(PIUI) — The air is turning festive, and the colors of creativity are ready to shine once more. It’s that time of year when imagination meets tradition — and when our community comes together to celebrate both.
For years, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. has marked the start of the holiday season in the Marianas with Pacifica Art Contest or PAC — a beloved community tradition that connects families, inspires young artists, and showcases the vibrant spirit of the islands. Now in its 12th year, PAC continues to spotlight emerging talent and the power of art to bring people together.
This year’s contest invited artists of all ages to share their interpretation of Christmas and the holiday season. The contest received a remarkable number of over 150 entries across three categories: Traditional Category 1 (Ages 6–11), Traditional Category 2 (Ages 12–17), and Digital Category (Children and Adults).
The winners of the 12th Annual Pacifica Art Contest are: Chloe Park, 11, from Saipan International School for Traditional Category 1; Tina Marie Kaneshi, 16, from Kagman High School for Traditional Category 2; and Mary Joy Viloria, 15, from Saipan Southern High School for Digital Category.
The Traditional Category 1 winner, Chloe Park, from Saipan International School, was pleasantly surprised by her win. “I was surprised I won,” she said, sharing that it was her second time joining the contest. She described her artwork as featuring a cheerful Santa Claus enjoying a sunny day at the beach, carrying a cooler and spreading holiday joy under the island sun.
The Traditional Category 2 winner, Tina Marie Kaneshi of Kagman High School expressed her deep love for the islands through her piece. “I’m just here to say that I love you guys, and I really like this island,” she said. “I’m glad to help represent that and show it through my artwork.”
The Digital Category winner, Mary Joy Viloria from Saipan Southern High School, shared how meaningful the recognition was for her. “This is the first time I’m being acknowledged for my art outside of friends and family,” she said. “It makes me very happy — it really makes it feel like drawing is worth it.” She added that her piece was inspired by family and local heritage: “I wanted to show how Christmas revolves around family.
This year’s esteemed judging panel included Jason Tudela Sablan, an alumnus of the University of California, Berkeley; Fei Fei Lei, a Northern Marianas College student and member of the Art Club; and Ron Smith, president of Angil Design, Inc. All three judges were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional creativity and technical skill demonstrated by the students.
“It was a great batch of art pieces this year and a great show of talent by all artists. The creativity of each piece stood out for me,” shared Jason Sablan. “Some of them were more cohesive and ‘one’ which I felt demonstrated skill and talent at a deeper level. Outstanding work by all artists.”
“I really enjoyed looking at the different artworks by the various age groups and categories,” added Fei Fei Lei. “The kids really outdid themselves this year with perspective, shading, and color that conveyed real depth in many of the artworks.”
Ron Smith kept his feedback short and encouraging: “Keep drawing!”
PIUI company president and CEO Shirley Sablan warmly congratulates the three winners and all participants for their outstanding achievements. She also expresses her sincere appreciation to this year’s judges and the PAC committee for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the event.
“After twelve 12 of hosting the CNMI’s most anticipated and sought after art contest, our ever-expanding archive of local masterpieces showcases the vibrant creativity flourishing within our community. It’s a testament to the dynamic collaboration and partnership among our dedicated volunteers, school administrators, educators, and our corporate team, who together ensure that our flagship outreach program remains a memorable event each year. PAC not only provides a platform to showcase artistic talent but also brings an exciting spirit of unity and inspiration that makes every contest truly unforgettable.”
The participating CNMI based schools in this year’s PAC: Agape Christian School, Brilliant Star Montessori School, Dandan Middle School, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, Garapan Elementary School, Grace Christian Academy, Hopwood Middle School, Kagman Elementary School, Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Mount Carmel School, Saipan Community School, Saipan International School, Saipan Southern High School, Sinapalo Elementary School, Tinian Elementary School, and Tinian Middle & High School.
All submitted artworks will be on display at the Pacifica Insurance office (2nd floor, Joeten Building in Susupe) until Jan. 9, 2026. The public is invited to view the exhibition during normal business hours. A select number of entries will also be featured in corporate marketing materials, print publications, and social media platforms, and can be found on PIUI’s online art exhibition and archives — The PAC Gallery — on www.pacificains.com/artcontest. The PAC Gallery is CNMI’s first online art exhibition of talent in the CNMI designed to house PAC art entries and showcase participating PAC artists throughout the years.
PAC is designed to nurture and support local talent and the arts in the CNMI.
The staff and management of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. wish the people of the Marianas peace, joy, and good tidings this holiday season, and a blessed New Year ahead.