourself during the day!

Upcoming Events: August & November 2025

Mark your calendars! Two inspiring Create & Learn events are coming up this year—each offering immersive workshops with visiting artists and local makers at the heart of Saba’s creative community.

All workshops are hosted at Lambee’s Place, a local hub for arts, culture, and collaboration and an easy walk from most hotels and rental homes. Prices are $20 for Saba residents / $40 for non-residents. Materials are included in the price of each workshop.

AUGUST 4-18: Prints, Patterns & Storytelling

Jillian Roper (Maryland, USA) – A master printmaker, Jillian brings her love of nature, animals, and narrative to life through linoleum block printing and mixed media. Her workshops blend technique with storytelling, encouraging participants to explore their relationship with the natural world.

Jonpaul Smith (Indiana, USA) – A mixed-media artist whose work has been exhibited internationally, Jonpaul specializes in layered collage and printmaking. His sessions invite you to experiment with texture, pattern, and personal expression using paper, ink, and unexpected materials.

🗓 Workshop dates:

August 5 | 4:30–7:30 PM (Roper)
August 9 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Roper)
August 10 | 1:00–4:00 PM (Smith)
August 16 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Smith)

NOVEMBER 7–21: Textures of the Island

Marie Petit (Saba) – A chef-turned-artist who fell in love with Saba and never left, Marie has embraced local traditions in weaving and jewelry making using seeds found on the island. Her passion for sharing knowledge and preserving Saban identity shines in every class. By hand-weaving an animal from palm leaves, you’ll leave with something uniquely Saba.

Natasha Smart (Devon, UK) – A textile artist and author, Natasha brings the coastal inspiration of her British home to the Caribbean through three-dimensional wet felting. From bowls to bags, she transforms wool into functional art. Her techniques are accessible, innovative, and incredibly fun to learn—especially when surrounded by Saba’s natural beauty.

Join Us and Be Part of Saba’s Story

Whether you’re crafting your first felt bowl, printing a nature-inspired scene, or molding clay under the Caribbean sun, Create & Learn is about more than making art—it’s about making memories.

Visitors of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Come solo, bring a friend, gear up for a girls getaway or travel with family—everyone leaves with a handmade piece of Saba and a deeper connection to this special island.

Reserve your spot and learn more at www.seaandlearn.org/createandlearn

Plan your trip around a Create & Learn event for a richer, more meaningful Saba experience. Come for the views. Stay for the creativity. Leave inspired. Saba is waiting—are you ready to Create & Learn?

Supported by NEPP: protecting nature, reviving resources, sustaining our islands.