Arts coordinator Parker Yobei said 14 artists have joined the exhibit and brought several pieces of artwork for sale or for exhibit. The exhibit will run from Nov. 28 to Dec. 22.
Yobei said they are expecting more artists to join the exhibit later.
“More artists usually come in later and we understand because they need more time to prepare their artwork,” Yobei said.
Available at the exhibit are photographs, acrylic/oil paintings, wood carvings, postcards, handmade jewelry, knitted products, woodwork, ornaments and other crafts — all with a “Christmas twist.”
This year’s exhibit includes visual and traditional artists like Larry A. Lee, Debra Winkfield, Jung Ae Lee, Joe Weaver, Vicente Duenas, Leslie Ware, Chen Xiao Ping and Cherry Camigia.
Yobei said they have two newcomers — Alegria Richardson, who is exhibiting her oil on canvas paintings, and Jennifer Kogure, who makes postcards and magnetic tags depicting Saipan.
Yobei said the two just arrived on island.
Jung Ae Lee, one of the regular exhibitors, said it takes her from two weeks to two months to finish a painting, depending on her mood.
“I usually work for about four hours a day, after breakfast, and continue the next day or when the inspiration strikes me,” said Lee, an artist in Korea before she settled here over 10 years ago.
Yobei said they are happy to have some volunteers who will keep the place open on Saturdays so people who are off from work can come and buy artwork.
Yobei said the prices range from $2 to $2,500.
The exhibit is the last major art event hosted by the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture each year. The other two are the Women’s Art Exhibit during the first quarter of the year, and the Cultural Pacifica Arts Exhibit in September.
Yobei said they were unable to open the exhibit on Nov. 22 because the gallery was undergoing renovation.
The Arts Council also planned to hold the exhibit in another more accessible venue but no other place was available.
Exhibit hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The gallery is closed on Sundays and holidays. For more information, visit the Arts Council office next to the Post Office on Capital Hill or call 322-9982/83.
