Saipan Tribune
Several traditional and performing artists represented the CNMI in the recently concluded 24th Guam Micronesia Island Fair.
Gordon “Figo” Salas, Rodney and Yvonne Camacho, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy San Nicolas, Daniel Barcinas, Fermina Blas, Saralou Austen, Josh Namauleg, Alfred Saures, and Julie Mettao took part in the annual event held at the Gov. Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Tumon's Ypao Beach from Oct. 14 to 16.
Hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, the event attracted local and foreign spectators as it showcased the rich and vibrant cultural heritages of various island nations following the theme, “Celebrating the Dance and Song of Micronesia.”
“I went there without any intention of selling but just displaying my work,” Salas, a jewelry maker, told Saipan Tribune.
Despite poor weather closing out the first day of the fair, Salas said he was pleased with the outcome of the event as he generated a lot of interest and received many inquiries about his artwork.
Jewelry maker Rodney Camacho said this was his second time to participate in the event; the first time was in 2010.
“I met a lot of new faces and people with different arts and crafts. The weather was hectic but we managed around it because the love of art and the spirit is there,” said Camacho, adding that he looks forward to participating in next year's festival.
Executive director Angel S. Hocog of the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture said the artists shelled out their own money to fly to Guam and represent the CNMI.
“We are delighted and proud of our artists who did their best to ensure that the CNMI is represented at the Guam Micronesia Island Fair. We remain optimistic that more artists will be able to participate in next year's event,” he added.
