Photo Caption: [Left to right, clockwise: Participants pose for a class picture with the Canadian maple leaf in the background; Eman Sia demonstrates his drawing style; Workshop participants do the “Drawing by Numbers” exercise; Aris Bagtas demonstrates the different ways to draw with oil pastels.]

16 June 2017, Ottawa – In line with the celebration of the 119th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and Philippine Heritage Week, the Philippine Embassy in Canada opened the art exhibit “Filipinism: What Makes Art Filipino” today featuring the works of contemporary Filipino artists Aris Bagtas, Anna Lumpas, Ronna Manansala, Wilfredo Rufon, Sr., and Eman Sia of Kunst Gallery.

The first day of the exhibit also included an Art Appreciation Workshop attended by members of the local community. Mr. Bill Perez, Project Coordinator of Kunst Gallery, delivered a lecture on Filipino Art while visiting artists Aris Bagtas and Eman Sia conducted demonstrations on their unique styles. Participants were then asked to do a series of art exercises, including a collaborative puzzle which, when put together, created a multi-colored Canadian maple leaf.

As a surprise for the 30 participants in the workshop, the workshop output was viewed by a panel of judges and the best works were awarded with the artists’ paintings and drawings. The participants’ works will also be put on display alongside the artists’ paintings.

The exhibit will run from 16 – 26 June 2017 at the Embassy’s Mindanao Hall and is open to the public. – END –