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San Vicente mural finally unveiled
A mural depicting a picturesque beach and local flora and fauna has been unveiled on Monday on a stretch of a concrete wall along San Vicente.
A mural depicting Lau Lau Bay and indigenous wildlife has been unveiled along San Vicente. The project is part of ongoing efforts to further beautify the CNMI. (Joel D. Pinaroc)
Local officials led by Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres witnessed the unveiling, along with select students of San Vicente Elementary School.
The mural project was spearheaded by Rep. Joseph “Lee Pan” Guerrero (R-Saipan).
In his speech, Guerrero urged the students to protect the mural from “vandals” and keep it clean. He also encouraged the students to preserve the mural so that passersby can enjoy the work of art.
Guerrero, who heads the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism, earlier said the project is part of efforts to further beautify the CNMI.
The mural was designed and completed by local artist Luis Sablan Ogo. He originally is from Rota and now works for Island Apparel and considers Saipan his home.
Ogo is also a certified artist. Due to the rains, he said the project was completed for one month. He said he “envisioned” the mural and after a presentation to lawmakers, the project was given the go-signal.
According to the artist, the central theme was inspired by Lau Lau Bay as well as indigenous wildlife. He said he did not take pictures of the place, but relied instead on memory.
This is not the first project for Ogo. Many years ago, he said he had painted similar huge murals also for the government. According to Ogo, one of his more recent works are murals for the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. He said the work was also commissioned by the government.
