Low sales but fun remains in 4th Annual Art Sale

Despite low sales compared to previous years, the fun remained in the 4th Annual Holiday Artists’ Sale on Saturday and Sunday at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

Jeanne Rayphand, one of the artists who helped organize the event, reported that about 30 artists who set up their booth observed a slow turnout of visitors to the area.

Regular participant Rino Obar, whose expertise is oil canvas, said everyone is feeling the brunt of the economic downtrend.

Obar said he decided to lower his regular prices because of the bad economy but, despite the discounted rates, only one of his works was sold.

He said his prices this time ranged from $15 to $200, compared to last year’s lowest of $50.

Still, he enjoys this once-a-year gathering of artists.

“It’s just a hobby for me. All of us here have their primary sources of income, so we’re enjoying it. It’s an opportunity to share each others’ ideas,” said Obar, who does the t-shirt printing and designing for Roshi’s Variety Store.

Abstract artist Barbara Leen Maycock, who participated for the first time, did not sell anything but said he has no regrets.

“This activity is definitely good for me. I was able to talk to the other artists and learned some of their works,’ said Maycock, who is the principal of Saipan Seventh Day Adventist School.

Another veteran artist, Greg Elliott, said it was a little bit slower in terms of sales this time, although many people visited and inquired about his works.

When asked to give advice to budding artists, Elliott said anybody could make painting a permanent profession.

All you need to do, he said, is find a good teacher, read some good books, keep trying and continue to paint.

“Don’t stop working on it,” he said.

One of the best-known local artists, Joe Kani (watercolor and acrylic), was also participating for the first time here.

“We are doing this to teach people about the beauty of our culture. It’s good to do that for young people and for other places to learn more about the local culture,” he said.

Two kids, Alexa Saimon and Jayda Rayphand, said they learned a lot of things like doing Christmas decors. Their teacher was Kaye Christian, who is a volunteer advocating for people with disabilities.

Rayphand expressed appreciation to all participants. She said there were suggestions to do this on a monthly basis but she was not sure this is appropriate in such difficult economic times.

Other participants included NMI Museum director Robert Hunter, author Joe Race, young and promising Hermes Diaz, Debbie Winkfield, Tokie Mojiko, Laura Williams, Chris Kapileo, CC Longfield, Saimon Rayphand, Jill Arenovski, Irineo David, Rayo Christian, Rose Diaz, Kate Fuller, Catherine Anderson, and John Davis.

Some of them are experts in jewelry, basket, books and other art crafts.