Exhibit coordinator Lucille T. Ayuyu described the event’s opening last Saturday as “pretty good start.”
The Arts Council believes that although its arts gallery on Capital Hill is a good venue for exhibits, more spectators — especially tourists — can be expected to attend these events if they are held near the Garapan and Beach Road areas.
This year’s month-long exhibit drew the participation of 21 artists of whom four are from Tinian and Rota.
Ayuyu said nearly a hundred pieces of artwork were displayed in the Joeten Motors showroom.
“We’re very excited because we’re seeing a good turnout and we’re inviting other local artists out there to continue to share their talents with the community,” she said.
Prices of the exhibits ranged from $3 a piece for local jewelry to $1,500 for a painting.
Ayuyu said the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will not earn any profit from the event.
“Our goal is to continue to help the artists by providing them the venue for their artwork,” she said.
Among the crowd drawers is the entry of the Borja family, who showcased the island’s bullcart decorated with fresh fruits and produce.
The family’s decades-old artifacts are also on display.
According to Ike Borja, it is his family’s promise to their great-great grandparents to nurture and preserve local traditions.
“It is for this reason that we’re constantly participating in any event that is related to the preservation of our culture and tradition,” Ike Borja said, adding that all recognitions and awards received by their family are dedicated to their ancestors.
Ike is the son of Rosa Borja, the family matriarch who died last January due to an illness.
Every year, the Borja family’s entries to festivals and activities have always impressed the crowd.
Their bullcart won the grand prize in the Flame Tree Arts Festival in 2006 and 2007.
Another artist who has been consistently joining island exhibits since 1987 is Polland Yamada, who sculpture-type story board can be seen in the Joeten Motors showroom.
The other participating artists include Jung Ae Lee, Jose Ayuyu, Rino Obar, Benjamin Ganapin, Jakeson Mendiola, Emiliana Bugarin, Mark Robertson, Jose Kani, Isaac Anderson, Robert Hunter, Jian Dong He, Leung Kung, Irineo David, Eli Espinas, Nhorleen Bitco, Gregory Elliot, Luis Taimanao and Dindo Mercene.
The exhibit is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 noon every Saturday.
