A trip to the mall is part of everyday life, whether it is running errands, enjoying a meal or spending time with family and friends. At SM City Clark, however, a simple stroll can become an unexpected cultural experience, where visitors encounter stories of heritage, identity, and creativity through the works of local artists.

This July, SM Supermalls continues its commitment to making art more accessible through Art For Everyone 2026, a nationwide initiative that transforms participating malls into vibrant spaces where art can be experienced and appreciated by all. More than an exhibition, it is a platform that connects communities with artists and allows creativity to become part of everyday life.

At SM City Clark, the initiative places the spotlight on Kapampangan artists who continue to keep their heritage alive through sculptures, paintings and mixed media works. The exhibit brings together a diverse creative community, from students learning to express themselves through art to some of Pampanga's most respected masters.

"For years, it has been SM Supermalls' advocacy to support the artists community of the area where an SM Supermall is situated. For SM City Clark, what we have been doing here is to support our local and upcoming artists. We give them space in the mall, an avenue to showcase their masterpiece and even the stories behind them," said SM City Clark mall manager Marianne Grace Gavino.

She added that whether through sculpture or painting, artists are given the opportunity to share their creativity with a wider audience. As malls naturally draw diverse communities together, they become ideal venues for local artists to showcase their masterpieces and connect with people who may be encountering original art for the first time.

Among the featured artists is renowned ecclesiastical sculptor Willy Layug of Betis, Guagua, Pampanga. In a one-on-one interview, Layug spoke about his mission to pass on artistic knowledge to younger generations. For him, preserving heritage is important, but artists should also continue to evolve and explore forms of expression beyond what is familiar.

His career reflects that philosophy. Although he first gained recognition for his sculptures, Layug has ventured into mixed media and developed techniques that allow him to create more contemporary works while remaining rooted in his Kapampangan identity.

It is also a lesson he has imparted to his son, Joseph Layug. Believing that art should never be limited by tradition alone, Willy encouraged his son to broaden his artistic perspective and even sent him to Spain to pursue formal education in the arts.

At the same time, Layug hopes fellow artists approach the growing use of artificial intelligence with care. While he recognizes the convenience of AI and believes it can serve as a source of inspiration or reference, he maintains that creating something with one's own hands remains far more rewarding. For him, there is a significant difference between using technology to spark ideas and simply relying on AI-generated renditions that imitate the work of others.

Layug's appreciation for creativity was shaped by the community where he grew up. Betis has long been known for generations of skilled wood carvers, and being surrounded by artisans nurtured his passion from an early age. It also inspired him to mentor aspiring artists and help transform talent into meaningful livelihood opportunities.

For Joseph, his father's legacy extends beyond internationally recognized works, including creations used during one of the Masses celebrated by the late Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines and the Ferula presented to Pope Leo XIV in October 2025. More than these milestones, he treasures the guidance, techniques, and freedom his father gave him to become an artist in his own right.

At SM City Clark, these stories transform an ordinary mall visit into an immersive encounter with culture and creativity, reminding visitors that art is not confined to galleries. It can be discovered in familiar places, where communities gather and where local stories continue to be told through every brushstroke and carving.