Calbayog Artists conquer Samar with “An Waraynon nga Uray” Art Exhibit

By EMY C. BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
August 3, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Calbayog Art Association, Inc. joins the Samar Day celebration with an art exhibit that captures beautiful sceneries in Samar.

The invitation for fifteen (15) visual artists to exhibit their paintings at the Provincial Session Hall, Capitol Building was an initiative of the Provincial Tourism Council.

A very rare opportunity, the Samarnons will be able to appreciate the 56 art works which are now on display at the gallery.

Mr. Aris Ventures, President of the Calbayog Art Association, Inc., informed that the group had negotiated with the Provincial Government through Ms. Anita Taran for the possibility of holding an exhibit for the Samar Day Celebration.

Mr. Ventures disclosed that logistics support was afforded to them by City Mayor, Hon. Ronald Aquino and City Councilor, Hon. Julius Mancol, Chairman of the Committee of the Arts and Culture.

Earlier, the group expressed their apprehension over their financial capability to be able to pursue with the planned exhibit due to lack of transportation, accommodations and other miscellaneous expenses.

“The materials were not a problem because most of their individual artists have their ready materials”, adds Ventures.

Gov. Sharee Ann Tan gave an additional financial assistance and willingly assured the group of the much needed support in order to encourage children, students and persons to further harness their artistic skills and talents.

“An Samarnon na Uray” (Our very own Samar), was the theme of the exhibit. It displays relevant 56 artworks of different medium on the beautiful tourist spots of Samar such as falls, caves, nature, etc.

Present during the Opening Ceremony held yesterday at 10:00 in the morning were Pastor Willie Labana of Living rock Ministry who led the Invocation; Dr. Dominador Cabanganan, PSMED Council Vice-Chair who gave the Opening Remarks; Mr. Aris Ventures, CAA President who presented the participating artists; Dr. Editha S. de Veyra- OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent who delivered the Inspirational Message and Hon. Arthur Vaughn Zosa for the Closing Remarks.

The Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting was done by Hon. Stephen James T. Tan, immediately after a message was also heard from him. Vice-Governor Tan appreciated the efforts of the CAA despite the meager resources available. He hopes that this art exhibit becomes a regular event during Samar Day Celebrations to showcase the talents of Samarnons.

The presence of a well-known artist, Mr. Armando Toleza, made the occasion more remarkable. He was the curator of the exhibit.

It was learned that the first art exhibit in the Provincial Capitol was held 27 years ago. Toleza thanked the Provincial Government for accommodating them. He likewise commented that the art exhibit jibed with the Samar’s Day Celebration theme, “Sustaining a Culture of Peace, Unity and Development throughout Samar.

“There’s no other way of promoting Samar’s culture, but by telling the world of our good tourism sites, clean environment, talented people and peaceful communities. Let this be the start of uniting the Samarnons by appreciating and loving our very own, Samar. Let these artworks be an expression of that love and inspire more people to aspire for the best for Samar and its people”, was Mr. Toleza’s inspiring thoughts.

Meanwhile, the Calbayog Arts Association, Inc has 30 regular Calbayognon members. It was formally organized in 2000 with Mr. Toleza as its founding President. The CAA is a private organization that receives support form the LGU of Calbayog City. They conduct Art Seminar-workshop with school children during summer. At times, they are also being commissioned by other NGOs, POs and the DSWD in their various programs on Arts and Crafts as well as on Basic and Advanced Painting.

The set of officers of the CAA, Inc are Aristotle R. Ventures, President; Simeon Rodriguez, Vice President; Bebot Rosalado, Secretary; Rex Ecal, Treasurer; Mercy S. Garcia and Jaime E Sagayap, Auditors; and Ryan Comilang as PIA.

Other members include Val P. Villanueva, Noel Sagayap and Mr. Raul Isidro as its Adviser.