Filipino artists open 27th year exhibit in NY virtually

Foil print collage, 14”x10”, Lenore RS Lim

NEW YORK – With all events usually held at the Philippine Center canceled due to the pandemic, the 27^th year art exhibition of the Society of Philippine American Artists is being held virtually. It was opened on Oct. 20 with a live broadcast on Facebook.

SPAA is an association of visual artists, photographers, graphic illustrators and print makers that networks with public and private entities to produce art shows, publish catalogues, sponsor continuing development and learning in the field of arts, and foster “unity and mutual cooperation in support of Filipino culture and tradition.”

With the technical guidance of Eagle Eye Charities, Inc. a New York based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, GallerySPAA.org came into fruition, patterned after the online gallery EagleCharities.org created to represent contemporary artists in the Philippines.

Salinlahi’y Iligtas, acrylic mixed media, 48”x46” by Imelda Cajipe-Endaya

The organization’s first virtual art exhibit was inaugurated with a live Facebook broadcast hosted by this writer, and veteran artists Dulcie Dee, one of SPAA’s co-founders along with the late Manuel Antonio Rodriguez in 1994, and Carlos Esguerra, past president and multi-awarded photographer who curated the works submitted by the members.

Guggenheim Museum-Bilbao, 18”x12” photo by Carlos Esguerra.

The new Consul General of New York, Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia, a career diplomat of 40 years who was recently Philippine Ambassador to Canada, graced the opening.

Garcia said, “I’m happy that despite the challenges that pandemic brought about you found innovative ways to show your creations. As you know, I arrived very recently. This is my second day of work and this is my first community event. I am pleased to spend it with old friends in the artists’ circle celebrating Filipinos’ unique creativity, grace and passion…SPAA has elevated this art exhibit by imbuing it with love,hrough your kindness and generosity.”

The following artists presented their drawings and paintings — Danvic Briones, Dulcie Dee, Angelito David, Tessie Dichupa, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Joel Francisco, Athena Magcase-Lopez, Esmie Gayo McLaren, Emilina Mercado, Amuerfina Nazario, Chato Morando, Carol Tanjutco (this writer) and Ching Valdes-Aran.

Lavender Dreams, plein air series, oil on canvas, 16’x20” donated by Carol Tanjutco.

Presenting the prints, photographs and illustrations were Christian Ray Blaza, Ysabel Cacho, Cheryle Cranbourne, Carlos Esguerra, Lenore RS Lim, Neil Folloso, Toots Magsino, Godfrey Pinder, Rene Ner and Art Zamora.

Past president Lenore RS Lim thanked all donors, the Board of Trustees, directors and officers, show hosts and the website team who made this virtual presence a possibility. In its continuing effort to fund their causes, an art shop is now available to browse and will be updated periodically.

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