Valentine’s Day is what most people think of when the month of February is mentioned. Love is the first thought that we had in mind. But, February is also about celebrating awareness, kindness, health and arts as well. There are many ways that someone could do in expressing love and appreciation to others. Small things done with love can lead to a happy heart. We, at Pahiyas Art Gallery had our own share. The Christmas fund raising project that we had last January {Give Art, Win Art} has been a successful one. The “One HeART Project” chose the 50 kids from Barangay Atulinao in Lucban, Quezon as our beneficiaries from the raised funds. Another important event is the National Arts Month. Its celebration traces its history to 1991 when President Corazon Aquino in the Presidential Proclamation 683, named February the National Arts Month. It encourages everyone to appreciate art and explore the diverse cultures around us. For this year’s theme: “Ani ng Sining: Bunga ng Galing”, the NCCA aims to celebrate the seven arts: Architecture and Allied Arts, Cinema, Dance, Dramatic Arts, Literary Arts, Music, and Visual Arts.
Things have not been good for the arts a couple of years ago because of the pandemic and the lockdown, but still the art industry managed to survive. We always recognize art as a source of positivity and expression of hope. If Valentine’s Day is about flowers, chocolates, cards or gifts or intimate dates in restaurants, National Arts Month is not to be taken for granted. Every once in a while we need to appreciate art in one way or another. For instance, visiting an art gallery or a museum is a good way to relax and be entertained. In supporting venues, we are also supporting the artists as well.
Southern Luzon State University had their art exhibit last February 20-23, 2023 which featured the students from different levels and courses. It is a collaboration of INDEAS (Industrial Design Association of Students and SIKATURA (Sining, Musika at Kultura). We visited the event and the students have shown a lot of beautiful masterpieces.
Pahiyas Art Society has been part of the Ali Mall Art Fair at Araneta City entitled “Converging Hues” last February 24-26, 2023. The event featured artworks of 15 artists, art demo/workshops, bazaar, higantes & entertainment. An exhibit opened at Pahiyas Art Gallery in Lucban, Quezon last February 27, 2023 entitled “Potograpiya at Sining”, which features Lucio Sales’ old photographs and artworks of local artists. Highlighting the event is an Interactive Art Installation that encourage the guests and visitors to contribute to the Puzzle Art Pieces at the gallery. In this activity, participants will design each pieces to complete the artwork. The Lucban Public Museum and Art Gallery re-opened too at Escuela Pia featuring Lucban Artists Guild. Other activities on the said celebration was the Umbrella Art Painting contest, Live Painting and Art Talk, Street Chalk Art, Fantasy Make-up, Fashion and Cultural Show.
On the cover is Ms. Adelaide C. Guia, a woman who makes awesome giant mandala crochet. Other feature artists are: Ms. Karen Hernandez Abril: A Determined Artist, and Shalmaine Biscocho: A Teenage Artist from Italy.
Whether be it a love or art month, the most important things are: to spread love to others, take time to notice the finer things in life and lastly, lend a helping hand.
