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34th Flame Tree Arts Festival to remember past artists
As the flame trees begin to blossom this April, the Flame Tree Arts Festival will once again celebrate the rich art of island cultures when it opens next Thursday.
In its 34th year, Commonwealth Council of Arts and Culture executive director Angel Hocog would also like to remember the handful of artists who’ve passed away recently and who helped make the festival memorable.
“It’s just sad that they didn’t make it to be part of this year’s celebration,” Hocog said. “But of course, even though they are gone, their memories will live through their legacy in arts and craft.”
Hocog remembers Ignacio C. Borja, whom he called a traditional craftsman. The council also remembers Rosa T. Castro, a performing artist in traditional dance, and Torcuatro M. Cuastro, whose talent was in drawing.
William I. Macaranas was a “strong advocate of the culture,” particularly in the indigenous languages of Chamorro and Carolinian, he added.
Abel Pellegrino, another artist who passed away since the last festival, participated as an entertainer. He sang and played guitar. And Josepha I. Teregeyo was a craftswoman in beads and mwar-mwars.
To highlight local artists next week, the festival will also hold 5TH Annual CNMI Art Competition. Bridge Capital is sponsoring this year’s competition with over $13,000 in cash prizes.
Competition categories are Best of Show, Paintings, Wood Carving and Others, Photography, Texter’s Choice Award, Governor’s Choice Award, and Best New Artist.
Entries will be showcased at the Susupe basketball court and competition winners will be announced on stage during the festival.
About 50 vendors are expected to participate in this year’s festival. Hocog said 40 of these are artists and 10 are food vendors.
Hocog said invitations were also sent to regional artists but all of them declined as they have chosen to prepare funds for the Festival of Pacific Arts in Guam next year.
