The first location of the Silo Art Tour is farm 't Westendorp belonging to the Ruesink family in Aalten. A farm where dairy cows, baconer pigs, calves and rare breeds of chicken and sheep are kept, and where the Farm and Country Fair is held annually. Four eye-catching grain silos depict four Achterhoek generations and tell the story of the mentality of this region: enjoyment, perseverance, willpower, the ‘naoberschap’ sense of community and entrepreneurial drive. Artist Rosalie de Graaf of RoosArt Paintings aims to show that age plays no part in the Achterhoek community with this artwork.
"Age does not play a role in the Achterhoek community" - RoosArt Paintings -
The youth
The first silo depicts Luca, the son of Suzanne Ruesink, co-owner of Boerderij ’t Westendorp. Luca represents the youth and tells the story of the agricultural business and the Farm and Country Fair.
Sports and resilience
The second silo depicts Jelle van Gorkom, one of the best BMXers of the Netherlands who won silver at the Summer Olympics in Rio (2016). In 2018, a serious accident during training in Papendal brought his professional sporting career to an abrupt end. Jelle represents sports and resilience in the Achterhoek: “Even when faced with setbacks, we hold our heads up high and keep going.”
The elderly
The third silo bears a portrait of Mrs. Meekes, who visited the Zwarte Cross on her 86th birthday. Thousands of people sang to her as she traversed the motocross course. She thoroughly enjoyed herself. Afterwards, she wrote a detailed letter to the organisation and shortly afterwards, she died. This makes Mrs. Meekes one of the oldest people ever to ride the motocross course. She made a big impression on many Achterhoek residents.
Entrepreneurs
The fourth silo depicts Ronnie Degen, Festival Director of the Zwarte Cross and Mañana Mañana and Tour Manager for the band Normaal. He symbolises entrepreneurship and is associated with events in the Achterhoek. He too has been immortalised.
Do you want to read more about RoosArt Paintings?
Take a look at this page or visit Rosalie's personal website.
Location
Boerderij Het Westendorp
Westendorpweg 2
7122 JT Aalten
Website
Openinghours
The Silo Art Tour mural in Aalten is open 24 hours a day.
For the openinghours of other facilities, please check the website.
