[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ADRIANO BAZA PANGELINAN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F. Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2022

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of Adriano Baza Pangelinan. Adriano was a pioneer of 
contemporary art and esteemed ambassador of Guam whose love for our 
island and people has and continues to resonate in countless ways. We 
will fondly remember him as a talented visionary that has helped shape 
the history and revitalize the spirit of artistry for our community.
  As a student at George Washington High School, Adriano launched a 
distinguished art career at an early age. In the late 1960s, Adriano's 
undeniable talent, understanding, and use of color compelled his art 
teacher to submit several of his works to various national and 
international student art shows. Garnering much attention and 
acclamation from throughout the world, 17-year-old Adriano was invited 
to the Chautauqua Institute Art Exhibit in New York State. Shortly 
thereafter, knowledge of his name and work began to spread. An article 
about him was published in the New York Times, he was invited to 
exhibit a one-man show at the San Francisco Museum of Modem Art, and he 
received numerous other exhibition invitations from places such as 
Japan and Texas.
  Passionate about elevating his creative skills and work, Adriano 
earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from Southern 
Illinois University in 1973. By then, he had captivated a worldwide 
audience and obtained international recognition. Yet instead of taking 
his wisdom and expertise abroad, he chose to return home to give back 
to the very people and island often at the center of his vivid 
watercolor pieces. Upon his arrival, he took on a role as a professor 
of art at the University of Guam up until his retirement in 1993. For 
two decades he served as a teacher and mentor--supporting generations 
of young artists along their personal paths of success. Today, the 
distinctive colors, perspective, and character embodied in Adriano's 
work can be found in many local public spaces including Guam's A. B. 
Won Pat International Airport, the Guam Legislature, King's Restaurant, 
Pacific Islands Club Resort, Guam Hilton Hotel, and numerous other 
hotels. With themes ranging from island customs and daily activities to 
architecture and homes, they persist as stunning reminders of the 
beauty that he saw, and we can similarly discover, in our lives, 
history, and culture.
  Adriano Baza Pangelinan is an icon of ingenuity who continues to 
inspire emerging artists and appreciators alike. My family and I wish 
to extend our hearts and prayers for Adriano, his wife Shiela, children 
Adriano, Carlos, Marilyn, Sean, and Dano, and the rest of their family 
and friends, and I join the People of Guam in remembering and 
celebrating his life and legacy of remaining grounded in one's 
community and roots no matter where their success may take them. Though 
Adriano will be deeply missed, he will be welcomed at the Heavenly 
Gates by his dear mother Pilar, father Vicente, siblings Cristobal, 
Abelina, Enrique, and Jose, and daughter Filomena, and his love and 
memories will forever remain in the hearts of the People of Guam.

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