Manila: More than 200 artworks from 70 local artists in Pangasinan were put on display at an art exhibit that opened here on Friday and will run until July 28. Janice Orara, 36, a mother of three and a nurse by profession, is among the artists whose works were featured and put for sale.
According to Philippines News Agency, Orara, between tears, recounted how she rediscovered and returned to her passion for the arts after her father died a few years ago. "When my father passed away, I started painting again after 15 years. I was so sad when my father passed away. I felt like I was alone. No one believed in me but him," she said. She explained that painting helped her cope with depression from her loss. Her painting style evolved into 'tuldukan' (period), creating vibrant and colorful artwork with dots, symbolizing a meaningful unfolding of her journey as an artist.
Orara has been running her own studio for three years, inspiring one of her three children, Marklie Jharene Orara Teja, now 7, and joining the Art for Everyone exhibit for the first time. "All children are born as an artist. So, I said to myself, I'll change the stereotype of being a parent. I followed my parents because that's what they wanted. Now, I'll support whatever my child wants as long as I can," she said, reflecting on her decision to become a nurse because of her parents' wishes.
Another artist, Ron Allister Ta±edo, 54, a video journalist, returned to his passion for art after the death of his brother, his most ardent supporter. Now, he sells some of his masterpieces to raise funds for cancer patients who need chemotherapy.
Dr. Ann Theresa Bolos, a dentist by profession and a self-taught artist, finds creating artworks therapeutic, especially during the pandemic. Her works capture the beauty of nature, delicate blooms, and the quiet strength of women. She integrates art into her dental advocacy through initiatives such as "Toothbrush Ko, Paintbrush Mo" and "Isang Milyong Sipilyo: Angat Ngiting Pangasinense," promoting oral health awareness while empowering communities through creativity. She also teaches her grandson basic painting, asserting that "Art is for everyone regardless of age or gender or status."
Alvin John Cerezo, 36, an architect from San Jacinto, Pangasinan, began his creative journey in high school, representing his school in various art competitions. The pandemic inspired him to fully commit to his path as a visual artist. "Art is a medium of expression for me. Art is for everyone, not just local artists but also the young and emerging artists," he said.
The artists' works are on display at the "Art for Everyone Exhibit," organized nationwide by SM. SM Center Dagupan manager Eileen Delos Santos stated that with the exhibit, they wanted to encourage artists in Dagupan City and Pangasinan to venture into art, providing a place for them to grow and inspire others. "Since it's art for everyone, anyone can join. They just have to submit their works to the admin office. Some are already curated by other artist groups," she added.
