Fuetsan Manmaga'haga exhibit celebrates women of Guam

The present is famalao'an. That's the message artists like Cielo de los Reyes wants to share.

"It represents how we women have really come to this world showing our strength and beauty.," she said.

Her two watercolor art pieces are a part of the Fuetsan Manmaga'haga exhibit on display at the Latte of Freedom. The middle school teacher's work brings Simone and Dana Bollinger's book "Ma Guiya Yu' Nana yan si Tata" to life. It's one of about 40 art pieces curated over the past month.

Fuestsan Manmaga'haga translates to "The Strength of Guam's high ranking women," acting CAHA director Jackie Balbas said. It comes at a time when Guam has elected its first female governor. But the exhibit goes deeper than political ties.

"What we have featured here could be women who impacted the culture such as Master Weaver Tan Elena Benevente and Master Surahana Tan Pai Certeza," she explained. "They have passed away so the photographs you of them pays tribute to the women and what they have done. You may also see something more on the personal level."

Artist Yeon Sook Park presents, known for her neon depictions of island life, has a mixed media piece featuring a CHamoru woman on display.

"Guam is a melting pot," she said. "So we are all in the womanhood who want to celebrate this particular theme."

The exhibit is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Balbas hopes that young CHamoru women walk away with a lesson.

"Believe in yourself and know that anything is possible," she said.