Art exhibit features children's works
A one-day exhibit organized by the Commonwealth Center for the Culture and the Arts and the Japan-based International Kids Art Association yesterday unveiled creative artworks of youths aged 4 to 18 years old at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
Japanese and CNMI officials gathered at the gallery to inaugurate the event also participated in by officials from the Mayor’s Office, the Pacific Development Inc. and the Marianas Visitors Authority.
The art display featured colorful drawings by Japanese and CNMI children depicting a common theme: “Listen to the Sea Voices.”
Arts Council Executive Director Robert Hunter said the theme is especially fitting for both participating nations as the lives of Japan and CNMI residents have always been dependent on its surrounding waters.
“The seas served as roads for our ancestors and served to provide sustenance for those that made the islands their homes. The oceans continue to sustain our populations through fishing, trade routes and the attraction of our warm clean waters that draw visitors,” said Mr. Hunter in his welcome address.
The exhibit, Mr. Hunter added, also serves to provide children and spectators with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ocean.
The activity also provides an important exchange of ideas between Japan and CNMI children on environmental issues unique to them, he explained.
“This exchange provides insight on the differences and similarities of both cultures and provides an opportunity to look at the environment from different viewpoints,” he said.
“The arts, as evidenced by this exhibit, can be used as a tool to encourage our children to appreciate and protect our environment and serve as a catalyst encouraging the participants’ continued learning about our important ecosystem,” he added.
Yesterday’s activity was made possible through the close collaboration between the Arts Council, IKA Association of Nagoya, MVA, and PDI.
IKA is an organization which conceptualized the “Children’s Gallery” which was opened in Sept. 1, 1991 by volunteers, who gather and study children’s paintings from all over the world. The group aims to promote international exchange of arts.
In the future, the organization hopes to further collect and exhibit children’s works of art worldwide.
It also plans on inviting countries interested to lend Japanese children’s works to be exhibited on their galleries.
In addition, the association is also aiming to conduct comparative studies of Japanese children’s works and artworks by foreign children.
