Angeles exhibit supports 72-year-old artist

ANGELES CITY—The local government here will hold an exhibit featuring the artworks of a 72-year-old woman from Barangay Malabanias, as Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. vowed to support the annual celebration of National Arts Month this February.

“Ing art, ala yang pipilinang edad. It can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of their age. Through art, we can express the beauty that is all around us,” the city mayor said.

The exhibit will run from February 3 to 26, from Mondays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on weekends.Those interested will have to download the StaySafe.ph app before entering the premises.

The featured artist, Violeta Gregorio, has been painting for 5 years. She started at 67 years old.

Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel said Gregorio has initially displayed her artworks at the One Town One Product souvenir center, managed by the Angeles City Economic Development Investment Promotions Office headed by Irish Bonus-Llego.

Though Gregorio is regarded as a newcomer in her field, Angeles City Tourism Office head Anneleen Antonio-Sugui decided to shine a spotlight on her paintings, showcasing them through an art exhibit at the “Salangi Ko Pu” Art Gallery located at the second floor of the Angeles City Library.

“I have been discussing with Mayor Lazatin and his adviser IC Calaguas. Mayor Lazatin wants to provide a platform for aspiring Angeleno artists to showcase their valuable talent,” Manuel said.

Gregorio discovered her love for painting back in 2015 when she lost her husband, the love of her life.

Despite the unfortunate event, she is thankful for having found light and comfort in painting and has found solace in art.

According to Antonio-Sugui, interested Angelenos can own any of Gregorio’s paintings, as her masterpieces will be up for sale during the exhibit, ranging from P1,000 to P3,500.

Proceeds from the sale will be given to the artist herself, to support her living expenses now that she’s already a senior citizen. Butch Gunio