Jan Roëde Charity Exhibition – De Vrolijkheid: art that brings a smile

“It is important that when I create something, I, as the first viewer, find myself smiling.” These words by The Hague artist Jan Roëde (1914–2007) form the heart of a special charity exhibition at Pulchri Studio. From 3 to 7 June 2026, the Jan Roëde Foundation is organising an exhibition at Pulchri Studio in aid of a good cause: the De Vrolijkheid Foundation.

Bombard seriousness with colour
Jan Roëde was one of the most striking figures on the post-war art scene in The Hague and in the illustrious ‘Posthoorngroep’. His mission? To bombard the heavy seriousness of life with cheerful colours and sweeping lines. Inspired by Zen Buddhism and the humour he found within it, he created what he called ‘relics of an enlightened moment’. Whether in his paintings or drawings, his work offers the viewer a sense of joie de vivre and breathing space.

Investing in resilience
That same zest for life is at the heart of the De Vrolijkheid Foundation, which, with the help of visual artists, organises more than 100 art workshops for children every week in asylum seeker centres across the Netherlands. For young asylum seekers, art is an indispensable outlet; a way to find resilience and develop talent in uncertain times. This ties in seamlessly with Roëde’s wish, who left his artistic legacy to continue to encourage art and creativity.

Your chance to acquire a unique work of art that makes an impact
At the Klinkenberg Galleries, you’ll find a fine selection of paintings and works on paper that are available for immediate purchase. The success of the previous exhibition ‘A Feast for the Eyes’ (2019), which raised over €50,000, has whetted our appetite for more. All net proceeds from this sale will go towards art projects for children at De Vrolijkheid.

The Jan Roëde Foundation warmly invites you to treat yourself to a work of art created with masterful skill and a smile, and to pass that smile on to the young people who need it so much.

Don’t miss this limited-time exhibition!