Monthlong Pacifica exhibit opens at Hyatt lobby function room

 Hundreds of pieces of artwork are now on display for public viewing at the Lobby Function Room of the Hyatt Regency Saipan with the unveiling of the Cultural Heritage & Arts Pacifica Exhibit yesterday.

Organized by the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, the monthlong exhibit features both traditional and visual pieces, including paintings, photographs, bead accessories, postcards, and sculptures made by 20 traditional and visual artists.

Traditional artists taking part in the exhibit include Martin C. Castro, Maria S. Camacho, Mariana Ebilane, Gordon B. Salas, Priscilla J. Pangelinan, Nick N. Klewei, Melchy H. Billy, Ginni A. Bachani, Rodney S. Camacho, and Vicente C. Duenas.

Participating visual artists include Lawrence A. Lee, Ernie Q. David, Rosana Villaraiz, Jack C. Hardy, Maritess F. Sablan, Joseph Weaver, Greg G. Elliott, and Leslie Ware.

“There’s no place on island that is a professional gallery setting. This is the closest we can get to right now for an artist to come sell his works. The Arts Council was good enough to put on this exhibit,” Leslie Ware told Saipan Tribune.

Ware, who has 41 photographs on display at the exhibit, revealed that his inspiration comes from living on Saipan itself.

“Saipan is the inspiration. I don’t go out with any preconceived ideas; I just go out and see what I can see. Most of the time, it’s at the right place at the right time,” he said.

Prices for Ware’s masterpieces range from $30 to $400, depending on the pieces. “I’ll be donating proceeds to Arts Council because they’ve always worked with me and it’s a great organization and they need the support,” added Ware.

Traditional artist Priscilla J. Pangelinan began making coconut flower shells and other decorations made of recycled materials in 2009 to help her cope with the loss of her son, a musician.

“People will appreciate this exhibit because they will not find what’s on display here anywhere else,” said Pangelinan.

With the economic recession affecting artists, Pangelinan said the exhibit is one way to support them. “This exhibit will help recognize our artists and promote our work to more people.”

Arts in Education coordinator Parker Yobei said more artists are expected to bring in their pieces by next week.

“We hope that all the hotel guests as well as members of the local community find the time to swing by Hyatt and check out what our artists have created,” he said.

Yobei invites parents who have children that do not have any activities on Saturday to watch the live cultural demonstrations from 10am to 2pm. Artist Melchy Billy will show traditional bead making, Maria Camacho will demonstrate weaving, while Gordon Salas will show how to make traditional necklace.

“Whatever they create, they can bring home as a souvenir,” said Yobei.

Besides the artists, Yobei also thanked the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Arts Council staff, volunteers Rebecca Lisua and Darrell Moteiso for their assistance in making the exhibit possible.

Arts Council executive director Angel S. Hocog remains optimistic that the monthlong exhibit will have a good turnout and generate sales for the artists.

“We want to encourage the community to come out and witness the many works of our talented artists. Let’s support their creativity.”