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DFS T Galleria hosts cultural art exhibit this Sept.
Beads, traditional shells, and traditionally woven bags are on display and sale at the DFS T Galleria southern end for the first ever Marianas Art Gallery as traditional Carolinian dancers perform in the background last Saturday evening. (Erwin Encinares)
The T Galleria in Garapan is hosting a cultural art exhibit featuring local artists until the end of the month.
T Galleria, in partnership with the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Commonwealth Council of Arts and Culture of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, hosts the first ever Marianas Cultural Art Gallery in the shopping area.
DFS president Marian Aldan-Pierce said the exhibit features cultural art pieces such as mwars, jewelry, sinahi, beads, and more by local artists.
DCCA Secretary Robert Hunter noted that the items on display, except for a select few, are all for sale.
“There are traditional Chamorro and Carolinian craftwork, along with contemporary paintings, cultural demonstrations, and more,” Hunter said.
Seven traditional artists are participating in the exhibit.
Several usous, or bead necklaces, are on display alongside several spondylus, or shell necklaces, woodcarvings, and paintings. Woven products made of coconut leaves and pandanus tree leaves are also available.
The gallery is set to end on Sept. 30, 2018. Up to the end of the September, which is Cultural Heritage Month, live demonstrations and performances and dances would be done on select evenings by the Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, Polksai, Uuralis, Man Antigo Dancers, Refaluwasch Warriors, Lune Wabol, Abby Kaipat, Ben Laniyo, and Marco Peter just to name a few.
DFS general manager Milan Rabold told Saipan Tribune that this is one of many efforts of T Galleria to highlight local culture and arts.
“We also [did] the Jacoulet exhibit… and then we also did [photo exhibits] of [places] all over the Marianas,” he said. “This is something that we would want to continue to do, depending on the renovation of the building and the availability of space.”
“[We’re] not just [about] having all these big international brands; we should have something local added to the store. We have a rich history here, so we have a lot to show to our guests in the Marianas,” he added.
