It all started 4 years ago when Maris Medina asked batchmates from UST Fine Arts, Advertising batch 1980 to attend the reunion. With much perseverance and help from social media there was a good turnout. Reminiscing old friendships led to the revival of a common interest of the group, which was painting. It was like an old love affair brought back to life.
The group’s first exhibit was at the Sta Lucia Mall in 2016, to coincide with Grandparents Day. With the help of batchmates Tito Alcala (of SILYA) and Jane Arieta (of Faber Castel), the group also mounted an art competition for senior citizens. It was a successful event that brought out the artistic skills of the lolos and lolas of Marikina City.
With Maris’ sudden passing 2 years ago, her husband Alex (also a batchmate) wanted to continue what she started. With invitation from Architect Rogelio Caringal of the Philippine Heart Center, the group will mount their second exhibit entitled “Dimensions” at the Philippine Heart Center Lobby Gallery 10. Exhibit will run from March 26 to April 13, 2019.
It will feature the work of Willie De Vera, Jane Arieta Ebarle, Chito Ignacio, Cecil Lane, Jun Lopez, Alex Medina, Vito Renato Panganiban, Jun Quinton, Edgar San Diego and Sheldon Villanueva.
A special segment in the exhibit is a fashion show on March 26 that will feature fashion designer and artist Edgar San Diego with his latest designs in collaboration with fellow artists Jane Arieta, Chito Ignacio and Alex Medina who painted on the gowns.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Willie de Vera is a freelance professional photographer. His experience in photography started after high school when his father, a photography hobbyist himself, gifted him with a film SLR camera. After 28 years in the corporate world as design head in the Makati business district, he opted for early retirement to pursue his passion for photography. He was 2009 president of the prestigious 40-year old Zone V Camera Club, and a 4-time Photographer of the Year awardee. He has done photo exhibits, and coffee table books for design and photography.
Jane Arieta Ebarle is a painter who has done solo shows in Singapore and New York. Her two major projects are a solo exhibit at the National Museum where two of her paintings have become part of the Museum’s collection, and her 25 paintings commissioned by Malacanang Palace for the 2017 ASEAN Summit. She recently had a group show at the Philippine Consulate in the US. She was named as one of the top 100 women artists by a national committee. She has been a judge in a prestigious art contest and in an independent film and video contest; and an invited panel speaker in an art forum.
Chito Ignacio does full time painting of flowers and life subjects. For over 30 years he devoted time to professional photography for corporate and advertising accounts. During college he was First Honorable Mention for Creative Design Sculpture and Second Prize winner for Composition Painting under Mario Parial. He was mentored by Rudolf Gonzalez, a renowned seascape artist.
Cecil Lane is a freelance artist residing in France where she does mostly interior design. She retired from the corporate ladder and is now going back to her first love, painting. There is a saying in French “le temps de prendre le temps” meaning slow down, enjoy more. This late blooming artist fits this saying well since she is never happier than spending time experimenting and developing her craft, true to the belief that creativity is a wild mind and disciplined eye.
Jun Lopez is a businessman, local travel enthusiast and organizer. After college, he worked as art director, visual merchandising artist, and had a brief stint with animation. His artwork is inspired by modern art techniques in painting, print and photography plus his passion for local travel.
Alex Medina is a visual artist who does interior decorating, mural painting and metal art sculpture. He has integrated skills acquired from over two decades of experience and has provided award winning visual design services locally and abroad.
Vito Renato Panganiban is a realist painter and freelance artist. During college, he was part- time graphic designer and later employed by different companies. He became part-time faculty at the Emilio Aguinaldo College where he taught drafting. He was winner of the logo design, mascot, caricature, and finalist in photography/sculpture competition.
Jun Quinton is into painting and sculpture. He considers himself a modern painter, his works are a mix of realism and impressionism, with some graphic touches using mediums such as watercolor, acrylic and oil. He had a 34-year career in advertising under various advertising giants, rising from the ranks to creative director. He was part-time faculty at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where he taught Art Direction and Design, and became a film director for TV commercials and AVPs. For achievements, he was Honorable Mention in the 1978 UST Madonna and Child Sculpture Contest, and Finalist in the 1985 and 1991 Phil. Board on Books for Young People Illustrator’s Prize.
Edgar San Diego is a fashion designer. During his UST days, he did hand painting on formal clothes for established designers. He was the youngest founding member of the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines where he eventually became a 4-term president. He received citations and awards for his remarkable work in haute couture and theatrical costumes. He mounted solo fashion shows in Manila, Honolulu, Jakarta and Melbourne; and with fellow designers (Estilo Pilipino group) did shows in the US (New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Florida, Atlanta) and London.
Sheldon Villanueva is a designer and former CEO of a company that designed and manufactured leather bags and accessories for other network brands. Now in his twilight years, he decided to do his own art to honor his dad Sixto and pursue his love for nature. He sees potential in everyday materials be they junk or discarded items. From these materials he creates new life and turns them to useful and collectible art.
