Sharina Gumbs – ArtisT co- Founder and Aspired Community Builder
Sharina Gumbs is a multidisciplinary abstract artist and social development professional from Aruba. As cofounder of the Plataforma Nacional Herencia di Sclavitud na Aruba (PNHSA), she has been actively involved in raising awareness of Aruba’s slavery past and its impact today. From September 2024 to April 2025, she served as President of the platform.
Sharina is the founder of Soul2Soul – Mindful Art and Soul Harmony Foundation (SHF), which focus on healing, empowerment, and community building through art, heritage, and creative skills. She developed the Empowered Sista Model, a holistic and culturally grounded approach that supports women—particularly of African descent from San Nicolas—in reconnecting with identity, inner strength, collective consciousness and economic opportunity. One of the model’s projects specifically empowers women with limited income or social challenges by encouraging creative entrepreneurship. Soul Harmony Foundation is a sustainer of PNHSA.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the social field and 17 years as a professional abstract artist, Sharina combines her passion for people and the arts in projects that promote healing, community, and (collective) consciousness.
In 2020, she received the Gouden C 2019 award from the Dutch Cultural Participation Fund for her social and inclusive Mindful Art project Refill your cup with Authenticity.
Sharina’s work is grounded in the belief that art is not just about aesthetics or expression—it’s a catalyst for connecting, healing, transformation and resilience.
“Creative expression is a form of healing through authentic consciousness—a way to return to who you truly are, beyond silence and oppression.” — Sharina Gumbs
We honor the legacy of slavery and its impact on Aruba, the Netherlands, and the African diaspora. Through monuments, education, and advocacy, we promote healing, awareness, and justice, guided by Ubuntu to foster unity, equality, and respect.