Students showcase pieces at Makati’s Art in the Park

Ever since the year 2006, Art in the Park continues to strike awe and wonderment into the hearts of the continuously expanding, more appreciative Philippine arts and culture community. After all, the annual event gathers sterling galleries with artists of note as well as budding art spaces and independent collectives together all in one fun-filled eye-opening affair.

It keeps its mission of making visual arts accessible in two ways. The event finds home at the laidback, newly-enhanced Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati City, a welcome reprieve right at the heart of the desired residential area, and the price range ranges from P70,000 and way below, for new collectors or to serve as ideal gifts for those who have everything.

Amongst the camaraderie and chaos of the first physical show since 2019, art enthusiasts and the curious once again drowned at the excellent selections of paintings, sculptures, mixed-media works, drawings, prints, photographs, potteries, pieces of furniture, zines and stickers.

With no more wall space available due to the art pieces I have collected and have been gifted over the years, I found myself under the lush fire trees that abound in the green patch to observe what's new and what moves buyers in the year 2023.

Joining this year's edition was — surprise, surprise — another familiar name — the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, which I soon learned was on their second participation.

"The open call for artworks was offered to students, faculty and alumni," shared Arts Management Program professor and supervising faculty member Thea Garing. A pavilion was set up at the campus to receive entries, complete with certificates of authenticity, ready for the possible purchase of the obras.

With an initial plan to limit the submissions to only 120 works, it was eventually expanded to 215 due to the overwhelming turnout. The displays at the Benilde Booth had to be rotated throughout the day, with 50 to 60 on view at a time.

First-time participant Carlo Miguel Cuvin shared his feelings: "I was really excited but also nervous for this is my initial art-related event outside of the college. Seeing my craft at the booth, together with the works of my colleagues, made more intense by other groups of artists, really motivated me. It was surreal."

Along with Garing, the collaboration was made possible with the guidance of Alain Zedrick Camiling, Arts Management Program chair. They were also aided by Maria Magdalena C. de Leon, Benilde School of Arts, Culture and Performance dean, as well as the chairpersons from the other programs.

The Art in the Park fete is untiringly and unfailingly organized by Philippine Art Events Inc. for the benefit of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. This event comes after the success of Art Fair Philippines 2023, led by its founders, Dindin Araneta, Trickie Lopa and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet.

The response was heartwarming and fulfilling, as we have reconfirmed our inclusion in the roster of art fairs in open spaces together with the other capital cities of the world.

Let the artworks do the talking.