by Lannie Walker

Guam - The Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities recognized four of the island's master artists that have been selected to conduct the 2011 CAHA Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program to the public. Master blacksmith Joaquin Lujan, master carver Robert Taitano, master weaver Philip Sablan and master tattoo artist Maria Yatar will teach their skills to up to four apprentices.

Louis Vuitton donated almost $26,000 to help fund the project, much of which was raised from selling Japan underwater photographs. This is the first private-public partnership between LV and CAHA. Taitano, who has practiced his trade for 40 years, speaks on the importance of passing down his skills.

"We wanted to make it a leave so that we can teach our young people everything about our culture about what we use in our house about our carving about two lovers about our latte," he explained to KUAM News.

In total, 56 masters have been recognized since 1997 - 12 of whom are still with us today.