In a brilliant celebration of unity and creativity, the connection between Aruba and the world will flourish through the transformative power of art. Alejandra Vallejo, a renowned Driftwood artist, has created a living testimony to the luminous spirit of Guizza Maria Steenvoorde, Teen Universe International 2025. Her collective masterpiece tells a story of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable thread that unites humanity.
With pencils in hand and hearts full of purpose, Alejandra, together with Guizza Maria’s family, gathered driftwood—natural fragments that traveled across oceans to reach the shores of Aruba—and transformed them into a work of art with a touch of Aruba. Each small piece, despite its size, always reaches its destination without reservation or complaint.
“The power of art, like the currents that bring driftwood to our beaches, transcends borders and unites hearts. It is a testament to the idea that even from faraway places we can find a common foundation, and from remote beginnings we can create something extraordinary. Through this artistic initiative, young people are reminded that their dreams have no limits, their spirit is resilient, and their collective creativity is a beacon of hope for future generations,” Guizza Maria expressed.
When the driftwood travels from our hands to the hearts of each person participating in the grand Miss Teen Universe 2026 pageant, it will carry the soul of Aruba—a small island with immense capacity for love, strength, and limitless art. In this exchange, a powerful message will resonate: through art, unity is not only possible but inevitable, and together we can transform even life’s most worn fragments into something truly extraordinary.
Each brushstroke captures the warmth of our island, blending the tones of sand, turquoise waves, and the blazing glow of Caribbean sunsets. The driftwood, worn and shaped by the sea, becomes a canvas of strength, symbolizing unbreakable determination and the limitless potential of our youth.
This extraordinary collection is not only a visual masterpiece but also a symbol of connection.
Guizza Maria Steenvoorde, carrying the essence of her island, will present these unique pieces as heartfelt gifts to contestants from over 60 countries around the world during the 15th edition of Miss Teen Universe International in Nicaragua. Through this gesture, she extends Aruba’s embrace to the world, emphasizing: “Even the smallest fragment of nature, shaped by adversity, can become a vehicle of beauty and inspiration, and the courage of each participant can shine equally.”
Many thanks to Tito Bolivar, manager of ArtisA Foundation, for his immense collaboration in making this possible, opening the doors of ArtisA to allow work on these pieces and donating to bring them to fruition. And to Alejandra Vallejo for instructing and guiding Guizza Maria’s family in such a beautiful endeavor.
“Soon I will crown myself, and during the ten days I am in Nicaragua, with every step I take, I do this with Aruba in my heart and in everything I do. It is a valuable opportunity for the world to feel our candor and warmth. Aruba will remain engraved in mind and heart.”
