Hyatt, DCCA conclude Women’s History Month celebration

Hyatt Regency Saipan general manager Simon Graf and Arts Council Folk Arts coordinator Sepa Glorianna Teuira are joined by female local artists and Hyatt management and employees to commemorate the last day of Women’s History Month last Friday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

For the whole month of March, Hyatt Regency Saipan and the CNMI Department of Community & Cultural Affairs celebrated Women’s History Month by championing local female artists. These artists are considered torch bearers for all women who preserve culture and traditions of the CNMI through art. 

There was a gathering of gratitude last Friday where Hyatt and DCCA agreed to have more collaborations in the future.

Hyatt Regency general manager Simon Graf was happy about the partnership and reiterated that the local community is a fundamental part of Hyatt’s business. He said that Hyatt has a deep relationship with the local community and respects the island’s history. “This is something that we value and we plan to continue this relationship with the Arts Council of DCCA to promote culture and preserve the local artists’ skillset,” he said.

“We respect the islands’ history and embrace local culture… As a member of this community we are happy to give this kind of platform not only for the community to view, but also for tourists and guests around the world,” he added

From left, Hyatt Regency general manager Simon Graf, Arts Council Folk Arts coordinator Sepa Glorianna Teuira, Hyatt Marketing & Communications manager Bea O’Malley, and Hyatt Food & Beverage director Hani Min discuss possibilities of future collaborations. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The exhibit featured arts and crafts and the artists also gave demos on how to make a mwar mwar (flower crown), bead necklaces, flower trinkets, etc. It ran from Thursday to Sunday 10am to 3pm at the Hyatt lobby for the entire month of March.

Arts Council Folk Arts coordinator Sepe Glorianna Teuira said that more than selling, she and the artists treated the month-long event as a great experience. “We are all about sharing our culture to tourists and what we have served as a reminder to other local residents that our culture is here and alive. We especially like the people who approach the artists and talk to them. Our artists were often asked to share their knowledge and teach their techniques which they gladly did,” she said.

Teuria said that with the cancellation of the  Flame Tree Festival set in April, the Arts Council plans to have several events to give all local artists more exposure. “We have events lined up in different venues on the island. Chamorro and Carolinian cultures are two different cultures living together on one small rock. Each culture has its unique qualities to represent as a group of people. We seldom find a place that has two different cultures to represent who they are. That is why we thank Hyatt for celebrating Women’s History Month featuring our female artists. They are our number one supporter of local arts,” she added. (PR)