OVER the duration of the pandemic, we have heard stories of artists making ends meet by bartering their artworks or selling them through online mediums. As the pandemic is hard for everyone, it's especially challenging for people whose field is not considered by society as an essential. This includes the artists.
But as they say, as long as you have talents, skills, and determination, luck will smile on you. It's the combined talent and determination that pushed the students and the teachers of the Arts and Design Visual Arts Program of the Davao City National High School (DCNHS) to mount the "Sining Para sa Eskwela: Art Auction for a Cause," which will run from September 21 to 25.
At least 40 student artists will participate in this online auction. They are going to display their own paintings online which the audience may bid for. Sales proceeds will be used for the online class needs of the student artist particularly for gadgets and internet use. The cost of the paintings will start at P750 to P1,000 each depending on the size. A 1 feet by 1 feet item may cost P1,000, while 2x3 feet may range from P4,500 to P6,000.
The idea started when Jeff Bangot, one of the Arts and Design Track program teachers of DCNHS, had a chat with his former student who is now taking Architecture in a university here in the city. The student shared that he found the online class difficult because he lacked the proper gadgets and equipment for it.
"Mao to nga nakahuna-huna ko nga i-auction ang ilahang mga artworks. Then sa mga present students pud namo nga naka enroll sa Grade 11 ug 12 karon nga school year unya magsugod sa ilahang online class krong October 5. At least kung makahalin sila sa ilahang artworks basin diay makapalit pud sila ug gamit nila para sa online class (That's when I had the idea to help him by auctioning his artworks. Same also for our enrolled Grade 11 and Grade 12 students who will start classes this October 5. Hopefully with the artworks they sell, they would be able to buy gadgets for online class)," Bangot said.
He added that with Arts Education, it's indeed a must that the student be online as the subject is focused on the art skills. The module type of learning would be difficult for them.
The paintings will be displayed on the Facebook Group named after the event.
Online invitations were already forwarded by the organizers including their usual patrons and collectors during their past art events.
For those interested they may contact Jeff Bangot through jeffbangot@gmail.com, 0927-582-8539 or Marlon Luces at 0966-461-3694.