The local government of Marikina City on Monday, 14 September, opened a free public art exhibit featuring 56 works by 29 homegrown artists, providing a space for local talents to showcase their stories, perspectives, and artistic journeys.

Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro led the opening of The (He)Art of Marikina: Homegrown at the Marikina Heritage Building, together with city officials, participating artists, and local art enthusiasts.

The exhibit, organized by the local government, brings together works by 29 artists whose pieces reflect their individual experiences and journeys as creatives in Marikina City.

Among the artists featured in the exhibit are Lydia Velasco, Fernando Sena, Remy Boquiren, Marilyn V. Aquino, Marj Sula-Aquino, Dennis G. Baquial, Yolanda Batara, Carl Vincent Bautista, Edgar Barrientos, Ramon B. Cañeza, Daisy Carlos, Kris Carlos, Chie Cruz, Isidora Velasco Duran, Isagani Fuentes, Esther Sevilla Garcia, and Jun Lopez.

Also featured are Renn Magalang, Arlene Manalus, Clarisa Navidad, Luan Paras, Andy F. Pernia, Mario Bautista Panis, Marcelo C. Quezon, Gabriel Santiago, Bing Siochi, Andy “Abu” Urag, Melissa Villaseñor, and Bim Zabella.

“This exhibit is a celebration of creativity, artistic expression, and a growing community of artists brought together by a shared passion for art,” Teodoro said.

“Behind each work is a person with something meaningful to share: a memory, a perspective, a passion. These deserve a place in our city’s life,” the mayor added.

Housed in the recently inaugurated Marikina Heritage Building, Teodoro said the exhibit also highlights the development of the city’s local art scene and its diverse creative community.

For the city government, homegrown seeks to provide artists with a venue not only to display their work but also to connect with fellow creatives and strengthen the local arts community.

“That is the spirit of Homegrown: a community where artists from Marikina and neighboring communities can share their work, build friendships, and continue creating with confidence,” Teodoro said.

The mayor also underscored the city government’s commitment to supporting homegrown artists and initiatives that contribute to Marikina’s creative sector.

“For me, caring for Marikina also means caring for the creative spirit of our people. It means giving our artists space to express themselves and ensuring that their work receives the appreciation it deserves,” she said.

“Marikina City will always make room for your creativity and celebrate your contributions to our community,” the mayor added.

Teodoro also urged Marikina residents as well as art enthusiasts from neighboring cities to visit the exhibit and discover the works of participating artists.

The (He)Art of Marikina: Homegrown is open to the public free of charge at the Marikina Heritage Building from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Sundays except holidays.

The exhibit will run until 23 November 2026.

To further support the artists and community, the artworks displayed in the exhibit may be purchased on sale.