VASIB was formed when Deiparine Community Hospital headed by Dr. James Deiparine organized an art painting contest and exhibit for a cause last August 2022. The proceeds were given to the Sibonga Parish Pastoral Council to help in the repairs of the Church which was heavily damaged by Typhoon Odette. The winners and finalists of the contest who were Sibonganhons were asked by Dr. Deiparine if they can form a local artists group for Sibonga, which they happily agreed to. Since their formation, Bernardo Hermoso, a seasoned self-taught artist together with his wife, a Fine Arts graduate and a Sibonganhon, conducted series of workshops for the young aspiring artists. In less than a year, they were able to produce different art pieces that are now showcased in their 1st Art Exhibit “Freedom in Art”.
The activity was graced by the presence of Sibonga Vice-mayor Laude Dotis and Councilor Joel Ponce. Dr. Gina Patalinghug, Dr. James Deiparine and Bernardo Hermoso joined them in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Bong Bayot” a stand-up comedian hosted the event which made the “Artmosphere” more festive and fun.
The main goal of the event is to raise awareness and interest into the Arts and recognize the talents and of the young Sibonganhons and help them improve their craft. “FREEDOM in ART” Exhibit and Fair is not just an ordinary art exhibit. It features also skin/tattoo art with local tattoo artists of Sibonga. Digital art tutorials, live portrait sketching and still life painting workshop with Bernardo Hermoso were also offered to visiting students. Hand painted table cloths, bags and clothes became the go-to by the mothers and titas. Daycare children immersed themselves in art play, coloring books, clay play and paper crafts in the kids area.
The highlight of the event was the painting contest of aspiring elementary and highschool students from different schools in Sibonga. Alianna Hermosisima of Golden Brains Development School won the elementary category and Christine Lea Taniza from Sibonga National Highschool for the Highschool Category.
With almost 50 artworks in display, people get to enjoy and appreciate art with the FREE Admission for the exhibit. The mood was festive and the volume of people who went to see the exhibit was unexpected. On the first few hours, 7 artworks were sold. The activity was supposedly a one-day activity but with the growing interest of the community, the exhibit and fair was extended until February 26, 2023 until 5pm. A portion of their painting sales will go to the repairs of the playground of the Daycare center of Brgy. Poblacion and for the mural painting of their classrooms.
Art is therapeutic. Art is liberating. Art is Freedom. The group did not settle on one theme with their 1st exhibit. Whatever they learned from their workshops, the outputs are now on display in their 1st exhibit. The activity is their steppingstone in becoming serious and professional artists. With the new batch of winners of the painting contest, the group will continue to grow, with a newer breed. Visit and follow their FB page www.facebook.com/VASIBONGA. (SPONSORED CONTENT)