RETIRED Regional Trial Court Judge Virginia Hofilena-Europa recently held her first solo art exhibit during her 72nd birthday with the theme, “A Harvest of Colors”.
The well-respected and multi-talented artist is the past national president of Toastmasters International District 75, former council president of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines Davao Council, lady founder of the Sigma Tau Mu Sorority of the Ateneo de Davao College of Law, as well as the co-founder of the Davao Lady Lawyers Association.
Judge Gie, as she is fondly called, interestingly discovered her talent for the arts only after her retirement from the judiciary four years ago.
“I never had an inkling that I could paint. But, because I was encouraged by my friends from the Toastmasters Artists Group, I learned to love painting with acrylic as my medium. I adore the color of paints! Painting keeps me busy and productive”, she said.
To further develop her newfound passion, Judge Gie enrolled in art sessions with Dabawenya artist Dadai Joaquin. “Dadai brought out the best in me,” she added.
Her first solo exhibit featured 35 artworks with mostly nature and flowers as her subjects. “It took me 20 months to finish all the artworks featured in my exhibit,” shares Judge Gie who is the widow of past Integrated Barof the Philippines Eastern Mindanao governor Atty. Cesar Europa. Their son, Atty. Jikjik Europa, is also the former IBP governor of Eastern Mindanao.
Among the special guests at the “Harvest of Colors” exhibit were judges and lawyers as well as dear friends from the Toastmasters and GSP Council. Court of Appeals Justice Loida Kahulugan did the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to open the exhibit.
Several guests bought Judge Gie’s beautiful artworks. They included Perla Kwan, owner of Precious International School of Davao and Vicky Leuterio, owner of Holy Child College. Both paintings are now displayed at their respective offices.
“Also among the guests was renowned artist Victor Secuya, fresh from his exhibit in Brussels. I felt so deeply honored because Vic purchased one of my paintings,” discloses Judge Gie.
Ever the achiever, Judge Gie is already preparing for her next exhibit which she intends to stage when she turns 75 years old. “This time, I plan to exhibit 75 paintings,” she announces with excitement.
The “Harvest of Colors” art exhibit is still available for viewing at Grub Resto (along Duterte St.), the headquarters of the Toastmasters Artist Group.
Special thanks to Vinky Europa for the photos.
E-mail the author atmom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.