Emeke Buitelaar (41) is a visual artist. She studied among others at the teacher training college VLVU Amsterdam (drawing; textural art). She has taught among others at the Academy of Arts and ENO in Surinam, at the Volksuniversiteit HAVO/VWO Amsterdam and at several creativity centres. She has exhibited in countries like Holland, Germany, France, Surinam, and Japan. In her work she enthusiastically uses exuberant colours and shapes. Her work has many references to both Japan and Africa. She also partakes in African dancing. Emeke will come to Hirado with her sons Romboud (13) and Olaf (15).

Summary of her 12xHolland activities:

• she'll create a huge wall-painting together with the participants of her workshop.
• she will make her own work/painting which will be inspired by historic Hirado, and which will be offered to Hirado City.
• workshops painting for both children and adults.
• exhibition of her own work, at several locations on Hirado.
• she will take shodo lessons (Japanese calligraphy) in Hirado.