More than 200 artworks from 70 local artists in Pangasinan were put on display at an art exhibit that opened here on Friday and will run until July 28.
Janice Orara, 36, a mother of three and a nurse by profession, is among the artists whose works were featured and put for sale.
Orara, between tears, recounted to the Philippine News Agency on Saturday how she rediscovered and returned to her passion for the arts after her father died a few years ago.
“When my father passed away, I started painting again after 15 years. I was so sad when my father passed away. I felt like I was alone. No one believed in me but him,” she said.
She said painting got her through depression from her loss.
Her painting style evolved into “tuldukan” (period) or creating vibrant and colorful artwork with dots.
It was not only a style but a meaningful unfolding of her journey as an artist.
“I called it the tuldukan because for me, although it is a period, that’s not the end. For me, that’s the start for another journey. It’s not just a combination of vibrant colors, that’s the representation of my journey as an artist,” she said.
Orara has been running her own studio for three years now, inspiring one of her three children, Marklie Jharene Orara Teja, now 7, and joining the Art for Everyone exhibit for the first time.
“All children are born as an artist. So, I said to myself, I’ll change the stereotype of being a parent. I followed my parents because that’s what they wanted. Now, I’ll support whatever my child wants as long as I can,” she said of her decision to be a nurse because of her parents.
Ron Allister Tañedo, 54, a video journalist, also left his passion for the arts to join the news and public affairs after working as a painter in Japan.
He, however, picked up his brushes anew and returned to his passion after the death of his brother – his most ardent supporter – due to cancer.
Now, he sells some of his masterpieces to raise funds for cancer patients who need chemotherapy.
A dentist by profession and a self-taught artist, Dr. Ann Theresa Bolos, said creating artworks helps her deal with the pressures of life, especially during the pandemic.
Her works capture the beauty of nature, delicate blooms, and the quiet strength of women.
Beyond her studio and clinic, she is deeply committed to community service, integrating art into her dental advocacy through initiatives such as “Toothbrush Ko, Paintbrush Mo” and “Isang Milyong Sipilyo: Angat Ngiting Pangasinense,” promoting oral health awareness while empowering communities through creativity.
She also teaches her grandson basic painting. “Art is for everyone regardless of age or gender or status,” she said.
Alvin John Cerezo, 36, an architect by profession from San Jacinto, Pangasinan, said his creative journey began in high school, where he actively represented his school in various art competitions.
The pandemic also served as a major turning point for him, bringing profound realizations that inspired him to fully commit to his path as a visual artist.
“Art is a medium of expression for me. Art is for everyone, not just local artists but also the young and emerging artists,” he said.
The artists’ works are on display at the exhibit called “Art for Everyone Exhibit, organized nationwide by SM.
SM Center Dagupan manager Eileen Delos Santos said that with the exhibit, they wanted to encourage artists in Dagupan City and Pangasinan to venture into art.
“Some of them are shy. They cannot find a location where they can exhibit. This provides a place for them to grow and inspire others,” she said, adding that the space is provided to them for free.
“Since it’s art for everyone, anyone can join. They just have to submit their works to the admin office. Some are already curated by other artist groups.” (PNA)