1/of GALLERY
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2nd Level, The Shops at Serendra, Global City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel. (+632) 901-3152   *   Email:  [email protected]

"LOOKING FOR JUAN IN CALIFORNIA"

PHILIPPINE ART AT THE ATHENAEUM IN LA JOLLA, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

          In the heart of upscale La Jolla in San Diego, California, is a private music and arts library called The Athenaeum, in which is currently displayed  "Looking for Juan, A Collection of Contemporary Art from Emerging Artists from the Philippines."  Pieces by Daniel Aligaen, Anthony Balao, Michael Cacnio, Anthony Fermin, Jomike Tejido, Agang Maganda, Roel Obemio, Wilfredo Offemaria, Jr., Farley Del Rosario, and Tres Roman complement the venue's relaxed, intellectual ambience while giving audiences varying glimpses of Juan the Filipino's psyche, culture, passions, and even idiosyncracies.            

          The fund-raising show's successful opening in January was attended by more than 200 guests and the works shall be on view until February 14, 2009. Non-members are welcome to the exhibit which was organized by The Athenaeum, Philippines-based Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS), American artist Jim Hubbell, and Pacific Rim Park Project, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that works to build Friendship Parks throughout the Pacific Rim. The exhibition is also funded in part by grants from the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and the County of San Diego.  Proceeds shall benefit the next park which is to be built in naturally spectacular and environmentally progressive Puerto Princesa, Palawan.  

           Pacific Rim Friendship Parks are designed and built by architecture and art students who come together from several countries to transcend differences in culture and language by sharing their vision as they work to complete the park in 30 days. Subsequently, the park is gifted to citizens of the Pacific and to the sponsoring organization or institution in the host city. The transpacific crossing of the Filipino artists' pieces thus echoes the Pacific Rim Park aim of bridging cultures, establishing new connections and helping define what it means to be a member the emergent Pacific Rim community.

            Locally, a consolidated effort of CANVAS, 1/of Gallery, and the Artery Manila brought the artists together for a simultaneous Manila showcase of artworks also up for grabs to support the same cause.

            Call 901-3152 for details.  Visit www.lookingforjuan.com

The façade of The Athenaeum

Artworks by Anthony Fermin, Agang Maganda, and Daniel Aligaen greet viewers at exhibit entryway

The well-attended opening served as a cultural introduction to the guests, most of who knew little about the Philippines.

A portion of the library.

Del Rosario's artwork enlivens the cozily quiet library.

The Honorable Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon, Consul General of the Philippine Consulate drove in from Los Angeles and delivered a message of thanks.

Clockwise from top are paintings by Jomike Tejido, Wilfredo Offemaria, and Anton Balao.  The response to the artworks was universally positive and encouraging.