Fil-Am exhibit in New York features ‘500 years of Christianity’

Rev, Louis Scurti rendered his paintings while speaking about the Seven Dolores (Sorrows) of Mary during a Lenten recollection held at the Philippine Center New York. Photo from Carol Tanjutco

NEW YORK – Filipino American community leaders attended a rare visual Lenten recollection at the Philippine Center, where Rev. Louis Scurti painted images of the Seven Dolores (Sorrows) of Mary as he delivered a homily. The event was a joint undertaking by New York charities, Friends of the Word Inc. and Eagle Eye Charities (EEC) Inc.

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The winning works from last year’s art contest, “500 Years of Christianity and Catholic Devotion,” staged at the Manila Cathedral in February 2023, in cooperation with Museo ng Arkidiyosesis ng Maynila, were shown for the first time in the United States.

It was part of the New York nonprofit EagleCharities.org’s outreach to elevate Filipino artists, arts, culture and traditions in the global community.

Juror Gayle Gibbons Madeira awards the RF Lewis Foundation plaque to Dohndill Bejoc for his participation in “500 years of Christianity and Catholic Devotion,” concluded last year at the Manila Cathedral. His work, “Deep Abiding faith,” is featured in the background. “Black Nazarene” by Rembert Quimada (background, left) is also shown with the winning work of Cris Bobier (background, right ). Photo from Carol Tanjutco

One of the competition jurors, multi-awarded artist and mentor Gayle Gibbons Madeira of New York City, together with the EEC Board of Trustees, presented a plaque of recognition to RF Lewis Foundation awardee Dohndill Bejoc.

Bejoc was joined by his wife Rhodamae and son Crimsondale, who was the model in his painting, “Deep Abiding Faith.” His family migrated to California after the competition in a bid to embrace new challenges, hoping to become part of the Fil-Am society.

Bejoc, who worked as a graphic artist in the Philippines, confided he prayed for “signs” as he sought guidance to pursue his destiny as a full-time artist. His participation in last year’s competition earned him recognition as the overall second place winner, and this was his cue to move ahead with his plan to relaunch his career as a fine artist.

His talent in sketching has been recognized since his elementary school days in Talisay City. He later enrolled in AB-GM Fine Arts in Graphics and Media at Cebu Institute of Technology.

Nemi Miranda’s LapuLapu Series were shown as part of the “500 years of Christianity” exhibition, with a sketch by Cris Bobier (background, center). In photo with EEC President Dr. Romulo Aromin Jr., Filipino British actress Rachel Grant and EEC Founder Carol Tanjutco. Photo from Carol Tanjutco

Eagle Eye Charities President Romulo Aromin Jr. and Founder Carol Tanjutco were joined by Philippine Consulate General of New York Vice Consul Cathe Rynne Aguilar and Tourism Director Francisco Lardizabal during the opening of the art exhibit. Other attendees included “Bond girl” actress Rachel Grant, Rev. Martin Kertys, Dr Lestrino Baquiran, Marieta Lamar, Atty. Elizabeth Cueva and Fil-Am community leaders in New York.

Featured artists included first place winner Crispin Bobier, Dohndill Bejoc, Romar Quimada, Rembert Quimada, Mel Cabriana, Aan Reynales, France Julianne del Mar, Romel Marteja Reyes and nonprofit founding artist Carol Tanjutco.

The sketches of Nemi Miranda’s LapuLapu were also showcased as part of the “500 Years of Christianity and Catholic Devotion.”