Valdez Arts Council
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Velocity Dance Center |
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Discipline: Media Arts Vicente Salas II, also known as “Ben,” is an indigenous Chamorro independent filmmaker, spoken word poet, hip hop artist, photographer, and writer with deep ties to Saipan, Guam, and Hawaii. A deeper dive into his familial roots also reveals a rich tapestry of Carolinian (Satawalese), Spanish, African, Filipino, and Scottish ancestry. From an early age, he has traveled globally, fostering a lifelong passion for uniting diverse cultures and communities through a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary filmmaking and poetic arts. Beyond his cinematic endeavors, Salas’ career achievements include working as a journalist for publications like Marianas Variety and serving his native Marianas community as a former caseworker and indigenous Chamorro cultural advocate for the CNMI Indigenous Affairs Office. Today, he continues to create compelling film projects under his Todu Båli Media banner, dedicated to bridging cultures and inspiring meaningful connections through his art. |
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Discipline: Visual Arts Victoria Joy Sewell, through a culturally diverse upbringing and following intuition, discovered a home in Saipan. Her art serves as a visual representation of sensations that transcend our immediate perception. We all experience moments when something within us undergoes a profound transformation due to a special connection. Sewell’s pursuit is to capture these fleeting moments, aiming to offer viewers a sense of tranquility, healing, and self-connection. By embracing presence, they can contemplate the healing peace that arises when we recognize our inherent transcendence of the physical realm—a lesson deeply ingrained in her through Saipan, inspiring and informing her art, teaching and volunteering. |
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Vogue M. Robinson is an author, poet, performer, teaching artist, and creativity enabler who deeply values people who put truth and heart into words. She inspires and empowers others by leading through example and providing resources that help artists create work they can take pride in. Robinson served as Clark County, Nevada’s poet laureate from 2017 to 2019 and is the first Black woman to receive the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame Silver Pen Award. She is the author of the poetry collection Vogue 3:16, Vol. 1. Her work is influenced by Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, Patricia Smith, Suzi Q. Smith, Danez Smith, and her grandmother, Martina Carpenter. Her poetry has been featured in numerous anthologies, including The Beautiful, Legs of Tumbleweeds, Wings of Lace, Sandstone and Silver, and A Change Is Gonna Come. Known for being humorous, vulnerable, and empowering, Robinson’s writing and performances resonate deeply with her audiences. When she’s not writing, Robinson enjoys spending time with her family or experimenting with fluid art techniques. Learn more about her work at www.vogue316.com. |
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Walla Walla Symphony Society |
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Washington Center for the Performing Arts |
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Water Music Society |
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Western New Mexico University Office of Cultural Affairs |
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Western Oregon University Foundation |
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Whidbey Island Center for the Arts |
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White Bird |
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Whitefish Theatre Co. |
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Wild Steps |
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Willcox Theater and Arts, Inc. |
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Discipline: Crafts William Junior (Repeki) Adrillano is a cultural artisan from the village of Tanapag, Saipan. Taught by a wide circle of family and friends, he practices traditional weaving, carving, and other indigenous crafts. Adrillano honors the many mentors who shaped his journey by sharing his work with others. While he finds joy in creating for loved ones, he now hopes to connect more deeply with his community through his art. Inspired by Acts 20:35, he believes “there is more happiness in giving than in receiving,” and seeks to pass on the beauty of Chamorro and Carolinian traditions. |
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WYO Theater |
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Yakima Symphony Orchestra |
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Yerba Buena Arts & Events |
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Yorba Linda Orchestra Association |
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Young Musicians, Inc. |
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Zion Canyon Arts and Humanities Council |