MANILA, Philippines—On Sunday, March 22, the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati, transforms once again into an open-air art hub for the much-anticipated “Art in the Park”. Now on its ninth edition, the art fair this year brings together an assortment of 60 art galleries as well as independent art and student groups, the big names side-by-side with the lesser known or soon-to-be known.
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the park, art lovers and enthusiasts, collectors and just the plain curious can wander the grounds, peek into any one of the tents, or linger and leisurely browse the trove of artwork on offer. With an array of paintings, prints, and photographs, pottery and sculpture to choose from, “Art in the Park” appeals to a variety of tastes and allows for a little bit of something for everyone.
Thrill to the discovery of a singular find; search for, or stumble into, that elusive, perfect piece; be beguiled by the novel, the different, the unique, and at the same time delight in a gem of a bargain or two, as prices are capped at no higher than P40, 000. This is in keeping with “Art in the Park’s” aim to make art affordable and accessible to all, providing even the budget-conscious the chance to own beautiful, engaging pieces from both established and emerging artists.
As in the past years, “Art in the Park” will highlight an art installation specially mounted for the fair. This year, seek out the large-scale, interactive sculpture from Vinyl on Vinyl by artists Jood Clarino and Dennis Bato. A Rubik’s cube-like structure, it will feature movable parts coupled with videos and a play of lights, guaranteed to elicit both amusement and wonder.
To keep the art fair dynamic and fresh, Art in the Park introduces, for the first time and for this year’s edition, an online auction of two drawings by renowned artist Danny Dalena. Visit Art in the Park’s Facebook page for more details on the auction, and have a look at these finely rendered artworks, generously donated by Dalena himself, when the preview begins on March 7.
In between exploring the art, take a pause and pop into any one of the 11 food and drinks outlets situated around the park for a small bite or a hearty meal, a chilled glass of white or a frosty bottle of San Miguel beer. And amid the mellow strains of the Soulful Mood trio and the graceful notes of Vince Lahorra’s saxophone, meet the artists and gallery owners, catch up with friends (or make new ones), gather the family and bond over food and drink and art.
Art in the Park is a project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines and Philippine Art Events, Inc., in cooperation with Barangay Bel-Air, Makati Commercial Estate Association, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Smart Communications.
For more information, please contact Irene Venturina at irene@artfairphilippines.com or (632) 831-0953 or visit www.artinthepark.ph or www.facebook/art-in-the-park #artintheparkph