Taro Sue unveils ‘island style’ murals

By Marconi Calindas
Reporter

Driving along Middle Road will never be the same, particularly when commuters pass by the Taro Sue building, where outsized murals have been painted on the sides of the building itself.

The two murals painted on both ends of the Taro Sue building were unveiled yesterday at 4pm. One mural shows latte stones, which are part of history and culture of CNMI and the other flaunts the picturesque beauty of a bird perched on a tree against a backdrop of a big blue ocean.

“Each mural depicts subjects for which the CNMI is mostly known for,” said Taro Lin, owner and president of Taro Sue.

Louis Ogo is the artist behind the gigantic murals. He finished the painting in 10 days only.

Government officials such as Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta; Reps. Martin Ada, Ray Tebuteb and Arnold Palacios; and Commerce Secretary Andrew Salas attended the event. Arts Council director Robert Hunter was also present.

Special project coordinator Frank C. Sablan of the Department of Public Works Traffic, Highway, Maintenance and Beautification said that Taro Sue coordinated the painting of the mural in conjunction with DPW’s beautification program along Middle Road.

He said that Taro Sue is an inspiration to other businesses, which could help in maintaining and beautifying the entire island.

“Taro Sue is a good example for other businesses to try to be more proactive in this type of programs,” Sablan said.

The unveiling kicked off with short speeches from the DCCA secretary and the congressmen before the ribbon cutting that brought down the huge blankets covering the murals.