Park, Pagaduan, Cao top Pacifica’s 11th Annual Art Contest

Another successful year of supporting the arts for Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. with a total of 108 entries during this year’s 11th Annual Pacifica Art Contest.

For the first time ever, Shu Yi Cao, a student from the Northern Marianas College, waved the PROA flag proudly after making history after bagging first place in the digital category. Her digital art piece was culturally rich in local elements that included a ukulele playing, bare footed Santa Claus timing the sun as it sets, a smooth sailing PROA, a giant coconut crab (or ayuyu in Chamorro) climbing up a coconut tree with branches that kingfishers and other local bird species used as a rest spot, and the beautiful hibiscus tropical flora—all a digital rendition that sits along the shores of our Pacific waters.

The traditional category one winner is Saipan International School student Stella Park whose artwork boasted an explosion of bright neon colors blended with natural tones and a unique twist and interpretation of the holiday season. The piece also painted a Santa Claus snugged in a giant Christmas stocking and another catching waves on a surfboard with a sling bag of toys.

The traditional category two winner is Grace Christian Academy student Eliane Pagaduan who showcased the CNMI’s iconic Bird Island through the lens of a digital camera held by one of Santa’s reindeers. The masterpiece also captured an islander Santa Claus sharing the hafa adai and tirow shaka hand sign and sporting island wear and slippers aka zoris.

“There was never a PAC event that did not excite and amaze us—every one of them left us in awe. The creativity, originality, and stories told through art by our talented local artists deserve recognition and a standing ovation. They continue to push the envelope and deliver the finest pieces imaginable. There is so much potential for artistic greatness in the CNMI,” said Pacifica Insurance president and CEO Shirley Sablan “We look forward to having more masterpieces added to our online art gallery, the PAC Gallery.”

Sablan also expressed her gratitude to others who are involved in the success of the art contest.

“Each successful run of PAC would not have been possible without the cooperation and assistance of school administrators, teachers, and contest judges, and we are forever grateful for their partnership.

The PAC Gallery (www.pacificains.com/artcontest) is an online digital archive that was created last year to celebrate PAC’s 10th year anniversary. It houses top placing artworks that date back to 2014 and will periodically feature past and present PAC artists, judges, and educators in the field of art, and will remain a permanent home for PAC. Although PIUI continues to add content to the Gallery it is now live and accessible.

PIUI will be featuring art pieces randomly on the company’s Instagram and Facebook social media pages throughout the holiday season.

This year’s art contest judges were J.C. Tenorio Ent., Inc. store manager J.J. Tenorio, TurnKey Solutions marketing manager Liana Cotero, and social media influencer and local music rapper Antonette Castro better known as Netty Cee.

“This Christmas, we’re reminded that no matter what happens, we can always feel safe and secure. All of the students’ artwork show the joy and peace of the season, and the idea that we can truly be rest assured knowing we are taken care of, together. It was a pleasure to see so much talent from the youth of the CNMI, and all of their creativity truly brightens the season!” said Tenorio

“I was truly honored to be a judge for this year’s Pacific Art Contest. It was incredibly inspiring to see the creativity and passion put into each piece. The effort and dedication of the artists shone through, from vibrant acrylic paintings and delicate watercolors to innovative digital works. Each piece had a unique message and story that resonated in its own way, showcasing a beautiful spectrum of styles and perspectives. I encourage everyone to experience the outstanding work of this year’s participants and past contests at https://info.pacificains.com/artcontest/,” said Cotero

“At first, I was feeling very overwhelmed because there was just so much art to judge. However, that feeling went away when I started really looking and trying to understand the art. There were lots of amazing submissions! Kudos to all who participated! Please know that your work brought so much joy and smiles! Thank you for conveying the beauty of our islands through your work! You make the Marianas SO proud!” said Netty Cee

CNMI based schools with participating artists included Oleai Elementary School, Agape Christian School, Grace Christian Academy, San Vicente Elementary School, Saipan International School, Mount Carmel School, Saipan Community School, Hopwood Middle School, Marianas High School, Dandan Middle School, Tinian Jr./Sr. High School, Saipan Southern High School, and Brilliant Star School

PIUI kept its original PAC theme “Rest Assured, it’s Christmas” that was carefully crafted to kick-off the holiday season.

The same three PAC categories were maintained for this year’s art contest: traditional category 1 for ages 6-11, traditional category 2 for ages 12-17, and the digital category which was open to all ages.

Acceptable mediums for the traditional categories were pen, paint, pencil, charcoal, oil pastel, crayons, and marker.

The digital category was designed for photographers, graphic artists, and videographers for still photos, max 3-second videos, and two-dimensional art image files and pdf formatted entries.

Winners received cash and other prizes.

Artworks will be on display at the PIUI second floor office located at the Joeten Building in Susupe until Jan. 9, 2024. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the exhibit during normal business hours, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm, except holidays.

Winning artworks can be found on a variety of marketing materials and will also be shared on print publications and social media.

The staff and management of PIUI would like to wish the people of the Marianas good tidings this holiday season and a joyful Christmas and New Year ahead. (PR)

Artwork by Eliane Pagaduan from Grace Christian Academy, second category traditional winner.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Artwork by Stella Park from Saipan International School, first category traditional winner.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Artwork by Shu Yi Cao of Northern Marianas College, third category digital winner.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Stella Park with her classmates and Saipan International School headmaster Dr. Ron Snyder, Pacifica staff Tyler Yoshimoto, and Dionne Camacho.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Shu Yi Cao with the staff of Pacifica Insurance.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Traditional first category winner of the 11th Annual Pacifica Art Contest Stella Park of Saipan International School.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Eliane Pagaduan with her classmates, teacher, Pacifica Co-Op Intern, Shelina Beltran and Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. marketing coordinatior Dionne Camacho.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Third category digital winner Shu Yi Cao of Northern Marianas College.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pacifica Art contest judge Antonette Castro better known as Netty Cee, social media influencer, and local music rapper.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pacifica Art Contest judge J.J. Tenorio, J.C. Tenorio Ent., Inc. store manager.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pacifica Art Contest judge Liana Cortero, marketing manager for TurnKey Solutions.

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Traditional Second Category winner, Eliane Pagaduan, Grace Christian Academy.

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO