Gregorio Sablan: “50 years ago, President Kennedy observed that ``the life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in…”

“50 years ago, President Kennedy observed that ``the life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a distraction, in the life of a nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose--and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization.'' I ask you to join me today in recognizing Barry Wonenberg, an artist in the Northern Mariana Islands, who very much embodies the ideal of which the President spoke, and who, through his avocations as both artist and educator, has, for more than 20 years, broadened our community's appreciation of art, creativity, and culture--and encouraged others to explore, and achieve in, artistic endeavors as well. Today, Barry is representing the United States at the 12th International Sculpture Symposium in Changchun, China. Artists from 96 different countries are creating sculptures there which will be added to some 500 sculptures already exhibited in that city from previous symposia. We all watch the progress on the massive clay sculpture Barry is creating, wish him well, and thank him for representing the Northern Marianas and America with such distinction.…”