Ta Na'i Animu: Sacred Waters Exhibit

Ta Na'i Animu: Sacred Waters is a collaborative art exhibition that centers water as a living relative and source of cultural memory. The exhibit showcases work from 45 artists across the Marianas, creating poignant pieces that highlight the archipelago's freshwater and ocean ecosystems amid environmental and militarization pressures, including deep seabed mining, firing ranges, and coastal erosion.

The closing ceremony takes place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Guam Museum. This free, community-centered event brings together artists, advocates, and community members for an evening of live art and intergenerational knowledge sharing. The program features a panel of water advocates discussing their work in water protection and a live fashion art build where three artists collaborate in real time to create wearable pieces inspired by deep sea life, spotlighting the harms of deep seabed mining.

A major highlight includes a presentation by Master Suruhåna Mama Lou Manglona, who will share the cultural and medicinal significance of Hanom Sinaga (fresh collected rainwater) in traditional CHamoru healing practices. The event underscores the enduring role of water in CHamoru identity. The closing ceremony includes a silent auction of original artworks created by participating artists, with all proceeds supporting ongoing Micronesia Climate Change Alliance (MCCA) cultural and environmental programming.

The exhibit was organized by MCCA and Hita Litekyan in collaboration with Nenpire and Guam LEAF. Families are encouraged to visit the museum through the closing ceremony for the Neni Nook, featuring fun sensory activities. According to exhibit curator Kacey Bejado, this is part of an annual series highlighting pressing issues in Marianas communities, with future themes to be determined. The exhibit was made possible through funding from the Teiger Foundation.