HYATT Regency Saipan, in collaboration with the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, and in celebration of Women’s History and Women’s International Day for the whole month of March, will highlight female Chamorro and Carolinian artists.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Thursday, March 2, at 10 a.m. in the lobby, and it will be led by Hyatt general manager Simon Graf, acting DCCA Secretary Maggie Sablan, Arts Council executive director Parker Yobei and the participating artists.
According to Hyatt Regency Saipan marketing and communications manager Bea O’Malley, the Hyatt is a big supporter of women. “I am sure every Hyatt property all over the world has a unique way to celebrate women this month. We have been an avid supporter of the community and giving the stage to local women artists this year is just fitting because they are slowly coming out, sharing their art and skills after being cooped up at home for a long time due to the pandemic,” she said.
“Aside from local women artists, part of our campaign is to also recognize the women in the community who continue to make an impact in our island community whether through private or public work. At the Hyatt, we have a strong female representation in all departments and we take pride in that,” she added.
Arts Council folk arts coordinator Sepe Gloriana Teuira said this is not the first time that they collaborated with Hyatt Regency Saipan. “We have had other exhibits with the Hyatt before the super typhoons and the pandemic. We rotate our events in the hotels throughout the year, and we are happy to be back and have the Hyatt as our collaborative partner for this year,” she said
“Women should be celebrated every month of the year, but this month we recognize our female artists who will be showcasing their arts and crafts throughout the month of March. The public is invited to come and join our female artists every Thursday to Saturday at the Hyatt. There will be art displays and demonstration activities,” she added
The women represent Chamorro and Carolinian cultures. “Two different cultures living together on one small rock. Each culture has unique qualities. We seldom find a place that has two different cultures representing who they are. Tourists can come and learn two different languages, two different songs, two different styles of weaving, etc. Everything dealing with culture on our island involves different cultures. You seldom find that uniqueness anywhere else,” Teuira said.
There will be four artists on deck every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the lobby, demonstrating their skills in basket-weaving, mwar-making, jewelry-making, wood-carving, etc.
Guests and community members are welcome to join them for free lessons. Today, Thursday, March 2, Flower Salas, Polla Aguon, Catherine Aguon and Jadine Hocog will be the featured artists.
Everyone is welcome. For more information about the local women artists who will be featured, call (670) 234-1234 loc. 5811.
