San Sebastian Basilica Conservation and Development Foundation Inc., in partnership with 22 artists, is proud to host “Para Sa Ina: Rust to Art Exhibit,” a fully digital fundraiser to celebrate the fusion of faith, innovation and art. This event will run until April, with all proceeds going to support the teams of people who continue to work on the restoration of the historic basilica.

Curated by Mary Ann Venturina-Bulanadi, Ph.D., of the University of Santo Tomas, this online selling exhibition will feature 35 unique paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces that incorporate rust collected from the all-metal San Sebastian Basilica. Local artists experimented with various methods and materials to create works inspired by their reflections on the devotions to Nuestra Señora del Carmen de San Sebastian (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of San Sebastian) and Nuestra Señora de la Salud (Our Lady of Health), and their history in the basilica.

“The rust takes on new meaning … becomes a new beginning, a renewal of faith, a birthing of new ideas and, best of all, a conduit of our love to the Blessed Mother. It becomes light in a moment of darkness and despair,” explains Venturina-Bulanadi.

“Para Sa Ina” will be the second rust-to-art exhibit hosted by the foundation since 2018 with Reredos, an informal group of artists specializing in religious art. This year’s exhibit will include others outside of Reredos, like Joe Datuin, Lawton Ladao and Al Perez.

The artworks will be available for purchase until April; visit sansebastianconservation.org.