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Tarlac Hosts 1st CL Art Fair

admin January 9, 2023

THE very first Central Luzon Art Fair that features artists coming from the seven provinces of Region III (Tarlac, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga) opened last October 15 at the Bulwagang Kanlahi of the Diwa ng Tarlac.

The Art Fair, hosted by the province of Tarlac is in celebration of the Museum and Galleries Month (MGM) and will last until October 23. Last October 5, the second Tarlac Art Fair kicked-off at the main lobby of the Diwa ng Tarlac and the art pieces will be on display until October 31.

“Culture is an integral part of life and life lacks color without art. That is why we are advocating art as a tool of expression,” Tarlac Governor Susan Yap said.

She added, “Nakakatuwang makita sa isang exhibit ang mga likha ng ating artists mula sa iba’t-ibang parte ng Central Luzon, hindi maipagkakailang naguumapaw sa talento at pagkamalikhain ang ating mga kababayan.”

Also present during the launch were the artist from Central Luzon, Senator Francis Tolentino, Miss Earth Philippines 2022 Jenny Ramp, Department of Tourism Region III Director Carol Uy, Tarlac second and third district Representatives Christian Yap and Noel Rivera, Pampanga Congresswoman Anna Bondoc, Comelec Provincial Director Fernando Cot-Om, Moncada Mayor Estelita Aquino, Bulacan provincial representative Eliseo Dela Cruz and Nueva Ecija provincial representative Jose San Pedro.

Senators Loren Legarda and Bong Go participated via zoom and delivered their respective messages. Visiting mentors were Melissa Yeung-Yap, Renato Habulan and Alfredo Esquillo.

Sponsors for the first Central Luzon Art Fair include Katingko Oil and Ointment, Boysen Paints, Ford Motors-Tarlac, Metrobank Art & Design Concept, Art+ Magazine, ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin.

In her Facebook post, Yeung-Yap, the wife of Rep. Yap and daughter-in-law of Gov. Yap, she said that she is grateful to Gov. Yap and husband Rep. Yap for helping her in organizing the art fair.

“So grateful to the best MIL in the world Gov. Susan Yap and my loving husband Christian for enabling and empowering me to organize this. Endless thanks to the super hardworking and efficient Tarlac Tourism PGT headed by Arsenio Lugay II for helping mount the whole event,” she posted.

Yeung-Yap, the Central Luzon Art Fair organizer, likewise thanked all those who helped out and supported the art fair.

“Thank you so much to all those who helped out, came and supported. Thank you so much to the lead provincial coordinators. This wouldn’t have been possible without your effective leadership,” Yeung-Yap said.

Meanwhile, Tarlac-based artist Mr. Sonny Fernando was recently chosen by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a guest artist at the NCCA Gallery from October 6-31, 2022.

Fernando has been a constant contributor and supporter of the Tarlac art scene from the multiple group exhibits, solo shows and the annual Tarlac Art Fair. His distinct geometric technique and use of multiple of colors depicting everyday scenes to a personal rendition of “The Last Supper” offer a unique and personal touch which distinguishing his very own style.

His current exhibit, Under House ArtRest is a collection of masterpieces collected during the height of the Covid19 pandemic.