The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, with the municipality of Pulilan, Bulacan, Museo de Pulilan and Jefarca Arts and Historical Society presents Katuparan, the 2017 Mandala Art Festival.
The sixth installment of the festival culminates as the Pulilan Cultural Heritage Project.
Based on a local term meaning “the best of the harvest,” Mandala has been a celebration of the artistic skills and traditions of Central Luzon. This year, it commences with the cultural mapping of Pulilan and the installation of markers to built and natural heritage sites.
There will be 18 mural painting activities in various locations around town, fleshing out the creativity of artists from the region.
Several exhibitions are open to the public. “Ani ng Mandala” at Museo de Pulilan features selected works from previous Mandala exhibitions. “Obra Bulakenyo” at Casa San Francisco presents works of Bulacan masters, highlighting how the province produced great artists in the visual arts.
“Remembering Central” at the Pulilan Central Multipurpose Building recounts memories and experiences of students and teachers through artifacts, memorabilia, and archival photos of Pulilan Central School (formerly Pulilan Elementary School).
“Ka Isidro: Ang Santong Magsasaka” at San Isidro Parish Hall presents the life of St. Isidore (San Isidro Labrador), the patron saint of Pulilan, as it relates to the faith, farming industry and culture of Pulilenyos.
“De Kahon” at Café Pulilan Art Gallery exhibits the works of 51 contemporary artists from Central Luzon and Metro Manila on the festival’s theme “Katuparan.”
“Mga Manika sa Kasaysayan ng Bulacan” at the Butterfly Haven and Heritage Doll Museum showcases dolls and how they help in providing historical consciousness through dioramas.
A new special museum on Volkswagen collectibles will also open at Baranggay Lumbac.
Other activities are lectures and workshops on heritage conservation; and a farm life experience tour.
The festival will be capped by the Gintong Pulilenyo Art Awards at the Events Place of Robinsons Townville.—CONTRIBUTED
Call Andrew de Guzman at 09189006021; or e-mail aadeguzman2@yahoo.com.