(Photos and article by: Manny De Guzman, Jr.)

Fourty-seven Antipoleno artists mount an exhibit in celebration of the National Art Month. "Heartful @17" by the ARTipolo Group Inc. opened last Sunday, February 19 at the luscious greenery of the Loreland Farm and Resort. Sitio Loreland, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City. The art exhibit is open for daily viewing and will run until March 18, 2017.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS: Ariel Purca, Banjamin Neri, Bernardo Matias, Camille Butac, Carlmel Belda, Carol Alay-ay, Chris Brando Reyes, Christelle Arroyo, Christina Arroyo, Cora Patarata, Dianne Cabas, Den Vincent Ubando, Dodie Inilayo, Dr. Isagani Cruz, Dyna Quizon Ondoy, Fred Tejada, Gary Santiago Rojas, Gilbert Mariano, Jeimee Cadid, Jerry Contridas, Joerle Tejada, Jojo Javier, Jonas Roces, Joseph Clavita, Joseph Glenn Floro, Jun Tagaro, Jun Vicaldo, Katlene Enriquez, Krissee Mae Cadid, Lexter Victorio, Liana Mariz P. Mesina, Luigi Fernando, Mark Joseph Beloria, Merlito Gepte, Noel Mahilum, Pol A Mesina Jr., Otto Neri, Ramel Castillo, Ramil Rodriguez, Roberto Bonifacio, Rodgie Gapayao, Rose Gob, Ryan E. Mesina, Tess P. Mesina, Tessa Diamse, Vivian Nocum Limpin, and Zheann Cagaman.

ARTIPOLO, new and rising but beyond the ordinary

What’s spectacular about this group is that ARTipolo is not choosy about its members as anybody interested in arts can join as long as they are willing to support and work as a group, and as long as they are willing to embrace the group’s mission and vision. Pol Mesina, the group’s Founding President said in an opening remark: "Walang pera na maibibigay ang grupo. Ang tanging maibibigay ng grupo ay experience at exposure sa mga artists especially sa mga baguhan. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng mga art exhibits, plein air sessions at iba pang art-related programs and activities."

Mesina being an art instructor himself has proven that art is for everybody by teaching people of all ages and walks of life, including street children and indigents. In fact, the former group he founded, the Sining, Kulay at Tinta (SIKAT, also an Antipolo-based group) revolves around student members and out-of school youths to become a recognized professional group in the art circle for their exemplary art-related community and public service. Now with the formation of the new "ARTipolo Group Inc.” Mesina wish to imply the same mission and vision incorporating the hopes and dreams of the each artist members to belong to one prestigious group they can call their own. The ARTipolo Group Inc. comprised of students, art enthusiasts, businessmen and professional artists who are very willing to share their knowledge for the sake of art discovery, learning and appreciation.

 
"HEARTFUL @17" Opening, a Success!

Tagged as a Valentines exhibit, with opening date close to February 14, the affair had been worthwhile for all artists and one kind of an experience for art viewers. The ribbon cutting was graced by the famed artist Fred Liongoren of Liongoren Gallery; Ms. Dhalia Amador - former Philippine Tourism Authority Regional Director; Chato Dolot - Soroptomist, Antipolo Chapter; Lanelle Abueva - pottery artist/ Owner of Cresent Moon Restaurant and daughter of National Artist Napoleon Abueva; Cee Cadid - a well-known artist; Jose Glenn Blanco, an artist and son of famed painter Jose “Pitok” Blanco; Gem Y. Blanco - artist and wife of Jose Glenn Blanco; Ryan Lorenzo Mariñas - owner Prime Lens Photography Studio; and Len Dy - Loreland Farm Resort Coordinator.

One major highlight of the exhibit was the plein air session at the vast greenery of Loreland farm hours before the exhibit opening. The finished paintings and drawings were donated to the sponsoring venue. During the exhibit proper, Maestro Fred Liongoren made a drawing/ caricature demonstration in front of fellow artists and guests who patiently waited for their turn to be drawn by the master.

"Heartful @17" exhibit showcase artworks in various style and genre of paintings, drawings, illustrations and sculpture. You can feel the hard work and emotion for each obra may it be modern abstract, realism, expressionism or impressionism. The ARTipolo group really have done a good job inspiring each members with hopes of learning, improving and getting into the art circle, beginners and professionals alike. I once overheard a radio conversation in one job employment talk show where a new Fine Arts graduate was asking if there were paintings and illustration job he can apply to. Now with rising art groups like ARTipolo whose mission and vision is art discovery and appreciation and where individual talents were honed and improved, unemployed artists get professional! 

 

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(Manny De Guzman, Jr. is a freelance writer, photojournalist and artist from the Philippines. This blog reflects the author's opinion and may be revised at any time should the author wish to change some items, or whenever necessary. For inquiries and particulars, you may contact the author at mannydeguzmanjrartist@yahoo.com, or thru the contact details provided in this web page.)