Many events have been hindered by the pandemic—one of its first victims was Art in the Park 2020 which was so close to opening its gates last March if only the virus didn’t swoop in. So, lest all that preparation go to waste, the art event has moved into the online sphere.

From Aug. 10 to 17, the country’s most affordable art fair will be moving from the Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati to a centralized website, which will still showcase artworks from 53 galleries, independent art spaces, art collectives and student groups.

Art in the Park is known for its bidding for artworks—with this year’s cap being placed at P50,000 with a portion of the sales to be donated to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI). However, this event wouldn’t be complete if it was just a sale. Of course, there are still some gimmicks and events to watch out for.

First up, multi-awarded childrens’ book illustrator “Teacher Robert” Alejandro will be holding a series of workshops on Aug. 11 and 13 at 5 p.m. and a live portrait session on Aug. 15, 5 p.m. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Martti Franca will also be holding an online musical performance on Aug. 17 to close the event.

Art in the Park in partnership with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), will also be hosting an original performance by Fifth Wall Fest, a group that seeks to introduce Philippine audiences to dance films as an art form.

Now if you want to be first in line for bringing home an artwork, visit their website and participate in the Reservation Lottery for Ilocos-based mixed media artist Richard Quebral’s paintings and prints from his exhibit “Isometric Ay! lah, lah, land.” The lottery, which will determine who gets to buy the artworks, is open to anyone residing in the Philippines ages 18 and above. Prices for paintings are at P42,000 each while prints value at P12,000.

Winners will be announced on Aug. 9, 12, 14 and 17 every 5 p.m. To reserve a slot, visit their website.

More updates and schedules will be announced on their Facebook account. But expect to see exhibits on Dex Fernandez’s “Garapata Hatchery” and live art sessions with portraiture artist Jackie Hontiveros Lozano.

Header photo courtesy of Art in the Park

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