VISUAL artists from Central Luzon notably Bulacan province gathered together in a celebration of art through the 12th Pulilan Mandala Art Festival which opened recently at the SM in this town.
The event highlights the Mandala Art Festival’s 12th year since its inception in 2012.
It was spearheaded by the JEFARCA Arts and the Historical Society Inc. in collaboration with the Pulilan municipal government, the Bulacan provincial government, and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with SM Center Pulilan,
The exhibits also manifests the relevance of art as a medium in the preservation of cultural identity and empowerment for future generations of artists through the presentation of “Kalye Art Murals, ”cultural performances, and series of lectures, among others.
The art exhibits with the theme “Ang Ating Sining sa Nagbabagong Panahon” feature the creations of 95 visual artists from different parts of Central Luzon, while paying homage to the late Mandala artists such as Reuben Cañete, Jose Alberto Tañedo, Leonilo “Neil” Doloricon, Egai Talusan Fernandez, and Alexander Quizon.
Among the notable guests were National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, Department of Tourism Region III director Dr. Richard Daenos, Bulacan PHACTO chief Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz, Pulilan Mayor Maritz Ochoa-Montejo and SM assistant vice president for operations Ana Datu.
On this rare occasion, art lovers and enthusiasts also had the chance to immerse in a series of art lectures held at the Mall Atrium, facilitated by multi-media visual artist Prof. Toym Imao, as well as NCCA executive director Dr. Eric Zerrudo and NCCA-NCVA chairman Dr. Dennis Montera.
“We, at SM, are honored to be a part of the Mandala Art Festival’s historic culmination,” Datu said.
“Realizing the importance of art in the community, we are glad to partner with the incredible team behind the Mandala Art Festival in showcasing the work of these incredible artists while inspiring visitors to rediscover the world of art, its regeneration, and the impact it brings to society,” she added.
Pulilan Mandala Art Festival director Andrew Alto De Guzman said part of the proceeds of the art exhibit will finance the publication of a commemorative book entitled “Katuparan” that will serve as a testament to the “12 years of creativity, innovation, and community spirit that have defined the Mandala Art Festival.”
The art exhibit will run until May 28 at the SM Center Pulilan.
