BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Paintings of art enthusiasts ages five to 14 are being showcased since May 18 at Caja Snack House in Loc-ong.
The paintings are the artwork of the 23 elementary and high school students from Bontoc Central School (BCS) , All Saints Mission School (ASMS), Saint Vincent Elementary School (SVES), Saint Vincent High School (SVHS) and one from Bauko who enthusiastically signed in and finished the eight-session class.
Mic Rahman De Clarin, fondly called by his friends “Gap, the artist behind the murals on the walls of Bontoc is the artist who also taught and mentored the young artists in Bontoc.
Initially, there were 40 art enthusiasts who registered when De Clarin opened the Art Class in September 2017. However, only 23 were able to complete the eight-session class that ended in December 2017.
According to De Clarin, a registration fee of P1,000 was paid by each student. The amount was used to buy paint, paint brushes, canvass, bond papers, envelopes and pencils.
More than money and fame that most artists aspire for in pursuing their craft, De Clarin is driven to paint. He paints because it is his passion which he unselfishly would like to share to those who have the same interest. He shared that while he was painting at some walls of Bontoc, children passing by watched him with enthusiasm and eagerness. Some even gave him their drawings.
This motivated him to open an Art Class which he wishes that community would truly appreciate arts, and for the young and current crop of Bontoc artists to keep the enthusiasm burning and their talents continuously improving.
In coordination with Principal Mario Kolnog, a classroom at the BCS was the venue of the Art Class every Saturday. Among those he taught are drawing of basic shapes, color mixing and brush strokes.
“There are many talented young artists in Bontoc. There is only a need to find avenues to hone their skills and support them of their interest,” De Clarin added.
On behalf of Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey, Municipal Council member Viola Okko, commended the organizer of the Art Class and Art Exhibit for looking into the interest of the young.
She also appreciated the artwork of the children on how they have expanded their imaginations and how they expressed their emotions and feelings trough painting.
Okko added that the Art Exhibit is timely as the Committee on Women, Children, Family and Civil Society which she is the Chairperson is currently revising the Children’s Code of Bontoc.
With these activities for the children, they are open to suggestions and recommendations on what to be incorporated in the Municipal Children’s Code for the welfare of the young ones.
Municipal tourism officers Caren Guinayen and Elizabeth Farnican, both from the Municipal Tourism Office; local artist Henry Fesway; artist Lester Valle; and parents who visited the Art Exhibit appreciated the work of the young artists.
They unanimously mentioned and agreed that enrolment of the young people to creative and productive activities like the Art Class enhances their intellectual capabilities, and at the same time keeps them away from addiction to gadget and computer games.
With this, they are hopeful that a similar program will be opened with the assistance from willing donors so that more young and adult artist enthusiasts will be catered to if another Art Class will be offered. (PR)