Parker Yobei, the exhibit coordinator, said as of yesterday 20 artists had already registered.
“There are more coming in and we’re anticipating a total of 28 this week,” he said, adding that Tinian and Rota will also send their entries.
The prices of the items for sale range from $3 a piece to $400.
Yobei said the exhibit aims to help local artists promote their work and find a suitable market for it.
The Arts Council is not charging anything from the artists, he added.
There are over a hundred items that are being showcased in the gallery.
“We’re very happy to see a greater participation from our artists and more displays this year,” Yobei said. “This is a reflection of our good efforts in promoting and helping our own local talents.”
This year, the Arts Council designated a portion of the gallery for the work of young local talents.
“We have the artwork of our local students from private and public schools displayed here,” Yobei said. “They are the chosen few who won the Christmas art recycling contest organized by Coca-Cola Co.”
Also on display is the traditional Carolinian canoe built by Henry Warofalpiy.
His family’s traditional canoe was displayed during the Flame Tree Arts Festival early this year.
He said he’s happy to see that more artists are participating in local exhibits.
“It’s getting better every year…and it’s important that we help our local artists,” he said.
According to Warofalpiy, there is a need for the younger generation to see the creativity of the local people who have successfully narrated their cultural origin and history through works of art.
Last year, 13 artists participated in the exhibit.
Yobei said they are expecting better turnouts in future events as the Arts Council continues to hold more promotional activities for the artists.
He said they may even organize a musical festival next year.
Each year, the Arts Council sponsors three major exhibits: the women’s exhibit in March, the Pacifica exhibit in September, and the Island Artists and Christmas Crafts exhibit in December.
Among the participating artists of the ongoing exhibit are Quian Liberman, Jung Ae Yoo, Benjamin Ganapin, Jeanne Rayphand, Jazmin Rayphand, Jayda Rayphand, Melissa Borja, Jemima, Gordon Salas, Flowerspot Borja, Ignacio Borja, Larry Lee, Vicente Duenas, Poland Yamada, Rino Obar, Irineo David, Frank Cabrera and Rebecca Constante.
The exhibit, which ends on Jan. 1, 2009, is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5pm; and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday.
The gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays.
