AGUINALDO, Ifugao (PIA) – In appreciation for the arts and in the spirit of communal support, the local government unit of Aguinaldo collaborated with a local business establishment to hold the Prelude Art Exhibit at Cafe Carmen in Bato Alatbang in Mayoyao.
The carefully curated selection features over 35 artworks of local artists in the Sabayang Pagpinta event during Aguinaldo’s 43rd founding anniversary in September 2023. These creations reflect the cultural heritage of the town.
Aguinaldo tourism officer designate Benjamin Burgess Jr. said the art exhibit was initiated to demonstrate that arts thrive in the municipality. It aims to support local artists in showcasing and selling their paintings.
This led to Mayor Gaspar Chilagan Jr. signing an agreement for the collaboration with Cafe Carmen owner Hygeia P. Dulnuan.
During the exhibit opening on January 25, Singapore-based journalist Martin Abbugao Jr. from Mayoyao, Ifugao, shared the importance of arts in society, stating that a society without arts loses its soul. He emphasized that both infrastructure and arts development should be both seen and felt.
Gracelyn Tique, executive assistant to the mayor, emphasized that arts can uplift a society, serving as a tool to express ideas, emotions, and advocacies. She assured the mayor’s commitment to supporting art activities, evident in events like the Sabayang Pagpinta, and initiatives to showcase the talents of local artists in various locations.
Vice Mayor Roberto Lim-ang said this showcase of talents reveals a pool of local artists waiting to be discovered. He encouraged employees not to lose sight of the arts that nourish the soul.
“As artists, very grateful kami sa opportunity na naibigay sa amin para ma-share yung aming talents (As artists, we are very grateful for the opportunity given to us to share our talents),” local artist Geraldine Guitangna said.
This first art exhibit in town is a great privilege providing a new experience.
“From poster making during high school days, our creative and artistic perspectives have deepened as shown in our different paintings hanging around the vicinity," she added.
The art exhibit will run until February 29, 2024. It is open daily from 10am to 7pm. (JDP/FBR- PIA CAR, Ifugao)
