Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang smile for the camera during the opening ceremony of the42nd Flame Tree Arts Festival on Friday at the Civic Center Beach Park.
THE three-day 42nd Flame Tree Arts Festival concluded on Sunday at the Civic Center Beach Park with six community members walking away as the top winners of the Bridge Capital LLC art competition.
Each of them took home a cash prize of $1,500. Jia Yi Li and Kim Jiyun tied for first place in the 12-17 age group category; Joseph Weaver won the painting and drawing category; Vlad Melnik ruled the photography category; and Gregorio Bacnis Jr. excelled in the open artwork category.
Victoria Huang topped the 11-and-under age group category and took home $750. Lydia Xian came in second and received $500.
Christian Apolonio won the Governor’s Choice Award.
The second place finishers were Elaine Pagaduan in the 12-17 age group category; Nhorleen Lilles in painting and drawing; Jeromalyn Santos in photography; and Veronica Arriola in open artwork. Each second place winner is awarded a cash prize of $1,000.
According to Bridge Capital LLC Vice President Bart Jackson, all the competition entries will be on display at the T-Galleria in Garapan until Aug. 6.
At the opening ceremony on Friday, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said the festival highlights the “long and rich” cultural heritage of the Marianas.
“This annual event is a testament that the people of the Marianas recognizes and holds in high esteem the importance of maintaining and preserving the customs, culture, traditions of our indigenous populations and those cultures that call the CNMI home,” Palacios said. “The Flame Tree Arts Festival is the premier platform in the region that showcases the amazing and impactful works of our people our community and our visitors as well.”
Maggie Sablan, secretary of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, said the festival’s legacy is worth celebrating.
“The forefathers and mothers of our Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture really hit the spot when they started this legacy,” Sablan said. “Our cultural heritage is very much alive in our community through the arts. This weekend is about celebrating our heritage and love for the arts.”
Norman Rasiang showcases an array of traditional jewelry and crafts at his vendor stall.
Minerva Wabol of Karidat spreads awareness about the Victim Hotline to the public.
On behalf of Marianas Variety, its sales and marketing supervisor, Hazel Nichole Sadian, receives a token of appreciation as one of the sponsors of the 42nd Annual Flame Tree Festival on Friday.
Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, center, poses for a photo with Saipan and Northern Islands Council member Carmen C. Pangelinan, left, Speaker of the House Edmund Villagomez, right, and members of the CNMI Youth Congress
