BRIDGE Capital has extended the deadline for its art contest to April 12. 

As of Friday, Bridge Capital’s Alex Palacios said the company had already received 233 entries but wanted to give artists more chances to submit their work.

More than $15,000 is at stake in the competition. The prize categories are as follows: 

Best of Show wins $2,000; painting and drawing, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; photography $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; open category, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; age category, 12-17 years old, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; age category, 11 years old and under, $750 for first place and $500 for second place; and the Governor’s Choice Award, $1,000.

Eligible participants can submit up to two works of art. Entries must be physically delivered to the Bridge Capital office at 1057 Micro Beach Road by 5 p.m. on April 12, Friday. The Bridge Capital office is located adjacent to Marianas Creations and Everest Kitchen.

Submissions should be in the form of traditionally accepted artistic materials and techniques, including 2-D art, such as painting, drawing, collage and photography, and 3-D art, which includes sculpture, metal work, carving, modeling, casting, pottery, glassblowing, etc. 

Digital artwork must be printed and framed on canvas or photo paper.

For more information, go to cnmiart.com, email events@bccnmi.com or call (670) 322-2222. 

THE Joeten-Kiyu Public Library on Thursday hosted an Easter fun event in collaboration with first lady Wella Palacios, the Friends of JKPL, and Bridge Capital LLC.

About 170 children participated in an Easter egg hunt. Participants were split up by age.

JKPL staff also transformed the interior of the library into a “mini carnival” with indoor carnival games, food vendors, an arts and crafts station, an egg painting station, and more.

THE deadline for the Bridge Capital 11th Annual Art Competition is on April 3 as organizers continue to encourage artists of all media to compete for over $15,000 in total prizes.

Julie Duenas, Bridge Capital office manager, said their company hopes to highlight all the ways Marianas residents can be creative. 

“We invite everyone to participate — photography, painting, drawing, wood carving, sculpture and digital art as well,” she said.

According to the official competition rules, eligible participants can submit up to two works of art.

All artworks must be physically delivered to the Bridge Capital office at 1057 Micro Beach Road by 5 p.m. on April 3, Wednesday. The Bridge Capital office is located adjacent to Marianas Creations and Everest Kitchen. 

Submissions should be in the form of traditionally accepted artistic materials and techniques, including 2-D art such as painting, drawing, collage and photography, and 3-D art, which includes sculpture, metal work, carving, modeling, casting, pottery, glassblowing, etc. 

Digital artwork must be printed and framed on canvas or photo paper. 

The contest is open to any person who has resided continuously in the CNMI for at least a year prior to Feb. 26, 2024. 

Every artwork entered in the competition is eligible to win three prizes: the Best of Show Award, the Governor’s Choice Award, and either 1st or 2nd prize in the category in which the artwork was entered. 

The rules stipulate that “although one person may submit up to two artworks to the competition, only one artwork can win prizes.” 

Prize categories are as follows: 

Best of Show wins $2,000; painting and drawing, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; photography $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; open category, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; age category, 12-17, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; age category, 11 and under, $750 for first place and $500 for second place; and the Governor’s Choice Award, $1,000. 

Duenas said in the five years she’s been at Bridge Capital, the annual art competition has highlighted the “magnitude of talent” present in the CNMI. 

“We definitely have a lot of talented individuals,” she said. “I’m really impressed by the talent that we have in the CNMI.”

In January 2024, Julie Ann M. Duenas, Office Manager at Bridge Capital, along with Alex Palacios, Community Relations and Property Acquisition Specialist, joyfully presented a $3,000 donation to the Marianas Visitors Authority, solidifying Bridge Capital as a gold sponsor for the Saipan Marathon 2024. Joined by an enthusiastic team from MVA, including Community Projects Specialists Ray Villagomez and Ed Diaz, Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion, Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas, and Special Assistant to the Managing Director Zenella Sablan, the occasion was marked with camaraderie and support. The marathon, set for March 9, 2024, promises an exciting event ahead.

Over the weekend, MADFLEX and Prospects 1 emerged as champions in their respective divisions, capping off the three-day Matty D’s 3×3 Youth Tournament at the Ada gym.

In the U16 championship match, Madflex demonstrated their exceptional skills, defeating Rollers 2 with a score of 13-4. The Madflex team, comprised of Jezpher Navarro, Jonne Navarro, Onick Ragbonshe, and Christian Lucero, showcased impressive teamwork and played to their strengths.

Lucero, utilizing his power and height, smoothly finished at the rim, while Jonne Navarro’s three-point shots, combined with contributions from Jezpher Navarro and Rogabonshe, quickly established a commanding 10-point lead. Despite Rollers 2 gaining confidence later in the game, Madflex secured a decisive victory with a final score of 13-4.

In the U13 division, Prospects 1 triumphed over their sibling team, Prospects 4, with a score of 18-10. Prospects 1, consisting of Leon Duenas, David Apatang, Liam Wilson, and Jairus Pangilinan, displayed unstoppable offensive prowess. Duenas, in particular, dominated the offensive lane with no-look passes and versatile finishes, securing a comfortable lead for Prospects 1. Despite Prospects 4 putting up a fight, Prospects 1 emerged victorious with a final score of 18-10.

Tournament host Matt Duenas expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This tournament is for the youth. Originally planned as a Christmas tournament, we opted for this 3×3 format instead. I selected the U13 and U16 age groups to showcase the talents of the youth and provide them with positive alternatives amidst the challenges they may face.”

Duenas extended gratitude to the 104 players who participated, making it a successful event. He also thanked sponsors, including Bridge Capital, Priority Care, Saipan Ice & Water, and Ada gym, for their support in making the tournament possible.