From the organizers of the Ortigas Art Festival, the first Greenhills (GH) Young Artists Festival runs at GH Mall in San Juan City from 12 to 25 February.

In partnership with Agos Studio, the GH Young Artists Festival trains the spotlight on emerging young artists from different parts of the Philippines. GH Mall’s East Wing Atrium is transformed into a hub that showcases beautiful, dynamic pieces in a non-traditional space.

With the theme, “Art For[ward]: Art that transcends borders,” the festival amplifies underrepresented voices that push art forward and shape the future and encourages people, especially the youth, to be active participants in various artworks.

For two weeks, visitors of all ages can check out exhibits for free and experience various interactive spaces and workshops that will bring out their creative sides.

Free exhibits by Filipino artists

The GH Young Artists Festival features exhibits with a selection of paintings, sculptures, and interactive art pieces. They are run by the country’s up-and-coming innovative artists from Agos Studio, Thombayan Art Space, Thrive Art Projects, Fu Bear and Friends, University of the Philippines Diliman’s collective of student artists, and many more. Award-winning Filipino artists Marge Chavez, Kira Uygongco, and Rachel Anne Lacaba will also display their diverse portfolio of works.

Visitors must keep their eyes out for interactive artworks that are free to touch. One is the piece by Orland Espinosa from Iloilo, which allows people to mold and play with clay to help bring his art to life.

Leave your creative mark on the Community Canvas and photo wall

Apart from paintings and sculptures, one can also interact with installations, such as the Community Canvas. This encourages visitors to paint and draw on the installation to create a dynamic and unique community art piece.

Interested participants can join by registering at the walk-in booth and pay the registration fee of P300 for adults and P150 for students (present valid ID), kids aged five to 10 years old, and Ortigas Community Card holders.

Another installation that’s worth checking out is the #ArtByYou Community Wall, where people can write their thoughts and reflections about the festival, and use the stickers provided to spruce up their musings. A selfie mirror is also installed in the wall design so visitors can take fun photos for their Instagram feeds. This installation is a twist on the typical community wall, going beyond the usual sticky notes and turning it into an engaging centerpiece.

Enriching art workshops for every interest

Visitors can also participate in a wide array of workshops. They can learn from the best in painting, oil pastel, carving, jewelry designing, and more. All workshops, except the Art Swap, have a minimal fee (discounted for Ortigas Community Card holders) to join.

These workshops include Paint with GYAF Artists on 13 February; Sip and Paint with Ben Albino and Anne Lacaba on 14 February; Oil Pastel with Villarica Manuel on 15 February; Art For[Love]: Art Swap + Open Mic Night on 15 February; Midday Bouquet Making Workshop with Aurora Flora on 16 February; Back-to-Back Toy and Jewelry Design Workshop on 16 February; Love in Layers: A Valentine’s Special Collage Workshop with Ange Labyrinth on 17 February, 5 to 7:30 p.m.; Acrylic Painting on Terracota with Odangputik on 22 February, 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; Drawn to Tell: Storytelling Through Illustration with Kulas on 23 February, 2 to 4:30 p.m.; and Carve and Print with MarzToday on 25 February, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

From Ortigas Art Festival to GH Young Artists Festival, the goal has always been to democratize art and make it accessible to all. Paired with the fresh perspectives of emerging contemporary artists, these platforms dare to challenge what art could be and how communities could partake in it.