Manila: At the SM City Baguio atrium, more than 1,000 artworks from 140 artists fill the space -- paintings, mixed media, solar artworks, and pieces made from recycled materials. Passersby pause, gaze and sometimes walk away with a piece of art they never expected to buy.
According to Philippines News Agency, this is the third year of "Art for Everyone," organized by the Pasa-Kalye Group of Artists. For Maricar Docyogen, its president, the exhibit is about more than just display -- it is about breaking down barriers between art and the public. "When we say appreciation, the best parameter is when they buy. That is the goal for many years for the people of Baguio. When they appreciate, they are able to buy. Not just printed posters and framed prints, but the actual works of artists," Docyogen said.
The exhibit runs until July 10. City tourism officer Aloysius Mapalo noted that the mall ranks among the top 10 tourist destinations in the city, ensuring high foot traffic and greater exposure for the artists. "If no avenue for people to see artworks, only in galleries, limited people will see. But opening them in public areas will allow more people to see and expose them to appreciation of art. Like here, they can just drop by to see the artworks and even interact with the artists," Docyogen added.
Pasa-Kalye has about 500 members, ranging from established artists to rookies. "Many of our rookie artist members discovered and developed their talents during the pandemic when people were feeling a lot of stress and depression, and arts became an avenue to cope with the situation," Docyogen shared. The group also includes artists with autism spectrum disorder. "Art is healing. Even children, people with autism who are part of us. They are part of the show. Aside from healing, it is also part of therapy. Art does a lot," she said.
On the first year of "Art for Everyone," total sales reached PHP800,000. The second year dipped to PHP600,000 due to rain interruptions. This year, Docyogen hopes for more. "We hope to have more this year, especially with about 1,000 works from 140 participating artists. Sales is not just about the money but the appreciation, which is the most important part of being an artist," she said. The public venue, she noted, gives people a taste of what art can be until they develop a liking for it. "Being here for the third year, I see more people being reached, more buyers and more repeat buyers who have developed a liking for certain artists and art styles," Docyogen observed.
Among the artists is Doy Tabilog, an engineer and executive assistant to Mayor Benjamin Magalong. He discovered painting as therapy after suffering from stroke. "It was therapy for me. I did simple artworks in 2022, at the height of the pandemic, and I am glad that it is serving its purpose," he said. Tabilog, 65, mentioned that seeing his landscape painting among those on display gives him a good feeling, especially after a stroke gave him the idea of life's uncertainties.
For Jerico Jordan Bernardo, SM City Baguio mall manager, the mall's support for local artists is a natural fit. "SM is always open to artists, especially in Baguio where part of the culture is about art. Our support to the community will remain steadfast, especially for the public's good," he said. "Our goal is also to break the myth that art is just for the rich, only for galleries. It can be done in public spaces. We just have to know what to appreciate," Docyogen concluded.
